Zombo, Uganda: The Acu Community Youth Group in West Nile’s Zombo District has renewed its appeal for government-backed livelihood support under the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and other socio-economic empowerment initiatives.
Now a fully registered SACCO drawing membership from Abanga Sub-County, Paidha and Padea Town Councils, and cross-border communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the group, formed in 2024 by five young people seeking to curb rising cases of youth suicide, substance abuse and distress sale of family land, has since expanded into a vibrant SACCO with over 200 dues-paying members.
Through internally generated revolving funds, the SACCO offers affordable credit to rural farmers and small-scale traders while running intensive community sensitisation campaigns on psychosocial wellbeing and conflict resolution.
Speaking during the SACCO’s Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, December 9, Chairperson Oker Waka Kuyesu said the group’s rapid expansion now requires formal recognition and support from government programmes.
“We have expanded to more than ten villages across Abanga, Padea and parts of DR Congo. We therefore need sufficient and recognized support from government programmes to enable us serve the growing community effectively,” he told members.
The group says its organised systems make it a ready, cost-effective and community-owned channel for delivering YLP, PDM, Emyooga, UWEP and other national initiatives.
Vice Chairperson Donald Kasamba expressed frustration that multiple attempts to access YLP funding since 2024 have yielded no results. “With our well-organized leadership and proven performance, once linked to government poverty alleviation initiatives we will perform tremendously and improve livelihoods,” he said.
Ordinary member Richard Mungunuti accused local leaders of overlooking the group despite repeated appeals. “This area has for long missed out on government poverty alleviation initiatives because our leaders have failed to recognize and register us. We appeal for immediate support to boost our capacity,” he said.
The SACCO’s strong governance structures have begun attracting elders who now seek associate membership, signalling its growing intergenerational influence.
Responding to concerns, outgoing Zombo District Youth Chairperson Amos Jacan applauded the SACCO’s leadership and urged expedited registration.
“Start the formal registration process immediately through your village leaders and the Sub-County Community Development Office so that you can access government poverty alleviation programmes without further delay,” he advised.
More than 30 organised youth groups in Zombo have already benefited from YLP since its inception, with several others currently receiving PDM support.
According to the SACCO’s leadership, youth-led community groups like Acu offer a powerful pathway for young people to access collateral-free credit, gain financial literacy and business skills, receive peer-led psychosocial support, strengthen leadership capacity, build social capital and secure sustainable opportunities for self-employment and wealth creation.
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