UCA STRENGTHENS GOVERNANCE AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION CAPACITY OF FRANCISCAN INVESTMENT SACCO BOARD.
Kampala, 10th July 2026 , members of the Board of Franciscan Investment Cooperative Society Ltd converged at The Great Outdoors, Kalanamu in Gayaza for a strategic Board Orientation facilitated by the General Secretary of the Uganda Cooperative Alliance Ltd [UCA].
He was joined by the UCA Technical Team and Ms. Sharon Nahabwe from CIC Insurance in an engagement designed to equip cooperative leaders with the knowledge, values and tools needed to drive sustainable growth.
The orientation placed strong emphasis on building strategic leadership. The Board was taken through the history and principles of cooperatives and the unique cooperative business model that puts members at the center of ownership and decision making. There was also a deliberate focus on leadership and governance structures, with clarity on the distinct roles of the Board, Supervisory and Vetting committees and Management. The message was clear: the Board sets policy and provides direction, while Management handles day-to-day operations.
The session further addressed risk management, the legal framework and policies that guide cooperative operations. Participants were reminded that compliance and good governance are the foundation for protecting member assets and building public trust.
A significant portion of the training was dedicated to resource mobilization and capitalization. The Board explored practical strategies for increasing member shares and savings, and for deepening participation in the ongoing capitalization drive for the National Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd [NASACCO]. This was presented as a critical step toward ensuring that cooperatives own and control their financial institutions.
To reinforce the key messages, the General Secretary drew on powerful stories that resonate with cooperative values. Through the Eagle analogy, the Board reflected on vision, renewal, opportunities in challenges and resilience. The story of Lakita highlighted the power of unity, strategic planning and collective responsibility. Teachings from Prof. Lumumba provided lessons on African leadership, integrity and self-determination. These were presented as the pillars upon which the SACCO Board must build to drive growth, strengthen unity, and provide strategic leadership.
The engagement is expected to yield tangible results for Franciscan Investment SACCO. The Board will be better positioned to provide strategic governance through clear policy direction and long-term planning. It will also have improved oversight capacity to manage risks, ensure compliance, and safeguard member assets. Through deliberate action, the SACCO should see increased resource mobilization in terms of member shares and savings. The training also sets the stage for financial sustainability through stronger policies on credit, investments and growth, and ultimately enhanced service delivery anchored in transparency, accountability and member value.
“This engagement is in line with our mandate as UCA. I am on the move to fulfill it by equipping cooperative leaders with knowledge, values, and tools for sustainable growth and resource mobilization,” said the General Secretary of UCA.
UCA continues to roll out capacity building programs for SACCOs across the country. The objective remains to ensure sound governance, increased resource mobilization, and improved service delivery for members.
