Ugandan social media influencers and content creators have been thrown into heated debate after popular YouTuber Isaac Katende, commonly known as Kasuku, announced strict conditions for those hoping to benefit from the recently pledged Shs5 billion fund.
The development follows a meeting between several digital media personalities and President Yoweri Museveni that took place at the president’s Kisozi Farm. The meeting reportedly focused on how the government could support online content creators and bloggers across Uganda.
During the discussions, the President reportedly pledged Shs5 billion to support bloggers and online influencers through a structured financial program aimed at empowering digital creators.
Following the meeting, Kasuku, who describes himself as a leader among Ugandan YouTubers, took the lead in organizing a structure through which the funds would be managed and distributed.
The plan involves forming a special financial body known as the Bloggers Association SACCO, where influencers and content creators would register as members in order to access financial assistance.
However, the requirements released for joining the SACCO have sparked strong reactions among many influencers who believe the conditions are too strict.
According to a document circulating online, any influencer who wants to benefit from the Shs5 billion fund must first meet several requirements set by the organizers.
One of the conditions requires applicants to be recognized or popular content creators, bloggers, or online publishers with a visible presence in the digital media space.
In addition to that, individuals interested in joining must pay a non-refundable registration fee of Shs50,000 before their application can be considered.
Another major requirement is that applicants must have a Tax Identification Number (TIN), showing that they are registered taxpayers and contribute taxes to the government.
Applicants are also required to present a valid National Identification card to verify their identity and eligibility for membership in the SACCO.
Furthermore, potential beneficiaries must demonstrate financial literacy by showing that they understand how loans and financial support programs operate.
The organizers say this requirement is necessary to ensure that those who receive loans from the SACCO are capable of managing the money responsibly and paying it back.
Another rule requires members to open a financial account within the SACCO system where they will be expected to make regular monthly deposits.
According to Kasuku, these deposits are meant to help build a strong financial base for the SACCO while also encouraging a culture of saving among members.
Despite the explanation, the announcement has triggered mixed reactions among Ugandan content creators on social media.
Some influencers have welcomed the structure, arguing that strict guidelines are necessary to ensure accountability and proper use of the funds.
Others, however, believe the conditions are unfair and will lock out many small or upcoming creators who may not yet meet the popularity or financial requirements.
Several critics have also questioned the requirement for influencers to already be well-known before accessing support that was meant to empower the digital community.
Some online commentators have argued that the rules indirectly block struggling creators who may have hoped to use the fund to grow their platforms.
Supporters of the plan, however, say the guidelines are necessary to prevent misuse of the funds and to ensure that only serious creators benefit from the program.
As discussions continue across Uganda’s online community, many influencers are now waiting to see whether the requirements will be revised or remain unchanged.
For now, the proposed Bloggers Association SACCO has become one of the most talked-about initiatives in Uganda’s digital media industry as content creators debate who should qualify to benefit from the Shs5 billion pledge.
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