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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Kampala, Uganda — June 27, 2025
As part of the activities leading up to the International Day of Cooperatives, the Uganda Cooperative Alliance, in collaboration with the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, held a special Prayer Breakfast today at Hotel Africana in Kampala.

The spiritually uplifting event brought together cooperative members, stakeholders, and faith leaders under one roof with the aim of promoting unity, solidarity, and cooperation among cooperatives and the broader community.

The main celebrant of the morning was Bishop Herbert Buyondo, who led the congregation in prayers, reflections, and blessings for the cooperative movement. He was joined and supported by several esteemed religious leaders, including, Rev. Emmanuel Lutaaya, Vicar of St. Paul Cathedral Namirembe, Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda, Regional Assistant Mufti, Dr. Kamiza, representing the Seventh-day Adventist Uganda Union, Bishop Andrew Lugoloobi, Secretary General of the Born Again Faith in Uganda, Rev. Daniel Token Wejuli, Programme Specialist – Spirituality and Religious Structures

The Prayer Breakfast served as a moment of reflection and spiritual grounding for the cooperative movement, emphasizing the importance of moral values, shared responsibility, and working together for sustainable development.

This year’s International Day of Cooperatives will be celebrated under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All.” The prayer breakfast was a strong reminder of the power of faith and cooperation in building resilient, inclusive, and united communities.

The State Minister for Cooperatives, Hon. Frederick Ngobi Gume, has launched a blood donation drive in Jinja City as part of the activities leading up to the International Cooperatives Day celebrations. 

The event, held at Katch Rd West, aimed to encourage Ugandans to donate blood and save lives.

Minister Gume emphasized the importance of blood donation, highlighting the critical need for blood to save Ugandans who lack access to this life-saving resource.

He applauded the efforts of the Uganda Cooperative Alliance and the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services for joining forces to steer the blood donation drive.

The Uganda Cooperative Alliance Communications Officer, Jackline Zawede, explained that the initiative is part of the cooperative movement's commitment to saving lives. "As cooperators, we believe in the values of solidarity and social responsibility. Donating blood is a tangible way for us to demonstrate our care for our fellow Ugandans," she said.

In addition to the blood donation drive, other activities such as tree planting and a prayer breakfast are ongoing as part of the celebrations leading up to International Cooperatives Day on July 5th.

The main celebrations will take place in Fort Portal.

The blood donation drive is expected to collect about 1000 units of blood countey wide, which will be used to save lives across Uganda.

The initiative has been hailed as a testament to the cooperative movement's commitment to making a positive impact on communities.

Success Story: Madam Oroma – From Grapes to Gold in Nebbi

In the heart of Nebbi Municipality, a remarkable woman is transforming her compound into a hub of agribusiness excellence. Madam Oroma, a proud member of the Nebbi Area Cooperative Enterprise, has turned a small initiative into a multi-million-shilling enterprise—proving that with knowledge, commitment, and hard work, greatness is possible.

🍇 From Grapes to Glory
In 2018, Madam Oroma received value addition training from the Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) in Nebbi. That training focused on grape production and the power of adding value to what one grows—even in the smallest of spaces.

With just six grape stems planted in her compound, she harvests three times a year, producing up to 85 kilograms per season. At a market price of UGX 8,000 per kilogram, she makes UGX 2.4 million annually from raw grapes alone. But Oroma didn't stop there—she adds value through processing, packaging, and innovation. Her annual income from value-added grape products has soared to an impressive UGX 63.7 million!

She also earns from seedlings. Each cutting sells for UGX 4,000, and in 2024 alone, she expects to make UGX 7.2 million from seedlings sales. And with grapes having a lifespan of over 100 years, the investment keeps giving.

🍯 The Sweet Side of Success: Honey
Her venture into beekeeping added another layer to her success. Starting with just passion and training, her honey business gained attention. She innovatively processes Vaseline from beeswax, which caught the attention of the Commissioner of Cooperatives. This breakthrough led her to travel to China, courtesy of the Ministry, to showcase her product.

Her hard work paid off again in 2023 when she was profiled under Harvest Money Uganda, emerging winner in West Nile and ranking 13th nationally. In 2025, she’s headed to the Netherlands—another milestone in her journey.

She has since been supported with close to UGX 20 million worth of equipment from the Government of Uganda, including a settling tank, wax extractor, sieving machines, and containers. Just last week, she received 11 modern beehives—a reward for her unwavering work ethic.

“I injected UGX 10 million in honey,” Oroma says proudly. “I buy only combed honey to maintain the highest quality, and from that, I now earn UGX 78 million in profits annually. Nothing from bees goes to waste.”

💡 A Word to Fellow Cooperators
Despite her success, Oroma remains grounded and passionate about the cooperative movement. But she’s quick to point out one major challenge: passive membership.

“People wait until money comes in, then they show up,” she says. “But true cooperators should be active from the start. I won’t chase those who aren’t ready—I’ll focus on producing quality that attracts partners.”

Her message is clear: “Whatever you do, do it to improve yourself. Let your work speak. Banks, insurers, even the government will come looking for you.”

💬 Final Words from Madam Oroma
“In my small community, I’m now the richest woman—and it’s all thanks to the cooperative model and hard work. Let’s stop underutilizing our land. Let’s plant grapes, rear bees, and benefit from this supportive government. Under a cooperative, the world opens up for you.”

📞 To connect with Madam Oroma for mentorship or insight, contact: 0772 515 724

Kampala, Uganda – June 17, 2025 —Cooperators from across the country convened today to take decisive steps towards the formalization and operationalization of the long-awaited National Cooperative Bank. The meeting, which was held at Uganda Cooperate Alliance, brought together key figures from the cooperative movement, government, and financial sector in a unified call to build a bank for cooperators, by cooperators.

Mr. Ivan Asiimwe, the General Secretary of UCA, said “We must move beyond endless discussions. Tanzania launched its cooperative bank in April this year. Kenya has had one since 1966. Uganda cannot afford to lag behind.” He applauded regions like Kigezi, where SACCOs have already pledged financial support to the cause, and expressed gratitude to Hon. Agnatius Odimi, former Vice Chair of the Budget Committee in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Elgon Region, for championing the subvention support for UCA.

While delivering the keynote address, Hon. Minister Gume inspired the audience with a bold statement: “The time is now!” He emphasized that the establishment of a cooperative bank does not require Bank of Uganda approval under the Tier 4 framework, a structure deemed most feasible at this stage. He advised cooperators to move “cautiously but swiftly” in a competitive liberal economy, and even proposed that the bank be headquartered at the UCA building. “If we approach this with discipline, I am confident it will succeed,” he added.

The UCA led by example by committing UGX 10 million towards the bank’s capitalization, alongside pledges to provide office space, a vehicle, and initial staffing support. This gesture sparked a wave of financial commitments from SACCOs and cooperatives across the country, to a tune of over UGX 60 Million. Notable contributions included UGX 10 million from Hima SACCO, UGX 5.1 million from Banyankole Kweterana, and UGX 5 million each from Father’s SACCO and the Middle North Cooperative Union.

Mr. Asiimwe also gave a comprehensive presentation on Uganda’s financial sector, outlining the tiers of banking and emphasizing why starting with a Tier 4 cooperative structure is both practical and legal. “We need to begin where we are strongest — among ourselves — and grow from there,” he advised.

Guidance from the Registrar of Cooperatives reinforced this direction, noting that the Kenyan Cooperative Bank is 99% owned by cooperators — a model Uganda should emulate. The Registrar proposed a vision for the new bank: “To be the leading, trusted, resilient and transformative financial institution in Uganda and the region based on a unique cooperative model providing innovative financial solutions to her clientele.”

With spirited engagement from participants, the meeting passed several critical resolutions. The bank will be registered as National Financial Cooperative Society Ltd, with an eye on upgrading in future to become The National Cooperative Bank of Uganda. The share value was set at UGX 100,000 with a minimum holding of 10 shares per member. A 14-member steering committee was confirmed to guide the registration and formation process, with the bank’s reach envisioned to cover the entire country.

The meeting concluded with closing remarks from Hon.  Odimi, who thanked all participants for their unwavering commitment. “Let us join voices and resources to see this bank thrive. Let us be positive and build an institution that reflects our values,” he said.

https://youtu.be/ARKWpo-PrG4?si=4-9APf2dM7fEJUvO 

Let’s Celebrate the International Day of Cooperatives with a Green Touch! 🌍

 Dear Cooperators,
As part of our activities to commemorate this year’s International Day of Cooperatives, we are pleased to launch a special Tree Planting Campaign to highlight our collective commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
We invite each cooperative to participate by planting trees of your choice in your communities. To capture and share your efforts, we kindly ask that you:
📹 Record a short, high-quality video (maximum 1 minute) showing your tree planting activity.
We suggest that you use this message as you record your video. It doesn’t have to be read verbatim but it can be along these lines:
“Hello, we are [Name of Your Cooperative], and today we are proud to join other cooperatives across the country to plant trees as part of our contribution to protecting the environment.
This initiative is in recognition of the International Day of Cooperatives, and we are excited to be part of this nationwide campaign, led in partnership with the Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA).
Together, we are building a greener and more sustainable future!”

📤 Send your video to either:
• Jacqueline Zawedde at 0776 312250, or
• Emmanuel Mugarura at 0772 658642.
🎥 Deadline for submissions: 28TH JUNE 2025
🎉 Why participate?
1. All submitted videos will be compiled and showcased during our celebrations of the International Day of Cooperatives
2. The cooperative that plants the highest number of trees will receive a special award and be recognized by H.E. the President of Uganda during the national celebrations!
Let’s come together to grow a greener future and make this celebration truly impactful!
For any inquiries, feel free to reach out via the contacts above.
Together, we are building a better, greener world. 🌱

Date: June 11, 2025

Uganda Officially Launches the 2025 International Day of Cooperatives in Fort Portal City

 Theme: “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World”
Main Celebration Date: Saturday, 5th July 2025 | Venue: Boma Grounds, Fort Portal City

Today, the Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA), in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, officially launched the 103rd International Day of Cooperatives (IDC) in Fort Portal City, under the global theme: “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.” This milestone event sets the pace for a powerful celebration of cooperative values, unity, inclusion, sustainability, and resilience, across Uganda and the world.

Speaking at the launch event, Hon. Harriet Ntabazi, Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, in a speech read for her by an official from the Ministry of Trade, emphasized the crucial role of cooperatives in Uganda’s development agenda.

“Cooperatives are not just economic vehicles; they are engines of community empowerment and inclusive growth. As we commemorate the International Day of Cooperatives, we call upon all Ugandans and stakeholders to rally behind this movement that continues to transform lives across agriculture, finance, housing, health, and transport sectors,” she said.

The launch was further energized by the leadership and presence of Toro Dairy Cooperatives and Busaiga SACCO, who are co-hosting this year’s national celebrations in the heart of Fort Portal City.

“Toro is proud to lead this national celebration. Cooperatives are part of our heritage and future,” noted the Chairperson of Toro Dairy Cooperatives. “Through cooperation, we’ve transformed communities, empowered farmers, and built resilience in local economies.”

Uganda currently boasts over 46,656 registered cooperatives, representing more than 18 million Ugandans. These cooperatives directly contribute 2.6% to Uganda’s GDP and employ 16% of the population, playing a significant role in driving the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), Uganda Vision 2040, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Despite these achievements, Uganda’s cooperative movement continues to face systemic challenges, policy and regulatory gaps, underfunding, limited technical capacity, and inadequate infrastructure, which hinder its full potential compared to thriving cooperative sectors in countries like Kenya, India, and those in Europe and North America.

This year’s commemoration offers a unique moment, as the United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, placing the global spotlight on the cooperative model as a driver of sustainable development.

To raise national awareness and engagement, the celebrations will feature a robust lineup of activities including:

• Press Conference (1st July 2025 – Media Center, Kampala)
• National Blood Donation Campaign & Health Camp (27–29 June 2025 – Nationwide)
• National Prayers (27th June 2025 – Hotel Africana, Kampala)
• Launch of Tree Planting Campaign (27th June 2025 – Kaliro and other districts)
• National Symposium on Cooperatives (3rd July 2025 – Mestil Hotel, Kampala)
• Sports Gala (4th July 2025 – Boma Grounds, Fort Portal)
• Exhibition & Award Ceremony (5th July 2025 – Boma Grounds, Fort Portal)
• Main Celebration Event (5th July 2025 – Boma Grounds, Fort Portal City)

The main event on 5th July 2025 is expected to be graced by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda, as the Chief Guest.

Follow the Celebration Live:

📺 Watch the Launch Proceedings: https://youtube.com/live/d4XCtdy4-EE?si=d-AaJceCii-wWq_8
📅 Save the Date: Main Celebrations – Saturday, 5th July 2025
📍 Venue: Boma Grounds, Fort Portal City

Let’s build a future that works for all—driven by cooperatives!

For More Information, Please Contact:
Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA)
📧 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  | 📞 +256 (0) 414 233 345
Website: www.uca.coop 
Twitter: @UgandaCoop  | Facebook: Uganda Cooperative Alliance

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KABALE, May 28, 2025 – The Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) successfully conducted a two-day capacity-building training for leaders of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) under the Kigezi Cooperatives Union. The training, held on May 23–24 at Kirigime Guest House in Kabale, convened 64 participants from SACCOs across the Kigezi sub-region.

The initiative follows a nationwide capacity needs assessment conducted by UCA across 135 districts and 3,710 cooperatives. The findings revealed widespread challenges in governance, financial management, member engagement, legal frameworks, and access to finance.

In response, UCA designed targeted interventions, including regional trainings to build leadership capacity and improve SACCO operations. The Kigezi training focused on enhancing governance, promoting sustainable financial practices, and preparing SACCOs to engage with emerging opportunities—such as investing in the proposed Uganda Cooperative Bank and accessing green financing through Uganda Development Bank (UDB).

During the training, UCA’s General Secretary emphasized the need for improved compliance, professional management, and active participation in the cooperative movement’s revival. He also clarified regulatory roles, highlighting that while UMRA provides a no-objection letter, licensing authority lies with the Bank of Uganda. SACCOs were urged to prepare for taxation compliance while continuing to advocate for tax exemptions.

Participants were introduced to new strategic directions, including the planned establishment of a cooperative-owned insurance company and academic partnerships for cooperative studies. The session on governance and risk management reinforced the board’s role in policy oversight, financial sustainability, and institutional accountability.

Key resolutions from the meeting included renewed commitment to the Kigezi Cooperatives Union, harmonization of SACCO bylaws, contributions to boost union capital, and increased investment in the forthcoming Cooperative Bank. SACCOs also resolved to support CIC Insurance and lobby for a tax exemption extension beyond 2027.

The training marks a significant step in strengthening Uganda’s cooperative sector, positioning SACCOs to play a more effective role in community development, financial inclusion, and national economic growth.