A recent social media post by MC KATS questioning the allocation of funds to certain emcees has prompted a detailed response from the government, clarifying the nature and purpose of the Shs1.8 billion financial support program.
In a post on platform X (formerly Twitter), MC KATS expressed frustration that emcees who have “worked all our lives with our own efforts” and “talk to millions every night” were seemingly overlooked, while funds were directed to individuals they did not recognize. The post tagged high-level government officials, including President Kaguta Museveni.
The government has now issued a clear response, stating that the funds are not a donation but are instead capital for a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO). The money is intended for emcees to borrow and return at a concessional interest rate of 6%, following a model similar to the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The initiative, a presidential program managed by the Office of the President, is designed to support well-known emcees across the country’s 18 sub-regions. The response emphasized that emcees are individually paid by event organizers for their services, and this program is an additional financial empowerment scheme.
How to Access the Funds
Procedural guidelines for accessing the funds will be displayed by 8:00 am on Monday, September 29, 2025, at the offices of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Town Clerks, District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), and Commercial Offices. Furthermore, the list of sub-regional coordinators and their contact information will be made available on Friday, September 26, 2025. Emcees are advised to reach out to these coordinators to obtain and submit the necessary application forms.
Identification of Beneficiaries
The government also identified the individuals in the promotional image, who were questioned by MC KATS:
- Mr. Meddy Dhakaba: A well-known emcee in the Busoga region and the initiator of the proposal.
- Mr. Butuume Geoffrey Speed: A prominent emcee in Western Uganda.
- Mr. Ssegujja Fred: The chairperson of ‘Abogezi bo ku Mikolo’ (Association of Function Emcees) in Buganda.
The response acknowledged the concerns about unpaid services, suggesting that if a government client failed to pay, there are official channels for reporting such cases. However, it strongly advised emcees to “appreciate an initiative before pulling it down,” noting that this is the first time such a program has been implemented for emcees in Uganda.
The message concluded with a call for only those emcees who are ready to invest the money wisely and repay the loan to apply, ensuring the sustainability of the program. Thanks were extended to President Museveni for considering the emcee community for support.
