UCA Strengthens Advocacy Capacity at Regional Cooperative Lobbying Training in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mr. Nyabutundu (in the middle), during the training alongside other advocacy managers across Africa.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 27th July 2026 

The Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the voice of cooperatives by participating in a two-day Regional Capacity Building Programme on Cooperative Lobbying, Advocacy and Strengthening the Cooperative Enabling Environment, taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 27th to 28th July 2026.

Organized by the International Cooperative Alliance – Africa (ICA-Africa) under the ICA-EU Framework Partnership, the training has brought together cooperative leaders and managers from across the continent to strengthen their capacity to influence policies, shape legislation, and advocate for an enabling environment that supports the growth and sustainability of cooperative enterprises.

The programme seeks to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills for designing and implementing effective lobbying and advocacy initiatives within their cooperative institutions. The training comes at a time when the need for strategic lobbying and advocacy continues to grow as cooperatives navigate an increasingly dynamic economic, social, and regulatory environment.

Representing the Uganda Cooperative Alliance at the regional forum is Mr. Wilson Nyabutundu, UCA's Advocacy and Programmes Manager, who is participating alongside fellow ICA-Africa member representatives from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, the host country. The diversity of participants provides an important platform for peer learning, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of best practices in advancing cooperative interests across Africa. 

Speaking from Addis Ababa, Mr. Nyabutundu noted that effective advocacy is fundamental to ensuring cooperatives remain influential partners in national and regional development. He emphasized that as the policy and regulatory landscape continues to evolve, cooperative institutions must be equipped to engage governments, legislators, development partners, and other key stakeholders in promoting policies that safeguard and advance the interests of cooperative members.

Participation in the regional training aligns with UCA's strategic objective of strengthening the cooperative movement through evidence-based advocacy, policy engagement, and institutional capacity development. The knowledge and practical skills gained from the programme will further enhance UCA's efforts to champion policies that promote a vibrant, competitive, and resilient cooperative sector in Uganda. 

The regional programme also provides an opportunity for member organizations to deepen collaboration within the African cooperative movement, exchange experiences, and develop practical advocacy strategies that respond to emerging challenges and opportunities facing cooperatives across the continent.

As UCA continues to position cooperatives at the center of Uganda's socio-economic transformation, the Alliance remains committed to building the capacity of cooperative leaders and professionals to effectively influence policy, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and advocate for a more supportive business and regulatory environment.

 Ends