UGANDA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES THE 2025 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF COOPERATIVES IN FORT PORTAL CITY
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
Photo Gallery
