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.

 The Musevenomics Conference 2025 concluded today at Mestil Hotel, Kampala, with a strong consensus on the need to deepen Uganda’s socio-economic transformation through practical application of Musevenomics — the development philosophy inspired by the leadership and economic vision of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Held under the theme “Sustaining Musevenomics: Navigating Uganda’s Economic Future in a Disrupted World,” the two-day conference brought together policymakers, economists, business leaders, researchers, and diplomats to reflect on the past, evaluate current strategies, and shape Uganda’s economic direction in an increasingly volatile global environment.
Delivering the summary insights and recommendations, Dr. Patrick B. Birungi, Executive Director of the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), emphasized the enduring relevance and evolving nature of Musevenomics. “This is not a static theory. Musevenomics is dynamic, pragmatic, and integrative — drawing lessons from classical, Marxist, and liberal economic thought while remaining firmly rooted in Uganda’s context,” he said.
General Caleb Akandwanaho delivered a resounding call for comprehensive land reforms during the conference, describing Uganda’s distorted land market as “the most constrained factor of production" and a major obstacle to inclusive economic transformation. He emphasized the need to liberate the land market through functional, equitable and inclusive reforms that prioritise the rural poor, women and youth. “Land is the premier factor of production. Without secure, accessible land systems, no meaningful development can occur”, said General Akandwanaho.
In a moment that captured the sense of urgency in the room, the Governor of the Bank of Uganda was pointedly reminded of the long-standing call to revive the Cooperative Bank — a key institution once central to financing Uganda’s cooperative sector. Participants emphasized that access to affordable and accessible financing remains a stumbling block to the growth of cooperatives, particularly in rural areas where traditional commercial banks are either absent or inaccessible.
“There is a gap that only a dedicated Cooperative Bank can fill,” one participant noted. “It’s time we stopped talking and started acting. Cooperatives need a bank that understands their unique dynamics.” The Governor, in response, acknowledged the need for a specialized financial institution and promised to engage relevant actors in exploring viable models for such a bank.
Throughout the discussions, there was a shared recognition that cooperatives can play a transformative role in addressing youth unemployment, promoting women’s economic participation, and enhancing agricultural value chains. Speakers called for policy reforms, investment in digital tools to improve cooperative management, and a renewed commitment from government to protect cooperative assets.
The Musevenomics Conference comes at a time when Uganda is midway through its 2040 Vision, and it coincides with the initiation of the National Development IV.
Key Insights: Building from Strength, Tackling Persistent Gaps
The conference spotlighted Uganda’s notable achievements since 1986: macroeconomic stability, road and energy infrastructure expansion, liberalization of key sectors like coffee, and the growth of agro-industrialization hubs such as Namunkekera.
However, the discussions also laid bare stubborn bottlenecks, including land market dysfunction, shallow financial markets, bureaucratic inertia, misaligned education outputs, corruption, and high costs across key production factors like electricity, transport, and regulation.
“We cannot transform Uganda if our factories continue operating below 30% capacity while our land remains underutilized and youth lack relevant technical skills,” warned Prof. Julius Kiiza.
Delivering the Key note update on the economy, Mr. Ramathan Goobi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said that Uganda’s economy grew by 6.1% last year, and we are projecting 6.4% growth this year. “Our macroeconomic stability is no accident, it is anchored by disciplined fiscal and monetary policies," he said.
Andrew Mwenda, Managing Director of the Independent, offered a media perspective saying, “We must tie government support to state-owned enterprises with strict performance targets”.
Action-Oriented Recommendations
The conference outlined bold, practical recommendations to sustain and accelerate Uganda’s transformation:
• Strengthen National Value Chains: Invest in complete agro-industrial chains—from production to packaging—to drive competitiveness in strategic sectors such as textiles, coffee, and oilseeds.
• Reform Land Management: Secure land tenure, streamline titling, and unlock land as productive capital through models like the landlord-developer-investor framework showcased in Kapeeka.
• Deepen Financial Markets: Make long-term, affordable finance accessible to SMEs and farmers; scale impact investing and fintech innovation to drive inclusion.
• Implement the "Six Highs" Framework: Systematically lower the cost of finance, electricity, transport, ICT, regulation, and land/labor to unlock wealth creation.
• Restructure the Civil Service: Align public service with performance, reduce redundancies, and prioritize strategic pay reform.
• Promote Mixed Economy Models: Encourage joint state-private enterprise development in key sectors, reviving the spirit of the Ten-Point Programme.
• Improve Tax and Payment Systems: Address delayed government payments and revise tax policies that burden businesses before actual cash flow occurs.
• Mobilize Communities for Transformation: Strengthen strategic guidance to economic agents and sustain efforts in mindset change to increase productivity and enterprise.
The Way Forward
The Musevenomics Conference 2025 reaffirmed the philosophy’s foundational role in Uganda’s journey and underscored its adaptability to future challenges. From geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions to climate change and digital transformation, Musevenomics remains a blueprint for inclusive, resilient, and homegrown development.
Dr. Birungi closed with a rallying call: “We now have a solid diagnosis. The task ahead is implementation. We must build a Uganda where prosperity is inclusive, growth is owned, and transformation is tangible in every household.”

Cooperatives Urged to Embrace Branding and Digital Marketing to Boost Visibility and Competitiveness

Kampala, Uganda – May 8, 2025 — The Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) has called on cooperatives across the country to adopt strategic branding and marketing as essential tools for business development and sustainability. This call was made during a live television talk show aired on UBC TV on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, under the theme: “Cooperative Business Development through Visibility and Strategic Marketing.”

Hosted as part of UCA’s weekly cooperative dialogue series, the talk show featured CPA Ivan Asiimwe, the General Secretary of Uganda Cooperative Alliance, and Ms. Jacqueline Zawedde, the Communications and Marketing Officer. The discussion unpacked the critical gaps in marketing and branding among Ugandan cooperatives and proposed pathways to enhance their visibility and impact in an increasingly digital and competitive marketplace.

“The Cooperative Model is not just a business model—it’s a development strategy,” emphasized Mr. Asiimwe, reiterating the transformative power of cooperatives when properly positioned and marketed. “If we can invest in visibility and build stronger identities for our cooperatives, they can serve not just Uganda, but become benchmarks across Africa and the entire planet.”

The show highlighted the branding vacuum in many cooperatives, noting that while they play vital roles in community development and economic empowerment, their public perception and visibility remain limited.

Ms. Zawedde emphasized the significance of capacity building, stating that many cooperatives lack a clear understanding of how branding, digital marketing, and consumer orientation can elevate their operations.

“There is a real need to build the marketing capacity of cooperatives,” she said. “Branding is not just about a logo—it’s about identity, trust, and value. When cooperatives understand this, they can speak confidently to their stakeholders and market their products effectively.”

She went further to explain six key marketing orientations—production, product, selling, marketing, societal, digital—and how cooperatives can realign themselves to focus on customer-driven strategies. She urged cooperatives to embrace digital transformation to reach wider audiences and remain relevant.

“We are in the digital era. Cooperatives must digitize their processes—be it through social media, e-commerce, or digital storytelling. Without this, they risk being left behind,” said Ms. Zawedde.

In an appeal to government, Mr. Asiimwe called for subsidies and policy incentives to support the digitalization of cooperative structures, particularly in rural areas where connectivity and capacity are still lagging. “The government needs to step in and support the digital evolution of cooperatives. It is a necessity for growth and competitiveness”, he said.

He further called upon cooperatives to embrace marketing especially digital marketing in order to have a competitive advantage. 

Follow the conversation on you tube on the link below: https://youtu.be/GAhBZcaa1L8?si=afR7vZsz5VZdkHQT 

CPA Ivan Asiimwe, General Secretary of Uganda Cooperative Alliance and Vice President for Africa, is making waves at the International Co-operative Agricultural Organisation (ICAO) a sector of the International Co-operative Alliance meeting in Ankara, Turkey. His outstanding leadership and representation are shining a spotlight on Uganda's dedication to advancing cooperative agriculture globally. By participating in the 2025 ICAO EXCOM & Seminar, Asiimwe is reinforcing Uganda's commitment to promoting cooperative agriculture on the world stage.

CPA Ivan Asiimwe, General Secretary of Uganda Cooperative Alliance Ltd, played a key role in representing cooperators at a landmark event "the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Wakandi and the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission." This significant occasion took place at the Norwegian Ambassador's residence in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with esteemed guests Her Excellency Kristin Hermansen and Mr. Espen Kvelland, CEO of Wakandi, in attendance.

Wakandi is a cutting-edge digital financial system designed specifically for cooperatives, offering formal financial services to cooperatives and microfinance institutions across Africa. By digitizing savings and loan management, Wakandi enables cooperatives to streamline their daily operations, ensuring accuracy, safety, and speed.

Notably, the Uganda Cooperative Alliance had previously signed an MOU with Wakandi in October 2024, aimed at digitalizing cooperatives to enhance transparency and accountability.