By Eye Media Reporter | Kawempe
Kalerwe, Kawempe Division – June 29, 2025 – There was excitement and renewed hope among cattle traders and butchers in Kalerwe Abattoir as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, through his Senior Political Advisor, Mr. Moses Byaruhanga, extended Shs 20 million to support Akaserengeto Savings Group—a fast-growing SACCO that has become a lifeline for small-scale businesspeople in the area.
Delivering the President’s support during the group’s 5th anniversary celebrations on Sunday, Mr. Byaruhanga used the occasion to slam Kampala leaders for what he called “total failure” in monitoring government-funded programs like Emyooga, which was meant to empower low-income earners.
“The President is doing his part. But what about your leaders? Some of them are just seated in offices blaming Museveni while they are sleeping on duty. If they won’t do it, we shall,” Byaruhanga charged to thunderous applause.
He revealed shocking findings from a recent audit of the Emyooga program, noting that while Kampala received Shs 18 billion, nearly half of the SACCOs (47%) were inactive, with over Shs 8 billion wasted.
“We stopped more funding from being injected until we get answers. Let them not fool you. The President has facts,” he emphasized.
The Akaserengeto Savings Group, made up of cattle traders, butchers, meat vendors, retailers, and transporters, has grown from just 6 members in 2020 to 1,018 members today. The group’s rapid rise has made it a beacon of local empowerment.
“This Shs 20 million is from the President himself. Borrow it wisely, grow your businesses, and pay back with minimal interest,” Mr. Byaruhanga urged the members.
He pledged to connect the SACCO to the Microfinance Support Centre to access even more funding and encouraged them to take advantage of the upcoming Katale Loan, a new government facility targeting market vendors with only 8% interest per year.
“We’re also rolling out the Boda Boda Loan soon. No collateral needed. It comes with insurance, GPS, and riders will only pay back Shs 7 million after two years,” he revealed.
Hajji Abdul Mwebesa, a prominent hides and skins dealer, raised concern over the ban on hides and skins imports, to which Byaruhanga responded with a promise to engage the relevant authorities for a possible policy review.
Additionally, he pledged to support the abattoir with a cold room to improve meat storage and ensure quality control.
Meanwhile, Hajjat Madina Nsereko, the aspiring Kawempe South MP, praised Mr. Byaruhanga for what she termed his “unshaken love” for Kawempe.
“Through his office, markets have been empowered, water extended, and even our Muslim community supported. This year alone, 34 Imams from Kawempe went for Hajj, courtesy of the President,” she said.
She also applauded the Akaserengeto leadership for exceptional growth:
“From six members to over a thousand today—this is the spirit of progress we want.”
Ssalongo Ssekanyo Sulaiman, Chairperson of Kalerwe Abattoir, said SACCOs like Akaserengeto were restoring dignity and stability among traders, helping them to save, invest, and uplift their families.
“These groups are the backbone of our community. They’re helping us survive and thrive,” he noted.
Mr. Nelson Ojambo, the Vice Chairperson of the SACCO, took guests through the journey of growth, explaining that members save from as low as Shs 1,000 daily and now all own accounts.
“We’re fully registered and legally operating. Our strength is unity, and we’re determined to grow further,” he said.
As celebrations ended, one message stood clear in the air of Kalerwe: when government support meets community discipline, transformation is inevitable.
