Uganda Co-Operative Alliance Hosted Members Of Parliament On The Committee Of Tourism, Trade And Industry On Wednesday 19th February 2025 In The UCA Conference Hall, Plot 47/49 Nkrumah Rd

Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) is an Umbrella Organization for over 30,000 Registered Cooperative Unions and Societies in Uganda. UCA promotes and supports Government efforts in achieving social-economic transformation of the country through cooperative development. The Cooperative Societies’ Act Cap 112 of 1991, and Cooperative Regulations of 1992, recognize Uganda Cooperative Alliance. “The Uganda Cooperative Alliance Ltd. Shall be the apex body for all Registered Cooperative Societies – Sec 4 (2)”. The Cooperative Societies’ Act 2020 as Amended gives UCA Legal mandate to: Advocate and represent the interests of cooperatives at National, Regional and International level, Consider and make recommendations to the Government on matters of policy relating to the cooperative movement, Make representation to the government as it may think fit in relation to any matter affecting registered cooperative societies, Settle disputes within cooperatives as and when they arise & Carry out any other duty assigned to it under the Act.

UCA’s other major mandate is to provide capacity building in the areas of: Business skilling and business incubation, Technical & advisory support services to Government, Cooperatives and other stakeholders on cooperative development matters, Tailor made trainings in all cooperative and group business operations, Policy formulation, implementation and compliance in the cooperative movement, Business linkages; both forward and backward linkages, Resource mobilization for cooperative development, Audits for efficient and effective service delivery by cooperatives.

 Purpose of Activity:

Purpose of Activity: UCA organized a half-day stakeholder meeting to present and discuss the strategic direction of UCA and the Cooperative movement for the next five years. Participants discussed the progress of the Cooperative Bank establishment, strategies for integrating PDM and Emyooga SACCOs into the mainstream sector, legal challenges faced by cooperatives, especially SACCOs, the need for cooperative education and training, cooperative ideology, principles, and values, and the contribution of cooperatives to the industrialization agenda as outlined in NDP IV (Sustainable industrialization for inclusive growth, employment, and wealth creation).

The objectives of the training were

• To support the establishment of the cooperative bank as per the road map presented including supporting a feasibility study on the bank.
• To urgently address the current legal challenges in cooperatives working together with the UCA legal team and the parliamentary legal committee.
• To strengthen UCA by increasing the annual budget allocation.
• To enhance the budget allocation for Ministry of Trade Industry & Cooperatives to implement on her mandate.
• To provide budget allocation to UCA for renovation and upgrading of UCA/ cooperators building on Nkrumah road.
• To promote cooperative education and training at all levels including budget allocation to enable UCA and her partners to promote degree programs in cooperative education and training, Cooperative ideology, principles and values and the contribution of cooperatives to the industrialization agenda as enshrined under NDP IV.

The presenters and topics trained about were:

Investing In Cooperative Education & Training For Cooperative Growth, Better Service Delivery & Sustainable Development By Prof. Rachel Mindra Katoroogo

The Need For A Cooperative Bank  By Cpa Ivan Asiimwe

The Power Of Cooperation By Cpa Ivan Asiimwe

 The Strategic Direction Of Uca  And The Cooperative Sector – Alignment With The Ndp Vi By Mr Solomon Kagaba Consultant Agriterra

 The Conflicting Legal And Regulatory Framework For Cooperatives And Saccos In Uganda By Senior Associate Ferdinand Tumuhaise

Action points taken were

• Members of Parliament pledged to support the establishment of the cooperative bank.
• Commitment to address the current legal challenges in cooperatives by Legislators.
• Legislators vowed to strengthen UCA by increasing the annual budget allocation.
• Policymakers further pledged to enhance the budget allocation for Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperative to implement on her mandate.
• The committee undertook to provide a budget allocation to UCA for the renovation and upgrading of UCA building on Nkrumah road.
• Lawmakers promised to promote cooperative education and training at all levels to enable UCA and her partners to promote degree programs in cooperative education

 Recommendations were:

• UCA should organize more engagements with Legislators to follow up on the various commitments made during the meeting.
• Policymakers should be duly furnished with sufficient information pertaining to issues discussed during the meeting.

 H.E. Frederieke Quispel, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and a representative of Uganda Minister of Agriculture, Animal  Industry and Fisheries during the launch.

On Thursday November 14, 2024, the Netherlands Embassy in Uganda launched four (4) projects aimed at supporting smallholder farmers in Uganda through cooperatives and farmer groups.  The launch was made by H.E. Frederieke Quispel, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands together with a representative of the Uganda Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. These projects are aimed at improving food and nutrition security, sustainable land use, and increased incomes for farmers in Uganda.The four projects all valued at 84 million Euros include:

Farmer Organizations for Rural Transformation (FORT) Project

The Farmer Organizations for Rural Transformation (FORT) Project will empower 200,000 rural households by strengthening 60 agricultural cooperatives, 60 Savings and credit cooperatives and 180 farmer groups to become centers of service for smallholder farmers across 27 districts in Uganda.

H.E, the Ambassador making her remarks during the launch

Building Resilience and Inclusive Growth of Highland Farming Systems for Rural Transformation (BRIGHT)

It is a four-year project implemented by IFDC. It will reach more than 100,000 households in Kigezi, Elgon, and Rwenzori regions. The project aims to improve food and nutrition security, sustainable land use, and increased incomes for farmers in these regions.

CommonGround, is a four-year project implemented by Wageningen Environment Research (WENR) – Wageningen University.

The project will build resilient farmer communities and watersheds in Kigezi, Elgon, and Rwenzori highland regions of Uganda. Using Participatory Integrated Planning, the project will reach 150,000 households to promote resilient farming systems, watershed restoration, and improved marketing of agricultural produce.

                                                                  Delegates during the launch

Dairy-Horticulture Credit Limited (DHCL Fund)

It is a 10-year project implemented by Pearl Capital Partners (PCP). The project aims to enable 12,000 dairy and horticulture farmers to obtain credit finance through their SACCOs. The DHCL Fund is operational in all regions of Uganda and has unveiled a credit facility fund totalling $6.4 million, supported by the Netherlands embassy. The fund aims to provide assistance to smallholder farmers in the dairy and horticulture value chains through a range of access to finance initiatives.

EMPOWERING TANZANIA'S YOUTH THROUGH COOPERATIVES

                                                                     Empowering the Youth through cooperatives in Tanzania

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group on 20 September 2024 approved a $129.71 million loan to Tanzania for the implementation of a youth-focused agribusiness program.

The loan will fund the first phase of the “Building a Better Tomorrow: Youth Initiatives for Agribusiness” program, which aims to create business opportunities and jobs for young people in key agricultural sectors.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $241.27 million. In addition to the Bank's loan, which covers 53,76 percent of the cost, the funding package includes grants of $1.15 million from the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Trust Fund and $210,000 from tropical vegetable seed firm East-West Seed. The Tanzanian government will provide $110.41 million, representing 45.76 percent of the total. (2024)

A WOMEN FARMERS’ COOPERATIVE ON A MISSION TO DECREASE HUNGER IN NIGERIA

A group of women farmers in Nigeria play a pivotal role in lessening hunger and increasing income levels in their community of Likoro, a village in Kudan, Kaduna State. Led by Rabi Attah Habibu, members of the Likoro Women Farmers’ Cooperative  grow maize, soybeans and rice to feed their own families and sell to others. Habibu began the group to ease hunger and malnutrition in her own community. Nigeria faces  high levels of food insecurity, with an estimated 26 million people (about 12 percent of the population) experiencing hunger due to low farm productivity, increased flooding because of climate change, soaring costs and restricted access to food because of violent conflict and displacement. The cooperative’s success has been boosted through a partnership with Thrive Agric, a company providing technology and other services to aid African farmers. The West Africa Trade and Investment Hub(opens in new window), funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), awarded a $1.9 million co-investment grant to Thrive Agric to support its initiative to help smallholder farmers in Nigeria. The Trade Hub partners with private-sector companies such as Thrive Agric to improve food security using a market-based approach.

SUPPORTING AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES TO RAISE SMALL HOLDER FARMER INCOME.

In partnership with USAID/Kenya, DFC has provided a $17.3 million loan portfolio guaranty to two Kenyan banks, including Co-operative Bank of Kenya, to help Kenya’s agriculture cooperatives access financing to support their members. DFC’s loan portfolio guaranty, which serves as a form of third-party collateral, has enabled Co-operative Bank of Kenya to provide a loan to Mwea Rice Growers. With this loan, the cooperative was able to purchase the entirety of its members’ rice paddy, which it processed at its own mill, and is sold at a premium. In addition to then returning profits to its member farmers, Mwea Rice Growers was able to grow its staff and increase local economic activity.

KENYA TO LICENSE COFFEE COOPERATIVES AS EXPORT AGENTS IN BID TO BOOST FARMERS’ INCOME

The Kenyan government has announced a significant plan in its coffee sector reforms to license farmers’ coffee cooperative societies as agents to export their coffee directly to international markets. The move is aimed at empowering local farmers and reducing the costs associated with coffee marketing and exportation. Cornelly Serem, Chairman of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) revealed that this initiative is part of broader efforts to reform the coffee subsector.  Under the plan, farmers’ cooperative societies will now have the ability to market and ship their coffee internationally, cutting out intermediaries and allowing for greater income retention by farmers.  “Having succeeded in licensing farmers’ associations as coffee brokers in recent years, our next move is to register new agents who will be able to export coffee overseas,” said Serem.  

He added that the national and county governments are working together with established coffee societies to ensure they meet the necessary regulatory requirements to obtain export licenses. The new licensing system is expected to reduce the cost of doing business for coffee farmers by allowing them to sell directly to international buyers, bypassing some of the costs typically incurred through middlemen.  This shift is also anticipated to enhance farmers’ incomes, providing greater financial returns for their produce. 

UGANDA COOPERATIVE ALLIANCE LTD SIGNS AN MOU WITH WAKANDI UGANDA LTD

On 22^nd October 23, 2024 , Uganda Cooperative Alliance LTD signed an MOU with Wakandi Uganda LTD, The purpose of this MoU is to establish a working relationship between the Parties, leading to a final contract and onboarding plan. The goal is to digitalize cooperatives, promoting transparency and accountability.

The General Secretary CPA Ivan Asiimwe said “ A team from Uganda Cooperative Alliance Ltd, Ministry of Trade, AMFIU, UMRA and other regulators sat with Wakandi and came up with a system that speaks to the financial reporting of a SACCO and other forms and types of cooperatives.

Wakandi is  a digital financial system made for your cooperative. This system is tailor made for the business of cooperatives in Uganda and is designed to meet the unique needs of cooperatives, digitizing cooperatives, how many members you have, or how many services you offer. You enjoy a digital platform that is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and offers a seamless view of all your day-to-day operations.

Wakandi has an App called Wakandi's Member App which allows members to make contributions, apply for loans, and manage shares. They can check their balances on-the-go and manage their finances effectively.

• Quick overview of loans, savings, and shares
• Ease of uploading documents and guarantor updates
• Make contribution or pay loan instalments instantly
• Create and track loan applications
• Reduce risk of carrying cash
• Build your financial history

Mr Espen Kvelland CEO Wakandi Norway said “ I don’t look at Cooperators as customers, I look at them as partners. A partnership is mutual benefit, if its not, its not proper partnership".

The General Secretary Uganda Cooperative Alliance Ltd CPA Asiimwe Ivan signing an MOU with  the Country Director Wakandi Uganda Mr Paul Kiwanuka Mubiru

 MOU signing between Innovation Norway represented by the Director, Madam Heidi Dahl and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Lynette Bagonza.

In attendance was;

Her Excellency The Ambassador of Norway Tinnes Tonnes, Rt Hon Rukia Nakadama 3rd Deputy Prime minister who represented the Rt. Hon Prime Minister,

Hon. Mwebesa Francis  Minister of Trade Industry and cooperatives, Hon Min Fred Ngume State minister for Cooperatives, Permanent Secretary Ms Lynette Bagonza , Hon. Amelia Anne Kyambadde the Senior Presidential Advisor on Industry to the President of Uganda and Madam Heidi Dahl of African Innovation.

 Established in 1961, Uganda Co-operative Alliance (UCA) Ltd is the apex body for all registered co-operative societies in Uganda covering different sectors of the economy. UCA serves as the voice of the co-operative movement both nationally and internationally with a mandate to consider, and make recommendations, and representation to the Government on matters of policy relating to the co-operative movement and any other matter affecting registered co-operative societies in general or in particular. UCA is also mandated to carry out arbitration whenever disputes arise in Co-operatives, provides capacity building, support institutional development, lobby and advocacy, resource mobilization for the cooperative movement and any other co- operative development work. UCA’s Vision is “A strong and vibrant umbrella organization of prosperous co-operatives with empowered members” with a mission “To provide high-quality support services to co-operatives and their members on a sustainable basis”.

As required by law, The board and management of Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA), convened the National Cooperative Consultative Meeting which was held on 24^th , September 2024 and her 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM) under the theme “Cooperatives build a better future for all” which was held on the 25^th September 2024.

This year’s National Cooperative Consultative meeting will be a landmark occasion, reflecting on the journey of our cooperative movement and charting the path forward amidst an evolving economic landscape. The Government of Uganda has adopted the cooperative model giving cooperatives a bigger milestone in service delivery for social economic transformation and improved livelihoods which is in line with NDP IV and the Global sustainable development Goals

UCA conducted a capacity needs assessment meeting that revealed various capacity gaps most of which need policy shift. It was in this context therefore, that UCA organized the national Cooperative Consultative Meeting in which cooperators, partners, implementers of different Government programs, policy makers, political, cultural and religious leaders. The participants were expected to generate policy positions and papers in addition to fostering strategic partnerships and collaborations for cooperative growth and development.

The Parliament of Uganda was represented by the following Members of parliament at the National Cooperative Consultative Meeting ;

1. Hon. Aol Betty Ochan - Gulu Municipality
2. Hon. Kuluo Joseph Andrew - Toroma County , Katakwi District
3. Hon. Wamakuyu Ignatius Mudini - Elgon County, Buwambuli District
4. Hon. Apolot Stella Isodo - MP Ngora District
5. Hon. Aleper Margret Aachila
6. Hon Businge Harriet - Hoima District
7. Hon. Abdulhu Byakatonda - MP workers
8. Hon. Jacinta Atuto - MP Aleptong District
9. Hon. Amero Suzan - MP Amuria District

The following were our Objectives.

1. UCA to engage the cooperators and its partners to reflect on the strategic goals and objectives of the cooperative movement and design the resolutions to influence the policy direction of the cooperative Society

2. To present the minutes of the 55 th AGM for approval.
3. To present Management actions on the matters arising from the 55 th Annual General Meeting.
4. To present to the AGM the Board and management report for the financial year 2023/2024.
5. To present to the AGM the UCA supervisory Board report and request for approval.
6. To present the to the AGM the external auditors and request for their approval for the year 2024/2025.

Expected results/Deliverables:

1. A National Cooperative Consultative meeting organized and 350 participants expected to attend.

2. A National Annual General Meeting organized and 250 participants expected to attend.
3. Design the resolutions to influence the policy direction of the cooperative Society
4. Annual General Meeting minutes with corrective action points
5. Resolutions

We had the following academia’s who presented on the following

The stakeholders from government ministries, department and agencies, [MDAs], development partners, policy makers ,the academia, SACCOs and Unions and media were exposed to several key presentations from actors such as National planning authority [NPA],Ministries of finance, Gender, trade, industry and cooperatives.

Presentation of Capacity Needs Assessment Report on cooperatives by Prof Ariho Alex

 Second presentation from Mr Arnold Bugonga planner trade at National Planning Authority presenting on Positioning Cooperatives into Uganda's Development strategies with focus on NDP IV

Our third presentation was from Mr Golooba Lwanga Manager Financial Inclusion from Ministry of finance, Planning and Economic Development about the roles of PDM and Emyooga in Wealth creation for social economic transformation

 Presentation from Mrs Amumpaire Mary, Senior ICT officer Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives,  presenting on Digital Migration A catalyst for inclusivity and Sustainability in Cooperatives

Presentation from Mr Enoch Mutamba, Skills and specialist, Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development on Business and Investment opportunities for Women and Youth through Generating Growth Opportunities and productivity for women enterprises (GROW) Project

Counsel Ferdinand from KAA, legal representatives of UCA presented the Investigation report on the assets of UCA

Uganda Co-operative Alliance (UCA) led efforts to raise strategies of setting up their own bank have received overwhelming support from key member stakeholder groupings who have endorsed the idea saying it was high time their long dream came to pass.

The development came to light on Tuesday 24 September during the high level National cooperative consultative meeting which was held at Silver springs hotel Bugolobi attended by over 200 distinguished stakeholders.

 Themed as ‘Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All’, the Alliance had been engaged in several regional stakeholder consultative meetings discussing strategies and devising means of reviving their now defunct cooperative bank which shall be named the National Cooperation Bank.

"The Cooperative Bank was established in the early 1960s as a main source of credit facilities for farmers in Uganda before its closure in May 1999 with 23 branches countrywide however the general secretary of UCA Ivan Asiimwe told the participants that their regional meetings to get advice from cooperators and lobby funds to reopen the bank was a success.

CPA Asiimwe Ivan said "cooperators need to raise Shs150bn, a minimum capital requirement set by the Bank of Uganda for the establishment of a bank".

“If the 50,000 registered cooperatives accept to combine their resources, then we can establish our bank. This system worked well in the Netherlands, Tanzania and Kenya,” Asiimwe said

He requested the government for financial support toward the establishment of the bank either in debt, equity, or venture capital.

CPA Ivan Asiimwe, the General Secretary of Uganda cooperative alliance noted that the two day meeting aimed to engage the cooperators and its partners to reflect on the strategic goals and objectives of the cooperative movement and design the resolutions to influence the policy direction of the cooperative Society.

"Also to present the minutes of the 55th AGM for approval. To present Management actions on the matters arising from the 55th Annual General Meeting. To present to the AGM the Board and management report for the financial year 2023/2024. To present to the AGM the UCA supervisory Board report and request for approval. To present to the AGM the external auditors and request for their approval for the year 2024/2025 among others.’’ He said.

The state minister for cooperatives Hon Min. Fredrick Gume Ngobi who stood in for the finance minister Matia Kasaija said the government was supportive of the cooperators voice and collective demand seeking to revive their old bank given the choking high lending interest rates from commercial banks.

"As the line ministry and government in general, we are supportive of the cooperative's view of reviving their old bank such that they can effectively drive their members' desired interests forward noted Ngobi.

He lashed out at some cooperators who are bent on orchestrating internal fights within the alliance as opposed to fronting for the real issues that affect the members especially challenges of fluctuating commodity prices, high bank borrowing interest rates among others.  

The Gulu district woman legislator and committee member of agriculture in the august house during her submission lashed out at the government for not doing enough to support farmers efforts of setting up own bank as well as effective policies that favor the farming community saying the Northern region was hard hit.

She observed that the government has all it takes to support the farmers in setting up their own bank but seems not either bothered or busy with other issues. However, the minister of finance Matia Kasaija led a team to struggle with the farmers in ensuring that their dreams come true.

The others were the parish development model [PDM] secretariat and the Uganda cooperative alliance secretariat among other players.

He asked leaders of different cooperatives to give the chance to the younger generation to serve at the leadership level.

‘’Don’t lock out the young generation to enter cooperatives, let the young generation come and also steer the movement of the cooperative. I want to give you an example: when I was in secondary school, I used to play a lot of football and do 50 push-ups, but now I can’t make even 30 because I have advanced in age. So why don’t you allow these young and energetic men and women to bring in fresh blood that would assist as to steer the cooperative movement. This is my concern’’ Minister said while officiating the National Cooperative Consultative Meeting held in Kampala on 24^th September, 2024 organized by the Uganda cooperative alliance –UCA.

The minister also advised cooperative societies to desist from endless wrangles that keep them stagnant for years instead of pushing for development.

According to him, the ministry is concerned that leaders in cooperative societies spend a lot of time engaging in unnecessary fights rather than discussing the challenges in the industry that has kept many behind.

Minister Ngobi emphasized that unity among the cooperative societies should be a priority if they are to develop and attract more people to join.

“I want to thank the cooperative alliance, we are looking forward to looking at you delivering the Bank because it will be your own Bank. It will not be a bank for the ministry of trade, industry and cooperatives, it is a bank for people who are cooperators. How do you move now? I’m tired of talking’’. Minister said, adding that if each of about 14 million cooperators around the country would contribute UGX 10,000 to the cooperative bank and we stop talking then cooperative movement will be far. he stated

‘’Look at the SACCOs in the country, they can come together and bring those resources. Be effective, be committed, stop quarrels and move ahead. That is the way forward’’. Minister said.

In her submission, during the consultative meeting, Betty Aol Ochan, the Gulu City Woman Member of parliament said that it is sad that cooperatives which used to empower people at grassroots are not working, only SACCOs are working.

Achan also raised the concern on the way some government programs are being implemented citing Emyoga program. She said government programs like Emyoga must be steered by only technical people at the districts instead of politicians.

She said unless such programs are put under technical people, They will help little or nothing to the economic transformation of communities.

According to her, Particularly in Northern region, Emyoga program is a big disaster and politicized asking why the government would not let the system work.

Established in 1961, Uganda Co-operative Alliance (UCA) Ltd is the apex body for all registered co-operative societies in Uganda covering different sectors of the economy. UCA serves as the voice of the co-operative movement both nationally and internationally with a mandate to consider, and make recommendations, and representation to the Government on matters of policy relating to the co-operative movement and any other matter affecting registered co-operative societies in general or in particular. UCA is also mandated to carry out arbitration whenever disputes arise in Co-operatives, provides capacity building, support institutional development, lobby and advocacy, resource mobilization for the cooperative movement and any other co- operative development work. UCA’s Vision is “A strong and vibrant umbrella organization of prosperous co-operatives with empowered members” with a mission “To provide high-quality support services to co-operatives and their members on a sustainable basis”.

Notice is hereby given that the members' Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) Ltd for the financial year ended June 30th, 2024, will be held on Wednesday, 25th September 2024 and preceded by the National Cooperative Meeting on Tuesday, 24th September, 2024 at Silver Springs Hotel Port Bell Road, Kampala, starting at exactly 8:00 AM under the theme " Co-operatives build a better future for all to be presided over by the Hon. Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives

PROPOSED AGM AGENDA 

1. Adoption of the Agenda
2. Prayer
3. Admission of new members
4. Communication from the BOD Chairperson and matters arising
5. Presentation and approval of the Minutes of the 55^th AGM that was held on 29ª September 2023
6. Presentation of management actions on matters arising from the 55^th AGM held on September 2023
7. Presentation of the Board / Management Report for the Financial Year 2023-2024 and Reactions
8. Presentation and approval of the report of the UCA Supervisory Board
9. Presentation and approval of Auditor's Report for the Financial Year 2023/2024
10. Presentation and approval of the annual budget for 2024/2025
11. Fixing the maximum liability
12. Authority to spend in the first quarter of the financial year 2025-2026
13. Appointment of Auditors
14. Any other business (to be submitted at least two days prior to AGM) and closure.

The general public is hereby notified with utmost seriousness that due to the ongoing
investigations by State House Anti-Corruption Unit in respect to the illegal sale of assets and
property belonging to Uganda Cooperative Alliance Ltd. by some previous leaders and
management, the Commissioner Land Registration issued a caveat on the properties and
parcels of land currently or formerly owned by UCA to wit;
1. Plot 24 Hanlon Road FRV1709 Folio 19 Bugolobi,
2. Plot 65 Lugogo Bypass
3. Kyadondo Block 244 Plot 4300 at Kisugu, Kansanga
4. Kyadondo Block 185 Plot 6009
5. Plot 47/49 Nkrumah Road
6. Kyaggwe Block 90 Plot 14
7. Kyaggwe Block 90 Plots 636 – 651
8. Kyadondo Block 185 Plots 5326 – 5502 at Namugongo
9. Kyadondo Block 189 Plots 628 – 654 at Seeta
10. Kyadondo Block 189 Plots 305 – 340
11. Kyadondo Block 182 Plot 122
12. Kyadondo Block 273 Plot 273
13. Kyadondo Block 185 Plot 6142
14. Kyadondo Block 230 Plot 1609
15. Kyadondo Block 221 Plot 1465
16. Kyadondo Block 1034
17. Plot M582 FRV 2566 Folio 23 UMA Show Grounds
We strongly advise against entering into any negotiations or agreements regarding UCA
property or land, initiating any financial transactions connected to these assets, and ignoring
the legal restrictions imposed by the caveat and ongoing investigations.
For further information and updates, please contact:

Commissioner of Land Registration

State House Anti-Corruption Unit

Uganda Cooperative Alliance

Co-operators in Uganda have a reason to smile as the government schedules the revival of the collapsed Cooperative Bank.

Hon. Jane Ruth Achang the Minister of Health shaking hands with Mr. Johnas Tweyambe the Chairman BOD of Uganda Co-operative Alliance Ltd during the Coop Day celebrations  2023 at Mayor's Garden in Lira City 

As the world concludes the celebrations of International Co-operative Day 2023, the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (who was the chief guest for the event), challenges the Cooperatives to take advantage of the prevailing peace and security to engage in productive activities that create jobs, and sustainable growth.

The president remarked in a message delivered to co-operators on his behalf by the Minister of Health, Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng (Area Member of Parliament), at the 101^st International Cooperatives Day and 29^th United Nations International Day of Cooperatives held at Mayor’s Gardens in Lira City. The commemoration, hosted by Lango Cooperative Union Ltd. and Walimu Co-operative Union Ltd., was held under the theme "Cooperatives: Partners for Accelerated Sustainable Development."

In his message, the President said that the government is focusing on creating wealth and encouraged Co-operatives to embrace government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) to transform lives. He emphasised the importance of Commercial Agriculture, Industries, Services, Information, communication, and Technology (ICT) and a big Pan-African market in job creation, wealth creation, and the transformation of the country.

Hon. Aceng appreciated the cooperators for their creativity that aims to elevate the wellbeing and sustainability of their members.

"While inspecting the stalls, I realised that cooperators are performing well and have accumulated money that can be put together to improve members’ welfare," she said.

In the same vein, she pledged to join hands and work with the co-operative movement towards the recovery of the Co-operative Bank.

 "I pledge to work with you as a cooperator. I am going to push Parliament so that a Cooperative Bank is established to handle matters of financing the operations of Cooperatives". Hon. Aceng said

 

In a rejoinder, Mr. Tweyambe Johnas, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Uganda Co-operative Alliance Limited, thanked the government for the green leaf of re-establishing the Co-operative Bank in Uganda to ease access to affordable financing.

 "Our prayer therefore is to kindly request for your support in providing startup capital, just as you have always supported marginalised groups in the money economy," Tweyambe said.

 

 He also asked the government to fast-track the amendment and harmonisation of the current laws on co-operatives, especially Savings and Credit Co-operative Organisations (SACCOs), as guided by the attorney general and solicitor general.

 

"The current legal lacuna continues to impair and suffocate your efforts of Emyoga and PDM SACCOs as special-purpose vehicles to prosperity," he said.

In his speech, the chairman also askes the state to invest in co-operative education in order to create the requisite human resources for the development of co-operative in Uganda, like it is in Kenya and Tanzania, where co-operatives are studied up to doctorate levels.

"... upgrade the two co-operative collages (Tororo and Kigumba) into universities or degree-awarding institutions to enhance skills and knowledge in co-operatives," his speech reads in parts.

 

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Co-operatives Hon. Fredrick Gume Ngobi has says that the government is set to revive the Co-operative Bank to enable co-operators save more money in order to invest in Projects to develop themselves.

"Since our struggle started, the government has accepted that we revive our co-operative bank, we have already hit one of the order papers of Cabate, and it is just a matter of time that we will be presenting the need for the bank," Ngobi said.

The July 1, 2023, celebrations marked the 101^st International Day of Co-operatives and the 29^th United National Day of Co-operatives.

During the celebrations, Ugandan Co-operatives usually set aside a weeklong series of activities that include blood donation, greening the environment, market cleaning and the symposium.

In response to shortage of blood in the country, Cooperators gathered at MiniPrice in Kampala and Mayor’s Garden in Lira Cities to donate blood. As part of the series of a weeklong series of activities that precede the commemoration of the International Co-operative Day Celebration scheduled for July 1, 2023.

The national blood donation drive was arrived at pin response to media reports of blood shortage in major hospitals in the country especially in the eastern uganda.

In Kampala the cooperators gathered at the Miniprice.  The response is in line with the 7^th principle that govern co-operatives which is concern for the community and it was upon this that they came to give back to the community and also recently there was an outcry for lack of enough blood in some hospitals

The turn up for this exercise was massive and hundreds of people joined the cooperators and donated blood (Unites yet to be reported).

https://twitter.com/UgandaCoop/status/1673627123406237696

 

 

The blood donation drive was organized by Uganda Co-operative Alliance Ltd together with the Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives in partnership with the National Blood Bank.

Most UCA staff and other co-operators were seen lining up to donate blood. The entire activity was very successful and we are grateful to all the cooperators who took part.

The co-operative week started in 2016 as a way of rebooting the co-operative movement in Uganda towards the celebration of the International Co-operative Day.

This years celebration will take place in Lira City hosted by Lango Co-operative Union Ltd and co-hosted by Walimu Co-operative Union under the theme: “Cooperatives: partners for accelerated sustainable development” and the celebration will mark the 29^th International Day of Cooperatives recognized by the United Nations and the 101^st International Cooperative Day.