Kiryandongo launches micro projects worth Ugx50 million
The Ministry of Bunyoro Affairs has disbursed funds worth 120 million shillings to 26 beneficiary groups since the financial year 2020/2021 to date, and more than 203 million is expected for an additional 26 groups this year.
By Our Reporter
Kiryandongo: Kiryandongo District leaders have launched livelihood projects worth 50 million shillings to 12 beneficiary groups in 12 sub counties.
The projects launched have been funded through the Ministry of Bunyoro Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister for the financial year 2023-2024.
According to Geoffrey Dabanja, the District Community Development Officer of Kiryandongo, the microprojects are a result of affirmative action by the government of Uganda to bridge livelihood gaps between Bunyoro and other regions.
Dabanja added that the projects are meant to improve the household incomes of the beneficiaries.
However, Dabanja noted that there is a tendency for beneficiaries to share the money amongst themselves and others to divert the funds away from their approved business plans.
He called upon the political leaders to monitor and supervise the beneficiaries so that they use the money correctly to achieve the desired goal.
Martin Jacan Gwokto, the CAO of Kiryandongo, implored the beneficiaries to invest the money appropriately so as to improve their household incomes and eradicate poverty.
“Use the money properly; don’t invest it where you have not planned and been guided. Please stick to your enterprises because they were appraised and approved by the technical people,” said Gwokto.
Gwokto also urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the extension workers at subcounties to minimize risks involved in the selected enterprises, like poultry and piggery.
“Seek expert knowledge from the technical staff for guidance on your enterprises. The government has employed extension workers to guide and help you. This is the only way you will avoid risks associated with your enterprises,” said Gwokto.
Edith Aliguma Adyeri, the district chairperson of Kiryandongo, thanked the President of Uganda and the Ministry for supporting livelihood interventions in communities.
She extended her appreciation to the state minister for Bunyoro affairs, Jennifer Namuyangu Kacha, for her passion for supporting livelihood improvement in Kiryandongo District.
Aliguma cautioned the beneficiaries against withdrawing the funds before it was time to invest them in the planned enterprise.
“There are some enterprises that are seasonal. If you realize that it is not yet the right season to invest, do not withdraw the money from the bank to avoid temptations that may lead to mismanagement,” she cautioned.
She noted that lessons learned from the money disbursed to PDM beneficiaries and grants given to the people can improve their livelihoods if they seek guidance from the technical officers. She added that Kiryandongo is known for the best implementation of government programs, which calls for the beneficiaries to ensure this legacy is upheld.
Jonathan Akweteireho, the Deputy RDC in Kiryandongo, highlighted a number of government interventions that have directly targeted individuals and groups with the aim of improving their livelihoods and eradicating poverty.
“When I was growing up, I did not know that the government could give money directly to the people. I thought the government only provided roads, schools, health services, and others. However, the NRM government has invested money directly through PDM, Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Programme, the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme, and other interventions,” he said.
Akweteireho urged the beneficiaries to work together so they could transform their families and the community.
“You should not share this money but rather invest as a group. If you share this money, you are contributing to the downfall of the community and the nation at large because you will be teaching your children corruption and bad manners.’’
The Ministry of Bunyoro Affairs has disbursed funds worth 120 million shillings to 26 beneficiary groups since the financial year 2020/2021 to date, and more than 203 million is expected for an additional 26 groups this year.
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