Zombo Emyooga SACCO thrives in Apiary and Aquaculture projects
“As your RDC, I will support groups that save and maintain clear records. If my commercial officer approves you, I can sign your papers, and you’ll get your money immediately,” Ayikobua assured.
Zombo: The Okoro Constituency Emyooga Fish Farmers SACCO in Zombo District is poised to generate over 100 million Ugandan shillings annually from its aquaculture and apiary projects in Paidha Sub-County.
Formed in 2021, the group comprising members from Okoro County has achieved an 85% loan recovery rate as of March 2025, marking significant progress in financial sustainability.
During the SACCO’s 2023/2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held recently in Paidha Town Council, General Secretary Godfred Onencan presented the group’s financial outlook, projecting 70 million shillings in annual earnings from aquaculture and 60 million shillings from apiary production.
Last week, SACCO leaders hosted a team from the Zombo District Security Committee, led by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Festus Ayikobua, for an inspection of the projects in Amei Parish, Paidha Sub-County.
The Okoro Constituency Fish Farmers SACCO has emerged as one of the most dynamic among 18 Emyooga SACCOs in Zombo since the program’s inception. However, despite its achievements, the SACCO faces several challenges, including limited financial resources, high operational costs, and a lack of investment opportunities.
Monica Akech, the SACCO’s loan officer, appealed for increased funding to support their expanding operations.
“Our SACCO is performing well from loan recovery to our apiary and aquaculture projects. We now request the commercial department to provide more funds, as we have many projects in the pipeline,” Akech stated.
Since its launch in 2019, the Emyooga initiative has played a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion, savings, and investment. However, SACCOs frequently face challenges that hinder their growth.
For Okoro Fish Farmers SACCO, issues such as poor record-keeping and inconsistent savings among leaders remain significant hurdles.
Susan Canuwok, Zombo’s Assistant Commercial Officer, stressed the importance of transparent financial management, advising SACCOs to deposit funds in banks rather than keeping cash with grassroots leaders.
“We can only disburse funds when you present clear bank statements. Continue with your regular savings so the SACCO can access more funding already available in the bank,” Canuwok explained.
RDC Festus Ayikobua commended the Okoro Constituency Emyooga Fish Farmers SACCO for its achievements but urged members to improve their loan recovery rate and record-keeping to unlock additional funding.
“As your RDC, I will support groups that save and maintain clear records. If my commercial officer approves you, I can sign your papers, and you’ll get your money immediately,” Ayikobua assured.
Through Emyooga, the government aims to transform 68% of Ugandan homesteads from subsistence farming to market-oriented production, boosting household incomes and creating jobs. The initiative provides a financial alternative for those excluded from traditional banking systems due to a lack of collateral or formal savings history.
As Emyooga SACCOs continue to grow, ensuring financial discipline, transparency, and sustainability remains key to unlocking their full potential in driving economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
