The Role of Emyooga Government Programme on Poverty Eradication: A Case of Ibanda District, Uganda

Abstract

The study examined the role of the Emyooga Government Programme on poverty eradication in Ibanda District, Uganda, with the aim of assessing the impact of financial support (loans and grants) provided by the Emyooga programme on poverty eradication among beneficiaries in Ibanda District. The study targeted a population of 1,130 beneficiaries, from which a sample of 195 respondents was selected using appropriate sampling techniques. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The findings revealed that financial support significantly improved beneficiaries’ livelihoods, including increased household income, enhanced business activities, improved savings habits, and better living standards. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between financial support and poverty eradication (r = 0.782, p < 0.01), while regression analysis indicated that financial support significantly predicted poverty reduction (β = 0.703, p < 0.001), explaining 61.2% of the variance in poverty outcomes. The study concluded that the Emyooga programme plays a substantial role in alleviating poverty in Ibanda District. Recommendations include strengthening SACCO financial services, enhancing capacity-building initiatives, implementing effective monitoring and loan recovery mechanisms, and promoting community sensitization to increase awareness and participation.