The Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority (UMRA) officials are concerned about hiked non-uniform registration fees for Self Help Saving Groups (SHGs) across the country.
In 2022, UMRA issued operational guidelines for SHGs as defined under section 99 of the Tier 4 Microfinance Institutions and Money Lenders’ Act, 2016.
The objectives of the guidelines were to assist Self Help Groups in establishing financial stabilization mechanisms, and increase transparency.
UMRA spokesperson, Edward Bindhe says they have received complaints that each district charges its own registration fees ranging from Shs60,000 – Shs150,000 and this may be considered high to some Self Help Groups.
Bindhe said that through the Ministry of Finance, they notified the Ministry of Local Government to get guidance on how they can implement a uniform fee for all the local governments.
He says they have also embarked on sensitizing SHGs regarding the same.
