As Uganda prepares to commemorate the 103rd International Day of Cooperatives on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Fort Portal City, the Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) has issued a powerful call to action.
Under this year’s global theme, “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World,” the Alliance reasserted its role in Uganda’s national development agenda, which aligns with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), Vision 2040, and the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During a press conference held today at the Uganda Media Centre, the UCA leadership, led by the Board Chairperson, Johnas Tweyambe, expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his “unwavering support” and “passion, love, public relations, and commitment” for creating a fertile ground for the rapid growth of cooperatives in both numbers and business impact.
Integral to Future Transformation
Speaking at the presser, Tweyambe highlighted the government’s endorsement of the cooperative model as a key strategy for socio-economic transformation.
“This signifies a recognition that cooperatives are not merely a legacy but an integral part of Uganda’s future development,” Tweyambe said.
He hailed the government for re-establishing the Cooperative Bank after 25 years of non-existence, saying this will go a long way in boosting the operations of cooperatives.
He also noted the increased visibility of cooperatives across the country, which he attributed to deliberate efforts by UCA leadership, management, and valuable media partnerships.
Safeguarding Assets
The Alliance lauded the government’s bold action to safeguard cooperative assets, especially those of UCA. Tweyambe revealed that many of these assets are now caveated, and those attempting illegal sales or fraudulent transfers will face prosecution. This move, according to him, is expected to restore confidence and protect the wealth of cooperators.
The UCA expressed pride in the many vibrant youth and women groups under programs like EMYOGA, which have formed or joined cooperatives, demonstrating an inclusive and sustainable model.
Aligning with Budget and Policy Priorities
The 2025/26 National Budget, with its focus on commercialisation of agriculture, industrialisation, digital transformation, expanded social services, and access to markets, is seen by the UCA as being in perfect harmony with the cooperative model.
“No other model fits more seamlessly into the national budget and policy priorities than that of cooperatives,” Teyambe stated.
He observed that this presents a compelling invitation for all Ugandans, especially the youth and private sector actors, to embrace and participate in the cooperative movement as a vehicle for sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity.
Key Appeals to Government
Tweyambe, however, noted that despite the significant strides, the UCA appeals to the government to further unlock the cooperative movement’s potential by doing the following:
Investment in Capacity Building
He said there is a pressing need for heavy investment in capacity building, particularly for groups under the PDM and EMYOGA and other government programmes.
These programs are still in their early stages and require continued “handholding” through cooperative education, training, and access to information.
Upgrading Cooperative Colleges
The UCA appealed to the government to support and upgrade the two existing cooperative colleges, Kigumba and Tororo, into universities or degree-awarding institutions.
This aims to build a strong foundation for cooperative knowledge and leadership and to institutionalise a policy on cooperative education for all employees, leaders, and cooperative development officers.
Capitalisation of the Cooperative Bank
Tweyambe emphasised that the newly re-established Cooperative Bank requires substantial capitalisation to ensure its rapid growth, competitiveness, and sustainability.
This is because sufficient capital will enable the bank to extend affordable and appropriate credit to cooperative societies, thereby enhancing financial inclusion for rural and underserved populations.
Agro-Industrial Development
In line with the national emphasis on industrialisation, Tweyambe urged the government to invest in agro-industrial development through the cooperative model.
Existing agro-processing facilities constructed by the government should also be formally handed over to cooperatives and revitalised to serve their intended purpose of improving agricultural value addition and market access for farmers.
Review and Harmonise Legal Framework
He stressed that the government should also review and harmonise the current legal, policy, and regulatory framework governing cooperatives, especially SACCOs, as guided by the Attorney General and Solicitor General. This is because existing overlaps and gaps in the legal framework hinder effective SACCO operations and weaken their contributions.
Address Chronic Underfunding
As the backbone of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, cooperatives suffer from chronic underfunding.
Tweyambe thus called for adequate financial support from the government, including increased funding for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, as well as UCA as the apex body.
He observed that limited funding heavily constrains their ability to reach more communities, offer services, and accelerate impact.
Consolidate Government Funds
Observing that government resources are currently spread across various initiatives (EMYOGA, PDM, GROW, INVITE, Women Entrepreneurship Fund, Youth Livelihood Fund, etc.), some targeting cooperatives and others the private sector, the UCA proposed consolidating all these funds into a single fund and channelling it through the Cooperative Bank.
This, they argued, would enable broader, more inclusive, and sustainable programs to achieve national goals.
Cooperatives are a tested tool for economic empowerment, peacebuilding, and resilience, offering Uganda a clear pathway to inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that “no one is left behind.”