RDC Katamba Resolves Ndorwa East Emyooga Journalists SACCO Dispute
Kabale, Uganda — The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kabale District, Major Godfrey Katamba, has resolved a long-standing disagreement among beneficiaries of the Ndorwa East Emyooga Journalists SACCO, paving the way for the group to access government funds and begin operations.
The resolution was reached during a meeting held on Monday at the RDC’s office at Kabale District headquarters. The meeting brought together journalists from Ndorwa East and officials from the District Commercial Office, represented by Mildred K. Tusimirwe, the Senior Commercial Officer.
Major Katamba said the disagreement stemmed from concerns over the inclusion of individuals who were not bona fide journalists from Ndorwa East in the SACCO’s membership. To restore harmony, he directed that those who had registered the SACCO with members from outside the constituency should work together with the genuine Ndorwa East journalists to form a new executive committee.
He said the election of the executive committee will be conducted at the RDC’s office to ensure transparency and facilitate the smooth implementation of the government’s Emyooga programme.
Speaking at the meeting, Ms. Tusimirwe explained that journalists who had been left out during the initial registration process would be allowed to join the SACCO upon paying the required membership fee of Shs150,000. She also advised the group to immediately open a SACCO bank account so that the long-awaited Emyooga funds can be processed without further delay.
Veteran journalist Justus Tindyembwa, a recipient of a presidential medal, journalism trainer, former Radio Uganda journalist, and former Kabale District Information Officer, welcomed the RDC’s intervention. He said the move would ensure that the Emyooga funds benefit genuine journalists rather than individuals masquerading as media practitioners.
Members who attended the meeting pledged to use the funds responsibly as seed capital to grow their businesses and strengthen the financial position of the SACCO. They also committed themselves to making the Ndorwa East Emyooga Journalists SACCO a model SACCO within the district.
The journalists expressed appreciation to the NRM government for supporting organized community groups through programmes such as Emyooga. They also reaffirmed their commitment to participating in government development initiatives.
Major Katamba noted that programmes such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM) have significantly contributed to reducing poverty levels in Kabale District and the wider Kigezi sub-region. He said the region has registered notable improvements in household livelihoods compared to previous years when it ranked among the areas with the highest poverty levels in the country.
The RDC was also praised for his role in promoting peace and unity in Kabale, particularly during and after elections. Participants described him as a unifying leader whose interventions have helped resolve conflicts and foster cooperation among different groups in the district.
In an earlier interview with Light News Network following his election as Kabale Municipality Mayor, Sentaro Byamugisha commended Major Katamba’s leadership, saying his timely interventions in resolving disputes had helped prevent violence and save lives.
Following the resolution of the dispute, the Ndorwa East Journalists SACCO will proceed with electing its executive committee, opening an office, and commencing operations aimed at improving the welfare and professional development of journalists in the constituency.
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