COOPERATIVES CHALLENGED TO BE JOB CREATORS

COOPERATIVES CHALLENGED TO BE JOB CREATORS

1st July 2023

The President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has challenged the Cooperatives to take advantage of the prevailing peace and security to engage in productive activities that create jobs.

The President made the remarks in a message delivered on his behalf by the Minister of Health Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng at the 101st International Cooperatives Day and 29th United Nations International Day of Cooperatives held at Mayor’s Gardens in Lira City. The commemoration of the cooperatives day that was hosted by Lango Cooperative Union Ltd and Walimu SACCO 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 Cooperatives to embrace the government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) to transform lives. He emphasized the importance of Commercial Agriculture, Industries, Services, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and a big Pan-African market in job creation, wealth creation and transformation of the country.

Hon Aceng appreciated the cooperators for the good work that they have doine to uplift the wellbeing of their members. “While inspecting the stalls, I realized that cooperators are performing well and have accumulated money which can be put together to improve members’ welfare. I pledge to work with you as a cooperator.Iam going to push Parliament so that a Cooperatives Bank is established to handle matters of financing the operations of Cooperatives”. Hon Aceng said.

Lt Col Yusuf Magero Buha who represented the Chairman Board of Directors Wazalendo SACCO, Maj Gen Sam Kavuma during the event said that for any SACCO to be successful, it must have the trust and ownership from the members. He emphasized the principles of accountability, partnership, continuous training among others. He also highlighted the importance of empathy mind mapping through member engagement and digitalization as internal solutions to challenges that SACCOs face.

Lt Col Magero made the remarks while making a presentation during a symposium that was held on 30th June 23 under the topic “The role of Cooperatives identity in delivering sustainable development in Uganda”.

During the celebrations, the guest of honour Hon Jane Ruth Aceng was accompanied by Hon Fredrick Ngobi, Minister of State for Cooperatives, Members of Parliament , SACCOs and Cooperative Union leaders.

Charity Namanya
PR Manager WSACCO