The COVID-19 pandemic sent shockwaves around the globe, plunging the world into the deepest economic crisis in over a century. For Uganda, the fallout was devastating. Nearly half a million jobs vanished, leaving countless young people and women in a desperate struggle to survive. But in the face of this unprecedented disaster, something remarkable happened.
In the heart of Masaka, a group of visionary young leaders and journalists refused to give in to despair. They saw an opportunity in the ashes of the old economy, a chance to build something new, something better. And they found the key to unlocking this future in Emyooga.
The Birth of a Dream: Lwengo FM 97.9
Haruna Mugerwa, a former Bukedde TV employee, had a burning ambition – to create a radio station that would be the voice of Lwengo. He teamed up with Tamim Ssekitoleko, a teacher with a head for numbers, and together they brought their vision to life and Lwengo FM 97.9 hit the airwaves in 2021.
But their triumph was short-lived as the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) silenced their station, shutting them down for operating without a license. For ten agonizing months, their dream lay in darkness and that was when they discovered Emyooga.
With the seed capital from the journalists’ SACCO, they roared back to life, procuring a new transmitter and license to get them back on air. To diversity income streams, they started a broadcast training centre, bought a photocopier and video camera for hire, and ventured into producing petroleum jelly and body oils, which they supply to schools in the vicinity.
Through sheer determination and creativity, the Lwengo FM team not only rescued their own livelihoods, but created jobs for eight other young people. In the midst of a pandemic that had destroyed so much, they built a business that pulsed with energy and possibility.
The Youth Leaders of Nyendo Mukungwe: Turning Ambition into Reality
In Nyendo Mukungwe Constituency, a group of 110 young leaders came together with a shared vision – to transform their community through Emyooga. With their initial seed capital, they established a business hub in Masaka town, a vibrant nerve center from which they could launch their ambitions. Armed with financial literacy training and a deep understanding of SACCO governance, they began offering loans to members, fueling a wave of entrepreneurship that would change lives. For Nsubuga Henry, the chairperson, Emyooga was the catalyst that brought his long-held dreams within reach.
This IT professional had always yearned to own an electronics and secretarial service shop. Despite working multiple jobs to make ends meet, he never lost sight of his goal. With a loan from the Youth Leaders SACCO, he built a brick-and-mortar service shop on land bequeathed by his father, complete with a desktop computer, printer, and photocopier.
As his business flourished, Nsubuga expanded into internet services, making his shop a vital hub for the community. He quit his side hustles and dedicated himself to his true passion, watching with pride as his income soared. Today, he runs a thriving electronics, mobile phone, and secretarial business that stands as a testament to the power of Emyooga.
But Nsubuga’s gratitude goes beyond his own success. Every month, he travels to villages and sub-counties across his region, sharing the Emyooga story with other young people. “This is my gift to President Museveni,” he says, his voice filled with emotion. “To give my time to sensitize other youths about Emyooga and how it can transform their lives if they work hard. It is the only thing I can give him to say thank you.”
From Teacher to Agroprocessing Entrepreneur
Daniel Tumukunde’s journey began in the classroom, where he taught agriculture to secondary school students. But when the pandemic struck and schools closed, he turned to a long-held passion – agroprocessing and value addition. He started creating a range of spices, herbs, and peanut butter, tapping into the rich bounty of Masaka’s local produce.
As schools reopened, Tumukunde continued to grow his business, supplying his products to schools and supermarkets across the region. Today, he leads a team of 14, including farmers, casual laborers, and fellow young people. Though his venture is still in its early stages, he has a clear vision for the future – to access more funding, invest in machinery like commercial grinders, and satisfy the surging demand for his products.
For Tumukunde, as for so many other young Ugandans, Emyooga has been a lifeline. It has given him the tools and the confidence to turn his ideas into reality, to build a business that not only sustains him, but contributes to the vitality of his community.
