The Uganda Cooperative Alliance in Partnership with Agriterra and WUR University is implementing

the FORT project across 5 regions of Busoga, Elgon, Lango,Kigezi and Tooro.

This week,UCA has trained 100 farmers and 20 Cooperatives in the FACT methodology.The trained

Farmer organisations will use the skills to amplify their Voices and address key Advocacy issues.

Fort Portal, 8 January 2026, The Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Voice of Toro (VOT) to enhance the promotion and visibility of cooperatives in Uganda, with a particular focus on the Mid-Western region.

The MoU was signed today in Fort Portal as part of efforts to leverage media platforms to reach cooperators, stakeholders, and the general public with accurate and timely information about the cooperative movement. The partnership aims to increase awareness of cooperative values, programs, policies, and success stories, while highlighting the contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development. 

Under the agreement, Voice of Toro will disseminate cooperative-related information through radio programs, talk shows, news features, and other media engagements. The Uganda Cooperative Alliance will, in turn, provide technical content, expert resource persons, and coordinated messaging to support effective outreach.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Ivan Asiimwe, the General Secretary of the Uganda Cooperative Alliance, on behalf of UCA, and Mr. Victor Kukundakwe, the Program Manager of Voice of Toro, on behalf of VOT (Voice Of Toro).

Both parties committed to joint planning, information sharing, and mutual support to strengthen stakeholder engagement and improve public understanding of cooperatives, particularly in Mid-Western Uganda.

The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the visibility, growth, and sustainability of the cooperative movement across the region.

5^th December 2025, Mbale City­-The Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) today held a regional engagement in the Elgon sub-region to popularize and mobilize support for the newly established National Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Limited, a strategic initiative aimed at building a sustainable cooperative-owned National Cooperative Bank in Uganda. The event attracted cooperative societies from across the region, alongside government officials, financial sector actors, private companies, and the media, underscoring the growing momentum behind the country’s cooperative revival agenda.

The meeting was officially opened by Hon. Frederick Ngobi Gume, Minister of state for Cooperatives, who joined virtually. In his remarks, he welcomed participants and encouraged them to embrace such engagements as opportunities for meaningful development, stressing that progress within the cooperative movement requires unity of purpose. “My body is here but the spirit is there with you,” he said. “We must move together for development.”

The Minister noted that despite significant growth in Uganda’s cooperative sector, access to suitable and affordable financing remains one of its greatest challenges. He pointed out that many cooperators are unable to secure credit and are often compelled to liquidate assets in order to access funds. He confirmed that the long-awaited Cooperative Bank initiative has taken shape, explaining that the National Savings and Credit Cooperative Society has already secured the necessary requirements to begin operating as a cooperative bank.

He further urged cooperatives to fully embrace value addition and take advantage of emerging markets rather than selling raw produce, particularly coffee. He said government is committed to ensuring that Ugandans do not continue exporting unprocessed commodities, and encouraged farmers to aggregate produce, add value, and export competitively. The Minister highlighted expanded market opportunities across the East African Community, the African continent, and beyond, revealing that international buyers—including those in countries such as Thailand—have expressed growing interest in purchasing Ugandan coffee.

According to the Minister, strengthening cooperative production chains and eliminating middlemen will enable farmers to secure better prices and access credit more sustainably. He pledged government support towards building warehouses and other infrastructure required to bolster storage, aggregation, and value addition in the region. He encouraged cooperatives to buy shares in the emerging cooperative bank and become active members, stating that once it becomes fully operational, it will establish regional branches, including in Mbale. He also acknowledged government’s facilitation to UCA, commending the organization for taking the lead in mobilizing and educating cooperatives about the new institution.

The mobilization effort in the Elgon Region seeks to build awareness, enhance confidence in the cooperative-owned financial system, and encourage cooperatives to participate in the establishment of a bank that is designed to serve their needs. It also intends to strengthen understanding of the legal and regulatory processes guiding the transformation of the new institution from a Tier IV SACCO into a fully-fledged bank, while fostering partnerships with the private sector and financial actors to support inclusive enterprise growth.

The National Savings and Credit Cooperative Society is positioned as a vehicle to deepen financial intermediation within the cooperative movement, retain economic value in member-owned institutions, and stimulate job creation, industrialization, and rural economic transformation. Its ambitions align with national and continental development frameworks such as Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the upcoming National Development Plan IV, as well as regional and international agendas aimed at inclusive growth and poverty reduction.

The Minister concluded by thanking cooperators for their participation and expressing optimism about the future of Uganda’s cooperative movement. He called for collective commitment towards building the cooperative financial institution and accelerating economic progress through cooperative-led enterprise. With those remarks, he officially declared the meeting open.

 The National Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Limited—the precursor to the long-awaited National Cooperative Bank has today elected its inaugural leadership, marking a major milestone in the revival of a cooperative-owned financial institution in Uganda.

 The meeting, held during the first General Assembly of the Society, was presided over by the Minister of State for Cooperatives, Hon. Frederick Gume Ngobi, who reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that the cooperative movement regains its financial foothold through a fully operational national bank.

 Speaking to delegates, the Minister congratulated members for reaching a new level of organizational maturity and reiterated the historic significance of restoring a bank owned by cooperators. He noted that the new leadership must prioritize liquidity, business discipline and strategic branch placement to avoid challenges that plagued cooperative financial institutions in the past.

 "This bank is not just a financial institution—it is a vehicle for economic empowerment of our people. We must learn to operate like competitive banks, ensure liquidity, and strengthen governance so this institution stands the test of time," Hon. Gume said. He further pledged to personally save with the bank as one of its founding members.

The Minister praised the Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) for providing a strong enabling environment, including office space, staffing support, vehicles, and nationwide mobilization, noting that such commitment reflects true cooperative values in action.

 Background to Establishment

 The effort to restore a cooperative bank dates back decades. Uganda’s first cooperative bank, founded in 1964, once operated branches across the country but was closed in 1999 due to undercapitalization. In 2018, the Uganda Cooperative Alliance petitioned Parliament through COSASE, leading to a recommendation to re-establish the bank. The move was later approved by the President and Cabinet, and legislative amendments to the Cooperative Act (Cap 107 Section 49) provided a legal pathway for the formation of a cooperative bank supervised by the Bank of Uganda.

 The new entity was officially registered and launched by the President on 18th September 2025, becoming a legally recognized cooperative financial institution.

 New Board Elected

 The Assembly proceeded to elect a seven-member Board, in line with the Society’s byelaws. The leadership is expected to spearhead operationalization, including opening corporate bank accounts, designating signatories, mobilizing cooperative membership nationwide, and setting up governance and management structures.

The elected Board is as follows:

• Chairperson:

Mr. Ivan Asiimwe

A key figure in the steering process, he now assumes leadership to guide the bank into full operation.

• Vice Chairperson:

Gen. Sam Kavuma  (Wazalendo SACCO)

Brings national-level cooperative experience and organizational leadership.

• Treasurer:

Mr. Mureebe Methods (Parliamentary SACCO)

Tasked with providing financial stewardship at a critical foundation stage.

• Board Members:

1. SCP Dr. Wilson Omoding Otuna. (Exodus SACCO)
2. Nabende Steven (Walimu Cooperative Union)
3. Sylvester Ndiroramukama (UCSCU)
4. Oyugi Jackson (West Acholi Cooperative Union)

These members represent a broad regional and institutional composition essential for national mobilization and cooperative inclusivity.

The Chief Executive Officer of the bank will serve as an ex-officio Secretary once appointed by the Board.

 Supervisory Committee (SUPCO)

A three-member Supervisory Committee was also elected to oversee compliance, audit, and governance standards:

1. Abasa Ainamani (Banyankole Kweterana Cooperative Union)
2. Carolyne Atai (Walimu Cooperative Union)
3. Hakim Bogere (Bukawa ACE)

 Vetting Committee

 To ensure transparency and proper scrutiny of leadership appointments, a Vetting Committee was elected comprising:

1. Wakinya Samuel
2. Robert Dramadri
3. Counsel Abel Mwesigye

 Next Steps Toward Operationalization

The Assembly resolved to open the Society’s bank accounts with a reputable commercial bank, with the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Bank Manager designated as signatories. The Board will assess suitable options and report back to members.

 With leadership now in place, the next phase involves staffing, resource mobilization, member recruitment, and establishing initial branches through strategic regional cooperative hubs.

 The election ushers in a new chapter for Uganda’s cooperative movement—one driven by member ownership, financial self-determination, and renewed confidence in cooperative-led development.

                                                                  The National Cooperative Bank is now officially in motion.

Ms. Emmanuella Oroma, from the West Nile/Northern region, was elected Vice Chairperson, also unopposed, with 72 votes. Born on December 25, 1979, Ms. Oroma is a member of Nebbi ACE, where she serves as Treasurer, and has been part of the UCA Board since 2016. She brings years of experience and innovation to her new leadership role.

Mr. Wilson Bamwesigye, from Malongo Farmers Cooperative Enterprise in Central Uganda, was elected Treasurer, unopposed, with 72 votes. An accountant by profession with 25 years of experience in cooperatives, he pledged to strengthen financial management and accountability within the Alliance.

The delegates also elected two new board members:

Mr. Wakinya Samuel from Bushika Cooperative in Eastern Uganda, who received 76 votes.

Hon. Maxwell Akora from Lango Cooperative Union in Northern Uganda, who secured 49 votes. Hon. Akora, a Member of Parliament and longtime cooperator, has been instrumental in lobbying for UCA’s subvention through the national budget.

On the Supervisory Committee, Mr. Bogere Hakim from Bukawa ACE in Eastern Uganda was re-elected after garnering 73 votes. He has served in the cooperative movement for over 21 years, overseeing system checks within UCA. Hon. Jalia Bintu Lukumu, Chairperson of UCSCU and a Member of Parliament, was also elected to the Supervisory Committee with 69 votes. The third member elected was Mr. Ndibalema Wabitwaboha, Chairperson of Ntungamo Growers Union, who received 41 votes, bringing a wealth of administrative and public service experience to the committee.

With this new team in place, the Uganda Cooperative Alliance enters a renewed phase of leadership and unity. The cooperative movement now looks ahead with optimism under the stewardship of Rev. Fr. Safari Emmanuel and his colleagues, who have pledged to work collectively to recover assets, revitalize the Cooperative Bank, and advance the prosperity of Uganda’s cooperators.

On November 4, 2025, at Hotel Africana, the Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) held a Special Annual General Meeting that not only marked another milestone in the cooperative movement but also celebrated the remarkable leadership and legacy of our outgoing Board Chairperson.

From the moment he called the meeting to order, his humility, sense of purpose, and deep commitment to the cooperative cause were evident—values that have defined his entire tenure. As he officially handed over leadership, the Chairperson reflected on a journey marked by resilience, integrity, and transformative achievement for the UCA family and the wider cooperative movement in Uganda.

A Tenure Defined by Transformation

Under his stewardship, UCA experienced unprecedented stability and visibility. He worked tirelessly to strengthen the institution’s governance, credibility, and financial health—restoring confidence among members and partners alike. Among his notable achievements are:

Institutional Stability: His leadership brought calm, focus, and renewed trust within UCA’s governance structures, ensuring that members’ voices remained at the heart of every decision.

Government Support and Subvention: Through his strategic engagement with government ministries and agencies, UCA secured consistent subvention funding to support its cooperative mandate.

Recovery of Cooperative Assets: Perhaps one of his most outstanding contributions has been the recovery of UCA’s properties that had long been encroached upon. Working closely with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, over 27 plots of land were rediscovered in Namugongo, Mbalwa, Sonde, and other areas—assets that rightfully belong to Uganda’s cooperatives.

Tax Waiver Achievement: Through his persistent advocacy and collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the President granted a directive to waive UCA’s tax arrears amounting to over UGX 1.3 billion—relieving a major burden on the organization.

Staff Motivation and Welfare: He prioritized the welfare of UCA staff, improving salaries and working conditions to ensure a motivated and productive team.

Advancing Cooperative Development: He championed the establishment of the National Cooperative Bank, strengthening financial inclusion and empowerment for cooperatives across the country.

Upholding Integrity: In a powerful testament to his character, he revealed that he had once rejected a UGX 100 million bribe related to contested cooperative assets—an act that inspired confidence in his unyielding integrity and devotion to cooperative principles.

A Leader of Integrity and Service

Beyond his achievements, the Chairperson will be remembered for his servant leadership. His heartfelt appreciation extended to the Board, the Supervisory Committee, the Vetting Committee, and all UCA staff. He consistently recognized the guidance and support of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives—particularly the Ministers, Permanent Secretary, and Registrar of Cooperatives—for their unwavering collaboration.

He also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of individuals like Mr. Charles Kabuga and Mr. Bernard Walimbwa, whose work was instrumental in recovering cooperative assets.

A Call for Unity and Continuity

As he announced his decision not to seek another term, the outgoing Chairperson reaffirmed his continued commitment to UCA, offering to serve on the committee responsible for tracking and recovering cooperative assets. He urged the incoming Board to maintain unity, enhance visibility, and continue with the cooperative bank mobilization.

“Whoever thinks of taking advantage of our assets should know that I will always stand with UCA as long as I am alive,” he declared, a statement that captured his enduring dedication to protecting cooperative gains.

A Fitting Tribute

Delegates at the AGM expressed deep gratitude for his exceptional leadership.
Mr. Ndibalema, Chairperson of Ntungamo Cooperative, commended the outgoing Board for its tremendous achievements and moved a motion to give the outgoing Chairperson a special token of appreciation. He emphasized that future leaders should not only protect the gains achieved but also add new value to the cooperative movement.
Mr. Matte Israel of Rwenzori Farmers Cooperative Union seconded the motion, further proposing that the outgoing Chairperson be retained in an advisory role to guide the new Board in the ongoing asset recovery efforts.

A Lasting Legacy

The outgoing Board Chair leaves behind a stronger, more visible, and more united Uganda Cooperative Alliance—an organization better positioned to serve its members and promote cooperative growth nationwide. His vision, courage, and integrity have set a high standard for leadership that will inspire generations of cooperators to come.

As we bid him farewell, we do so with deep respect, pride, and gratitude for his invaluable service. His legacy will remain a cornerstone in UCA’s continued journey toward a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable cooperative movement in Uganda.

23^rd October 2025, Kampala, Uganda - The Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) recently hosted a delegation of eight members from Lesotho, led by officials from the Ministry of Small Business Development, Cooperatives and Marketing, on a benchmarking visit aimed at learning from Uganda's experiences in cooperative development.

The Lesotho team, which included representatives from the Ministry and other cooperative stakeholders, sought to understand how UCA executes its mandate as the apex body for cooperatives in Uganda. Discussions focused on best practices and strategies for promoting cooperative growth and development, with a particular emphasis on access to finance and risk management.

During the engagement, the delegation shared insights on Lesotho's Cooperative Development Fund, which provides affordable financing to cooperatives, strengthens institutional capacity, and promotes cooperative entrepreneurship. The Lesotho team expressed interest in Uganda's efforts to revive the Cooperative Bank, a move they believe will enhance access to financial services for cooperatives.

"Lesotho has established a Cooperative Development Fund, which serves purposes similar to what a National Cooperative Bank would do," said a member of the delegation. "We were pleased to learn that Uganda is in the process of reviving the Cooperative Bank, a move we believe is both timely and necessary to enhance access to financial services for cooperatives."

The delegation also explored ways in which UCA supports cooperatives to insure their assets and manage risks, with a view to replicating successful models in Lesotho.

UCA officials explained their partnership with Cooperative Insurance Company (CIC), which provides cooperative-based insurance solutions to safeguard members' deposits and strengthen the resilience of cooperative societies. The delegation was informed about the chairperson's role in CIC's board, highlighting the strategic advantage in connecting cooperatives to insurance services.

Discussions also focused on broader developmental issues affecting the cooperative movement in Uganda, including taxation challenges, regulatory framework gaps, and advocacy efforts. The delegation commended UCA's efforts in strengthening and professionalizing the cooperative movement in Uganda.

"We are impressed by the work being done by UCA and look forward to strengthening our cooperation with Uganda to promote cooperative development in our country," said an official from the Lesotho Ministry of Small Business Development, Cooperatives and Marketing.

The visit underscores the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among cooperative organizations in Africa, and is expected to yield benefits for both Uganda and Lesotho in their efforts to promote cooperative growth and development.

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18th September 2025, Kampala, Uganda – In a historic milestone for Uganda’s cooperative movement, cooperators, government institutions, the private sectors, development partners and other stakeholders from across the country convened to celebrate the achievements of cooperatives and witness the official launch of the National Cooperative Bank. Over 46,000 registered cooperatives serving more than eight million cooperators nationwide gathered at UMA Show Grounds Lugogo, to celebrate this milestone.

Celebrating Achievements and Growth
The conference opened with remarks from the Board Chair, Mr. Jonas Tweyambe, who welcomed participants and introduced all board members. Highlighting the growth and resilience of cooperatives, he thanked the President for fostering peace and stability, which have enabled the cooperative sector to thrive. Mr. Tweyambe also recognized the invaluable contributions of key partners, including the judiciary, Parliament, Ministry of Trade, Centenary Bank, Post Bank, Makerere University Business School, and numerous SACCOs such as Wazalendo and Exodus SACCO, for supporting the cooperative movement.

CPA Ivan Asiimwe, the General Secretary of UCA, reiterated that the Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) remains the apex body for all cooperatives in the country. He thanked the President and Cabinet for their continued support, recognizing the critical role of cooperatives in employment creation—currently employing over 200,000 Ugandans—and contributing significantly to Uganda’s GDP. He also highlighted cooperatives’ increasing engagement in agro-processing and skills development, emphasizing the sector’s transformation into a professional, people-centered movement.

Insights from Experts
Dr. Fred Muhumuza, gave the key note speech, and emphasized the importance of establishing a strong advisory framework within the National Cooperative Bank, ensuring alignment with government policies while promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and compliance.

Mr. Patrick Nyanga, the General Managing Director of CIC Group in Nairobi, Kenya, shared lessons from his tenure at Kenya’s Cooperative Bank, which grew from a small, loss-making institution in 1968 to the third-largest bank in Kenya, owned by cooperatives. He highlighted key pillars of cooperative banking: inclusivity, democratic governance, community accountability, sustainability, and leveraging technology. Nyanga urged Ugandan cooperatives to invest in financial literacy, business acumen, and digital transformation to bridge financing gaps and empower members. “Learn from what collapsed the first Cooperative Bank of Uganda, and try not to repeat it so that this newly re-established time can stand the test of time”, said Mr. Nyaga. The Cooperative Bank of Kenya currently boasts of over 26 trillion Uganda Shillings in capitalization and it has branches across the country.

Wazalendo SACCO Sets a Benchmark
Gen Sam Kavuma, Chairman of Wazalendo SACCO, shared insights on building a strong cooperative organization. From a modest beginning with 30 members, Wazalendo now serves over 116,000 members, has disbursed more than 3.5 trillion UGX in loans, and holds assets totaling 1.2 trillion UGX. Kavuma emphasized five guiding principles for cooperative success: member-formed, member-owned, member-financed, member-managed, and member-beneficiary. He urged members to embrace the notion of saving however little they can start with.

The Launch of the National Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Limited.

The Highlight of the day was the Launch of the National Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Limited, a precursor to the National Cooperative Bank of Ugand. Hon. Francis Mwebesa, the Cabinet Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives officially launched the bank and handed over the certificate of registration for the National Cooperative Bank, marking a key milestone in Uganda’s cooperative sector. In his speech, he recognized the critical role of government, Parliament, and the Ministry of Trade in providing a conducive legal and regulatory environment, including tax waivers and digital systems for financial management. He called upon the policy makers and cooperators to streamline cooperative laws, establish a single regulator, and promote arbitration and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Looking Ahead
The event concluded with calls for cooperators to embrace technology, sustainability, and shared responsibility while fostering partnerships across the East African region. Stakeholders emphasized the cooperative movement’s potential to drive inclusive economic growth, empower youth and women, and integrate Uganda into broader African markets.

The launch of the National Cooperative Bank signals a new era for Uganda’s cooperatives—one focused on equity, accountability, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that the sector remains a cornerstone of the country’s economic development.

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Fort Portal City, July 4, 2025 — In a powerful display of unity and purpose, cooperators, government leaders, development partners, and academia convened at Nyaika Hotel in Fort Portal City to commemorate the International Day of Cooperatives 2025 under the resonant global theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World.” The national symposium served as a vibrant space for dialogue, reflection, and renewed commitment to a cooperative model that is inclusive, empowering, and aligned with Uganda’s economic transformation agenda.

The event opened with remarks from Ms. Khadija Nakakande, who applauded the Ministry of Trade, the Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA), Uganda Savings and Credit Cooperative Union, and development partners for organizing a well-executed symposium. Representing the Minister of Trade, the Assistant Commissioner for Cooperatives emphasized the central role cooperatives play in Ugandan society, noting that over 6,000 cooperatives had been registered as of June 15. He highlighted their impact on job creation, particularly through industrial hubs designed to absorb graduates, and called on cooperatives to actively support government-led initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. Acknowledging the contribution of international partners, he commended the Korean Federation for promoting youth-focused cooperatives, emphasizing that sustainable development is impossible without youth inclusion.

The symposium was part of a week-long celebration that saw cooperators participate in a tree-planting campaign, a blood donation drive, and a cooperative run, all of which underscored the commitment of the cooperative movement to both environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Agatha Katusiime extended a warm welcome to the participants and recognized the historical role cooperatives have played in uplifting communities. A moment of recognition was given to Anthony Butera, a longstanding figure in Uganda’s cooperative movement, alongside political, cultural, and religious leaders, including representatives from the Tooro Kingdom, for their unwavering support and contributions.

A defining moment of the day came with the announcement on the Cooperative Bank, a long-anticipated institution set to revolutionize financial access for cooperatives across the country. A UCA representative revealed that cooperators had formally agreed to proceed with its formation following resolutions passed on June 17, 2025. Key requirements were shared with clarity: each cooperative would contribute UGX 1 million in share capital, pay a membership fee of UGX 100,000, and submit a board resolution along with registration documentation. The steering committee responsible for launching the bank was confirmed as voluntary and unpaid, a gesture reflecting commitment to the cooperative cause. The bank aims to serve as a central financial hub, consolidate cooperative finances, and promote sustainable investment. Drawing inspiration from global examples like Rabobank in the Netherlands, Kenya’s Cooperative Bank, and the newly launched cooperative bank in Tanzania, which raised TZS 25 billion in April, the announcement sparked a sense of urgency for Uganda to advance in the same direction.

Delivering the keynote address, senior economist Dr. Fred Muhumuza underscored the importance of mindset change, stressing that sustainable cooperatives require professional governance and strategic foresight. He warned against common pitfalls such as board interference in daily operations and advocated for the hiring of qualified professionals to manage cooperative affairs. He further emphasized the need to revise Uganda’s cooperative regulatory framework, improve access to finance, and ensure that the future cooperative bank is well-integrated into the country’s digital economy. He urged participants to study successful models from countries like Japan and Germany to inform Uganda’s next steps.

Echoing the call for transformation, Professor Mindra from Makerere University Business School (MUBS) stressed that education lies at the heart of any sustainable cooperative system. He made a passionate appeal for cooperative studies to be introduced from primary school through to university, underscoring the need for an informed generation of future cooperative leaders. He shared that MUBS, in collaboration with UCA and Moshi Cooperative University, is developing training programs aimed at improving cooperative governance and management across the country.

The plenary session was a moment of candid reflection and critical inquiry. Participants raised concerns over the proliferation of “briefcase” SACCOs and the limited access to ongoing cooperative education. Mercy, a spirited participant, urged cooperatives to recognize and celebrate their achievements while continuing to educate members on their purpose and responsibilities. Another participant, Justine, movingly shared her personal journey of transformation through cooperative education, highlighting its impact on her personal and professional development.

In a show of support from the financial sector, Tunde Thorpe from Stanbic Bank emphasized the critical role of partnerships in expanding access to finance, particularly for women, youth, and farmers. He reiterated Stanbic’s commitment to working with cooperatives to strengthen financial systems and promote economic inclusivity.

As the symposium concluded, a powerful consensus emerged: Uganda’s cooperatives must commit to professionalism, invest in education at all levels, and accelerate the establishment of the Cooperative Bank. With the continued support of government, academia, the private sector, and international partners, the cooperative movement stands on the threshold of becoming a transformative force in the nation’s economic development.

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