Senior Presidential Advisor on Mobilisation, Moses Byaruhanga, has expressed concern over the whereabouts of 263 Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) in the Kampala Metropolitan Area. According to information obtained from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, only 303 of the 566 SACCOs registered in the area were found to be active and traceable on the ground. The revelation has raised questions about the accountability of public funds channelled through government poverty eradication and economic empowerment programmes.
Byaruhanga made the remarks while officiating at the launch of the National Youth Cadres Association (NYCA) Strategic Plan 2026/27 at Nakasero Primary School sports grounds in Kampala. The event brought together over 600 participants from across the country, including youth leaders and representatives of National Resistance Movement (NRM) university and tertiary institution youth chapter councils and other youth development-oriented groups. The strategic plan is themed “The Role of Youth in Advancing Tenfold Growth Strategy, Climate Change Mitigation and Environmental Conservation.”
Byaruhanga said he had asked the Ministry of Finance to provide a comprehensive list of SACCOs registered in the metropolitan area to establish their operational status. He described the findings as disturbing, with 263 SACCOs reportedly failing to be traced. “Out of a total of 566, only 303 were practical, active and traceable on the ground, leaving 263 unaccounted for, yet they effectively benefited from government funding,” Byaruhanga said.
Byaruhanga questioned how SACCOs that were reportedly active and identifiable during registration could subsequently disappear after accessing public funds. He tasked NYCA leaders with using their grassroots structures to help trace the missing SACCOs and establish whether they are still operational. Where wrongdoing is established, he said, those responsible should face arrest and prosecution.
Beyond the SACCO accountability concerns, Byaruhanga urged young Ugandans to make greater use of government economic empowerment programmes, particularly Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM). He encouraged youth to form or join sector-specific SACCOs through which they can access government financing and collectively engage in income-generating activities.
Byaruhanga also questioned the effectiveness of parish youth council chairpersons, who sit on parish PDM committees and are expected to help ensure that young people participate in the programme. He urged youth leaders to become more active in mobilising their peers, explaining government programmes and helping eligible beneficiaries navigate the requirements for accessing public financing.
The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, represented by unit manager Bamwine Muhorozi, urged NYCA members to use their structures and influence to support the fight against corruption at community level. Muhorozi encouraged youth leaders to demand accountability from sub-county technical officials responsible for implementing government programmes and delivering public services.
Key points
- 263 SACCOs in Kampala Metropolitan Area can no longer be traced despite reportedly benefiting from government funding.
- Byaruhanga urges young Ugandans to make greater use of government economic empowerment programmes.
- Anti-corruption unit calls for grassroots accountability in government programmes.
