GULU, Uganda — Addressing a gathering of motorcycle taxi (boda boda) riders in Gulu, Gen. Salim Saleh offered a blunt assessment of the government’s Emyooga program while commending the efforts of the State Minister for Microfinance, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo.

Emyooga is a presidential initiative designed to create jobs by supporting organized enterprise groups with seed capital.

Speaking candidly to the riders, Gen. Saleh acknowledged reports of mismanagement of the funds. “Let’s be honest,” he said. “Some Emyooga groups simply ate the money. That’s a fact we cannot hide. But that doesn’t mean the program has failed. It means we must learn and do better.”

Despite the challenges, Gen. Saleh praised Minister Kasolo’s leadership in overseeing the program.

“I want to thank Hon. Kasolo,” Saleh stated. “Despite the challenges, he has done a great job moving across the country, engaging communities, and ensuring the original intention of Emyooga—lifting people out of poverty through enterprise—is not lost.”

Gen. Saleh stressed that the program’s success hinges on both government support and a shift in mindset among beneficiaries.

“Programs like Emyooga work best when the people themselves take them seriously,” he added. “Minister Kasolo has played his part—now it’s our turn, especially you the youth and riders here in Gulu.”

His remarks aimed to balance accountability with encouragement, emphasizing that genuine progress requires both effective leadership and community responsibility.