By Mike Rwothomio

The Acu Community Youth Group , a registered community-based organization drawing membership from Abanga Sub-County, Paidha and Padea Town Councils, and border communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has renewed its appeal for technical and financial support through the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and other government social protection and economic empowerment initiatives.

Formed in 2024 by five concerned youths to combat rising cases of youth suicide, substance abuse, and distress sale of family land, the group has transformed into a fully-fledged SACCO with over 200 dues-paying members.

Through internally mobilized revolving funds, it now provides affordable credit to rural farming households and small traders while sustaining intensive community sensitization on psychosocial wellbeing and conflict resolution.

During the SACCO’s Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, December 9, Chairperson Oker Waka Kuyesu told members: “We have expanded to more than ten villages across Abanga Sub-County, Padea Town Council and some parts of DR Congo; we therefore need sufficient and recognized support from government programmes to enable us serve the growing community effectively.”

According to the group, their venture can serve as ready, cost-effective, community-owned delivery channels for rolling out YLP, PDM, Emyooga, UWEP and other social assistance programmes.

Vice Chairperson Donald Kasamba lamented “Since 2024, our efforts to access the Youth Livelihood Programme have been futile. Yet with our well-organized leadership and proven performance, once linked to government poverty alleviation initiatives we will perform tremendously and improve the livelihoods of locals.

Ordinary member Richard Mungunuti accused local leaders of continuously overlooking the group despite repeated appeals, saying “This area has for long missed out on government poverty alleviation initiatives because our leaders have failed to recognize and register us. We appeal for immediate support to boost our capacity.”

The group’s organized structure has begun attracting elders who now seek associate membership, further demonstrating its growing credibility and intergenerational impact.

Responding to the concerns, outgoing Zombo District Youth Chairperson Amos Jacan commended the Acu youth for their strong governance structures and clear social objectives, urging them:

“Start the formal registration process immediately through your village leaders and the Sub-County Community Development Office so that you can access government poverty alleviation programmes without further delay.”

Understandably, more than 30 organized youth groups in Zombo have already benefited from YLP since its inception, with many others currently receiving PDM funds.

The Acu Community Youth SACCO’s appeal comes at a time when national and district leaders are actively mobilizing youths to form registered groups as the primary entry point for accessing government socio-economic empowerment programmes.

According to the youths leadership, such Youth-Led Community SACCOs and Organized Groups help the youths to gain access to collateral-free and low-interest credit, acquire financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills, receive peer-led psychosocial support that reduces suicide and drug abuse, develop leadership and governance competencies, build social capital, and secure a sustainable platform for self-employment and wealth creation.

The Leadership of Acu Community Youth group.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub