Apac, Uganda: Supervisors of the Emyooga Programme in Apac Municipality and Apac District are struggling to recover Shs50 million loaned to politicians’ SACCOs, more than four years after disbursement, sparking concerns of abuse, impunity, and poor accountability among local leaders.
According to district records, only Shs4 million has been recovered to date, meaning Shs46 million remains unpaid, despite repeated reminders and enforcement efforts.
The revelation has drawn sharp criticism from both district officials and civil society leaders, who say the failure of politicians to repay the revolving loans is “a betrayal of public trust” and a mockery of President Museveni’s wealth creation agenda.
How the Money Was Disbursed
The Emyooga Programme, launched by President Yoweri Museveni in 2019, was designed to transform 68% of Ugandans from subsistence to commercial production by funding 18 categories of income earners, including mechanics, tailors, boda boda riders, performing artists, and politicians.
In 2021, Apac District received Shs1.5 billion from the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) to support 50 SACCOs across Maruzi North County, Maruzi County, and Apac Municipality. Of this, Shs50 million was allocated to SACCOs formed by local politicians.
However, district commercial records show that recovery has been abysmal, with politicians treating the money as a “political gift from the President” rather than a revolving loan meant for community empowerment.
“In the first release, 28 politicians borrowed; in the second, 16. Only four have repaid,” revealed Mr. James Ebonny Oyuru, the Apac District Commercial Officer. “Many claim Emyooga was a political reward. It’s embarrassing because these are the leaders who should be leading by example.”
Defiance Among Politicians
The defaulting politicians belong to three key SACCOs: Apac Municipal Political Leaders’ Emyooga SACCO, Apac Central Ward Political Leaders’ SACCO and Odokomac Political Leaders’ SACCO. Despite multiple recovery efforts, including letters, phone calls, and “name-and-shame” campaigns on radio, officials say progress has stalled.
“All our recovery efforts have hit a dead end,” lamented Mr Jimmy Odongo, Chairperson of the Apac Municipal Political Leaders’ SACCO.
Some defaulters have blamed their non-payment on poor timing and agricultural setbacks. “Most of us are farmers. The money came during the off-season, so we couldn’t invest immediately,” said Mr. Andrew Awany, Apac District Secretary for Finance, who borrowed Shs10 million but has yet to repay. “We are waiting for the harvest to repay.”
Others, like Apac District Speaker Peter Obong Acuda, acknowledged leadership failures within the SACCOs. “I borrowed Shs2 million,” he said. “We had leadership gaps after the 2021 elections. Some members lost seats and abandoned their obligations, but we plan to pay.”
Officials Decry Weak Oversight, Political Arrogance
Apac Municipal Mayor Patrick Ongom Eyul blamed the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) for failing to sensitize SACCO members on loan management and recovery timelines.
“MSC didn’t build capacity among beneficiaries. The district commercial officers are overstretched and cannot provide consistent follow-up,” Eyul said.
LCV Chairperson Asante Odongo attributed the mess to greed and poor governance. “There have been no Annual General Meetings or accountability sessions. The leadership is inactive and members are not mobilized to pay,” Odongo noted.
But the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Andrew Onyuk issued a stern warning to the defaulters, saying arrests are imminent for those who continue to frustrate government programmes.
“These leaders are fighting Emyooga. How can they promote government initiatives when they’re sabotaging them?” Onyuk warned. “Those who fail to repay by July 12 will be arrested.”
Experts and governance analysts say the Emyooga default crisis among politicians reflects a growing culture of impunity and “political entitlement” at the grassroots. “Politicians have turned development funds into campaign treasuries,” said Mr Tonny Okada, Executive Director of Friends of Goodwill Uganda. “As elections approach, repayment will only get worse.”
Anti-corruption activist Mr Joel Okao Otema condemned the trend, calling it “an abuse of public trust.” “When political elites refuse to pay loans meant for the poor, it sends a dangerous message, that government money is free money,” Otema said.
Political analyst Mr. Patrick Okwir Jaramoji from Lira linked the defiance to early campaign activity ahead of 2026. “Many politicians are already campaigning. Retaining the money helps sustain influence in their communities. It’s a political investment disguised as empowerment,” he explained.
Officials further warn that elite capture, where politically connected individuals monopolize access to public programmes, risks derailing Emyooga’s long-term goals.
“When leaders treat public funds as gifts, what message are we sending to ordinary citizens?” asked Mr. Okada. “This undermines trust in government programmes and hurts genuine beneficiaries.”
The Emyooga Programme, intended as a revolving fund, relies on consistent repayment to finance new beneficiaries. In Apac, however, default rates among politicians stand at over 90%, compared to 70% recovery rates among other categories such as tailors and boda boda riders.
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