Do not charge for registering SACCOs, minister warns.

The Minister of State for Microfinance, Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune has cautioned district officials against charging community members for registering Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs).

Minister Kyeyune issued the warning on Friday March 13, 2020, at Hotel Leslona, Moroto while launching the Presidential Initiative on Wealth and Job creation (EMYOOGA) in Karamoja region. Under the initiative, government will provide funds for cooperators in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to boost their incomes.

The warning followed complaints by several local community members that some district officials demand money from members before registering their SACCOs, a service that the minister says ought to be free of charge.

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“This is a serious offence, and whoever is found charging members of the public for registration of their SACCO will be dealt with,” Kyeyune said.

He also advised the leaders of Karamoja region against politicizing the Presidential Initiative saying that would affect the core objective of the program which is to lift Ugandans out of poverty.

“This initiative is for everyone, regardless of where you belong; it is non-discriminative,” he said.

The regional launch was attended by district LCV chairpersons, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Commercial Officers (DCOs), Political leaders, District Internal Security Officer (DISO) and representatives from the business community in Karamoja region.

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