Ikungi District Commissioner Thomas Cornel Apson has pledged to address challenges facing applicants and beneficiaries of loans issued through the council’s 10 per cent allocation of internally generated revenue, as the government seeks to improve access to financing for small businesses.
Mr Apson made the commitment after completing a tour of four divisions in Ikungi District, during which he met entrepreneurs to hear their concerns about accessing and using the loans.
Accompanied by officials from the Community Development Department, the DC listened to views and recommendations from entrepreneurs across different groups, including those who had received loans and applicants seeking financing.
The tour aimed to identify obstacles affecting the loan programme and establish measures to improve its implementation.
Concluding the visit in Sepuka Division, Mr Apson said the challenges raised during the meetings would be addressed in collaboration with the relevant authorities.
The initiative is intended to strengthen entrepreneurial activities, widen economic opportunities and improve livelihoods in the district.
The council’s 10 per cent loan scheme provides financing from internally generated revenue to eligible groups. However, the effectiveness of the programme depends partly on how well the authorities address beneficiaries’ concerns and ensure that the funds support productive economic activities.
Further details on the specific challenges raised, the amount of loans disbursed and the number of beneficiaries were not provided.