CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF OUR OUTGOING BOARD CHAIR: A STEWARD OF INTEGRITY, VISION, AND PROGRESS
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.
