Kigezi Communities Lean on SACCOs to Bridge Financial Gaps

Leaders in the Kigezi sub-region have called for increased investment in Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) as a response to rising poverty and growing economic pressure on households.

The call was made during the 20th Annual General Meeting of Kihanga Mparo SACCO held in Mparo, Rukiga District, under the theme “Securing a Sustainable Future.”

Chief guest Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko, the UPDF Political Commissar, urged members to prioritise savings, disciplined borrowing, and long-term investment.

He encouraged households to focus on sustainable wealth creation, noting that even small pieces of land can generate meaningful income when properly utilised.

Matsiko also highlighted the importance of SACCOs as reliable financial institutions, offering structured and affordable credit compared to informal money lenders.

Concerns over rising poverty dominated discussions at the meeting, with the district commercial office reporting an increase in poverty levels in the Kigezi region from 23 percent to 27 percent, despite a broader national decline.

Officials attributed the trend to low engagement in sustainable income-generating activities and called for greater investment in productive sectors, particularly agriculture.

Farmers were advised to adopt commercial farming practices and explore high-value crops such as Hass avocado, alongside improved use of fertilisers to boost yields.

Participants were also warned against risky financial habits, including borrowing on behalf of others and overreliance on digital loan platforms, which can lead to debt accumulation and defaults.

Meanwhile, SACCO Manager Innocent Turyasingura announced plans to introduce mobile banking services to enhance access to financial services, especially for rural farmers.

The meeting also marked 20 years of the SACCO’s operations, with leaders urging members to remain committed to saving and investment as key pillars for long-term economic stability.