The Special Presidential Assistant on the Informal Sector, Ian Jeremiah Gumisiriza, has hailed the role of community savings and investment groups in improving household incomes and reducing poverty, while warning local government officials against extorting money from community-based organisations seeking registration.
Speaking during the launch of the national offices of the People Grow Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society (PEGROW) in Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District, Gumisiriza said organised savings, borrowing and investment initiatives have enabled thousands of Ugandans to expand businesses, create sustainable livelihoods and improve their standards of living.
He said his office has been assessing community associations across several regions, including Greater Masaka, Greater Luweero, Mukono and Kayunga, to establish whether they are genuine, duly registered and actively engaged in the activities they claim to undertake.
“We have witnessed many groups from different areas. My role as the Special Presidential Assistant in charge of the Informal Sector is to verify that these groups indeed exist, they are genuine, they are registered and the members are undertaking the activities that they say they do,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the associations, adding that he would recommend them for government support through a revolving fund.
“I am really satisfied with the position and performance of these associations, and I will recommend them further so that His Excellency the President can support them through a revolving fund,” he said.
However, Gumisiriza warned Community Development Officers (CDOs), Community Finance Officers (CFOs) and other local government officials against demanding money from community groups before facilitating their registration.
He described the practice as an abuse of public office that frustrates government efforts to promote wealth creation through organised community associations.
“The authority you exercise is delegated by the President. If you are demanding money before recommending or registering associations, community-based organisations or SACCOs, I want to warn you that before the ministers responsible for local government reach you, I will personally come after you,” he said.
He added that he would work with anti-corruption agencies to ensure officials exploiting vulnerable citizens are held accountable.
“The President has consistently preached the gospel of unity and development through associations. It cannot be the same officers charged with supporting these organisations who end up frustrating them,” he said.
He also commended local government officers who have supported community groups diligently and urged them to continue delivering quality services.
“Those who are doing their work well deserve appreciation. But those frustrating and sabotaging community associations should stop immediately so that government services can reach the people they are intended to benefit,” he said.
Gumisiriza went on to urge Ugandans to participate in celebrations marking President Yoweri Museveni’s 82nd birthday on September 19 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
He said the event will also feature the launch of the Informal Workers Social Protection Scheme (ISPS), a proposed savings programme aimed at extending social security benefits to workers in the informal sector who are not covered under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
He explained that unlike the existing voluntary savings arrangement, the proposed scheme is intended to provide stronger incentives for informal workers through government-backed support.
“In other countries, governments provide matching contributions where an informal worker saves a certain amount and the government contributes an equal amount. We are discussing with His Excellency the President to see how Uganda can adopt a similar policy,” Gumisiriza said.
He noted that such a scheme would not only improve financial security for informal workers but also mobilise domestic capital for investment in major infrastructure projects.
According to Gumisiriza, resources accumulated through the scheme could finance projects such as expressways, with returns benefiting ordinary Ugandans instead of foreign investors.
“When Ugandans own and finance infrastructure such as toll roads, the revenue generated remains within the country and benefits the common citizen. That is the kind of home-grown solution the President has consistently advocated,” he said.
The function was attended by Kyengera Town Council Mayor Joseph Semugera Bitokote, Wakiso District Police Commander SP Bright Vincent and other local leaders.
