In a coordinated effort to empower Emyooga SACCOs towards value-addition, the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) spearheaded national sensitisation meetings in collaboration with key government agencies including the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), and Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). These 2-days meetings started on April 25, 2024, in Mbarara City, hosting the various SACCOs from the western region as far as the Kigezi sub-region.
The initiative aimed to educate and equip the Emyooga beneficiaries with the knowledge and resources essential for integrating value-addition into their operations, thereby enhancing competitiveness and sustainability in the market.
The meetings exchanged insights, best practices, and regulatory guidelines important to value addition within the microfinance sector.
The Mbarara Resident City Commissioner, Lt. Col (Rtd) James Mwesigye, commended the Microfinance Support Centre for training the Emyooga programme beneficiaries with the various partners and extended a vote of thanks to URA, UNBS, and URSB for being able to share knowledge on product certification, tax compliance and company registration which will enable SAACOs to benefit from both local and international markets.
A representative from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) explained tax-related considerations, ensuring SACCOs’ compliance with taxation policies while optimising their financial management strategies. In addition, he highlighted the Emyooga programme requirements by URA which include, a Tax Identification Number (TIN) which is given to an individual, a company or a business, a Tax Clearance Certificate, Local Excise Duty for beverages and upon payment of this tax, URA gives the taxpayer a Stamp for their products to be on the market.
UNBS experts provided invaluable insights into quality standards and certification processes, emphasizing the significance of adhering to industry benchmarks to uphold product integrity and consumer trust. This guidance is crucial for Emyooga SACCOs seeking to diversify their product offerings and expand their market reach.
Dismas Muhereza and Ottokoma Bonny, both Certification Officers from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) shared insights into the Standards and Compliance Directorates. Conformance of products with the required standards ensures fairness in trade on both the local and international markets.
The Standards Directorate includes standards, testing, certification, and national metrology laboratory (types of equipment used to weigh the products) while the Compliance Directorate looks at the certificate of conformity (any ingredients used in production should bear this certificate).
The UNBS representatives also mentioned the objectives of Distinctive Mark implementation and these include enterprise competitiveness, trade facilitation as well as consumer protection.
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) representatives educated the beneficiaries about the need for business registration, the process of registration, and intellectual property. Intellectual Property in this case emphasises the various shapes of products, brand names, logos, and taste secrets, among others.
By fostering collaboration between MSC and key regulatory bodies, these sensitisation meetings facilitated a conducive environment for Emyooga SACCOs to explore value-addition opportunities and overcome operational challenges. The exchange of knowledge and expertise empowered SACCO members to leverage their collective resources effectively, driving sustainable growth and socio-economic development within their communities.
The collaborative efforts of MSC, URA, UNBS, and URSB underscore the importance of strategic partnerships in bolstering the capacity and resilience of microfinance institutions. By equipping Emyooga SACCOs with the requisite knowledge and support systems, this initiative paves the way for inclusive economic growth and poverty alleviation at the grassroots level.
