Kole | Emyooga SACCOs in Kole North County should begin bidding for district contracts, according to Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, the constituency MP.
The MP wants the supply of school desks, metal windows and doors, and school uniforms, among other things, handled by “youth-led SACCOs.”
MP Acuti made the demand on July 18, 2024, while launching the second round of disbursements to 16 SACCOs in Kole North.
Earlier on July 15, 2014, MP Acuti wrote a letter to the Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, raising concerns on the poor implementation of reservation schemes in Local and Central Government procurements.
In his letter recieved by the Office of the Prime Minister on the same day, MP Acuti cited Section 50 of the PPDA Act which makes provisions for reservation schemes to promote particular sectors within specific geographic areas, specific public procurement contracts or parts of a contract.
“Section 59(B) of the same Act highlights the importance of preference schemes in promoting the use of local expertise and materials, participation of local communities, local organisations including registered small and medium enterprises; or participation of registered associations of women, youth and persons with disabilities, respectively.”
Because the Act is not being honoured, the Kole North MP said it has disenfranchised local communities especially artisans (jua kali contractors) from participating and benefitting from local and central government contracts including the derived employments.
“The purpose of this letter therefore is to request for your intervention on this matter to have reservation schemes implemented in FY24/25 in all districts and ask that the OPM local government service delivery assessment includes reservation schemes as part of its criteria.”
Meanwhile, during the July 18 event, the Legislator oversaw the issuance of 14 registration certificates to the Emyooga SACCOs.
“I thank the President of Uganda for this transformational programme and appreciate the District Commercial Officer for collaborating with the Kole North MP’s office to revamp the Emyooga SACCOs, which had stalled in Kole North.”
MP Acuti also urged that the money be used wisely this time around, rather than for debt repayment, weddings, and other luxuries.
Also read: Kole North MP Acuti’s report since he joined House in 2021
He praised those who completed the skill-building programme he funded, noting that some had already joined some of the SACCOs.
During the meeting, six SACCOs confirmed that they had already received Shs20 million into their bank accounts.
These comprise People with Disabilities, Youth, Performing Artists, Bodaboda, Fishermen, and SACCOs for tailors.
“I will follow up with the Microfinance Support Centre for the rest of the SACCOs that have yet to receive their money,” the MP promised.
Discover more from tndNews, Uganda
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.