PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES FORMATION OF PRODUCTION -FOCUSED COOPERATIVES WITH MARKET ACCESS

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES FORMATION OF PRODUCTION -FOCUSED COOPERATIVES WITH MARKET ACCESS

5TH July 2025

The President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to form cooperatives that are centered on production and have clear access to markets, as a way to create jobs and eliminate poverty.

In a message delivered on his behalf by the Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Hon Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, the President urged cooperators to take full advantage of the prevailing peace and security ushered in by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to engage in productive ventures.

The President’s remarks were delivered during the national commemoration of International Cooperatives Day, hosted by Tooro Dairy Cooperative Society Ltd and Busaiga SACCO in Kabarole.

This year’s event ran under the theme “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.”

President Museveni emphasized that Ugandans still trapped in subsistence living must be mobilized and supported to join the money economy as producers of goods and services. He said that the economic gains made by the government must translate into jobs and household wealth to ensure meaningful development. “The wealth creation programs such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model are designed to eliminate spectators in the economy,” the President noted.

He assured cooperators that the government has put in place all necessary conditions to ensure the profitability of business enterprises in Uganda.

As part of the celebrations, Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) participated in several activities, including blood donation, Symposium and exhibitions.

Brig Gen Joseph Freddy Onata, Chief Executive Officer of Wazalendo SACCO, said that the event offered a valuable opportunity for engagement with other cooperatives. “We are here to showcase what we do and the impact our services have had on members. Today, our members have exhibited products and businesses that have been made possible through well-utilized credit facilities from the SACCO.’’ he said.

Brig Gen Onata encouraged members and other Ugandans to start small and make effective use of available resources. “Even a small loan, if well managed, can transform lives and uplift communities,” he said.

WOI   Busatiro Joseph a member of WSACCO who participated in the exhibition, appreciated Wazalendo for developing better products, enabling members to invest in income generating activities. ”I got a loan from Wazalendo SACCO, it helped me to get capital and start up a tailoring business which i operate with my wife to improve our family welfare’’ said Busatiro.

Wazalendo SACCO was recognized at the event for its outstanding contribution to inclusive and sustainable development through the cooperative movement. Present from WSACCO was, the Company Secretary Colonel Dan Tizihwayo who represented the Board of Directors, Corporate communications Manager Lt Col Akasius Mpabaisi and Branch Manager WSACCO Fort portal Branch Major Dan Ayesigye.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and Uganda Cooperatives Alliance, attended by Honorable Ministers, Members of Parliament, Cooperative Unions, SACCO leaders and other stakeholders in Uganda’s Cooperative sector.

Charity Namanya (ADE)

Public Relations Manager – Wazalendo SACCO