Ukerewe expands loans to empowerment groups

MWANZA: UKEREWE District Council has disbursed 351m/- in loans to 35 groups of women, youth and persons with disabilities, strengthening efforts to expand economic opportunities and support income-generating activities under the government’s 10 per cent loan scheme.

The loans, covering the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year from July to September, were issued yesterday to groups that met the required eligibility criteria. Presenting the disbursement report, the council’s Head of Community Development, Mr Wanchoke Chinchibela, said the council had received loan applications worth 1.2bn/- during the quarter, highlighting demand for the financing opportunity.

“Following a review and evaluation of these applications, 35 groups were found to meet the criteria and were granted the loans. Of these groups, 23 consist of women, seven of persons with disabilities and five of youth,” he said.

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Mr Chinchibela said the loans were intended to help beneficiaries increase their capital, improve incomes and strengthen their economic activities. He urged other eligible groups to register and apply for the loans, calling for greater participation among groups comprising persons with disabilities to ensure they also benefit from the initiative.

One of the beneficiaries, Ms Rebeka Peter, thanked the government for continuing to empower citizens economically through the council’s 10 per cent loan scheme. She said the funding would help strengthen her economic activities and improve her financial prospects.

The scheme provides an opportunity for eligible groups to access financing to develop their activities, expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.