Hope as Apac fishermen officially launch SACCO
APAC, October 13, 2023 – A section of fishermen in Ibuje Sub-county in Apac district have officially launched its SACCO with the hope that it will help boost their savings and credit base.
Tarogali Aquaculture Savings and Credit Cooperative Society [SACCO] located in Tarogali parish, Ibuje Sub-county was established in April this year with 177 members.Its official launch was held at Cakali Primary School on Wednesday and presided over by the Apac District Woman Member of Parliament, Betty Engola.
While presiding over the function, Betty Engola tasked the fishermen to use the SACCO to tap into the available opportunities in the fishing industry.
“Fishermen are well known for living reckless lifestyles, but use this SACCO to tap into the many opportunities in the fish sector. I am aware several fishermen need the recommended fishing gears to venture into fishing and you need a processing factory and obviously this SACCO can address those concerns,” she said.
Consantino Okao, the SACCO chairman called for support from the government and other well wishers.
He added: “If you [government] give us support, we shall give you more support than that one you have given us. I am happy that you are likely to give us support. Our members have gardens which they can cultivate and our interest is to ask government to help us with a tractor to promote agricultural mechanisation within this cooperative.”
Tom Richard Ogwang, the Apac district Senior Commercial Officer cautioned the SACCO executives to play their assigned roles and put transparency at the forefront as they serve members.
“Each and every one should play their role and more importantly what I should not forget is to tell you is that whatever transaction you do, you must be transparent and records must be kept. “he said.
Apac district Principal Fisheries Officer, Wilfred Mega said, “I want to encourage you to embrace saving culture this is the only way to take this SACCO to a greater height. We call it village savings and loan Association. I request you to save money for a development.”
Tonny Ongala, a member of Tarogali Aquaculture Savings and Credit Cooperative Society and a fisherman at Kayei landing site, said forming this SACCO has brought hope to the fishermen.
Joshua Akaki a fisherman at Wanysolo landing site said, “We go through a lot of challenges but no one cares. Even as I talk now, only a few of us are engaged in fishing due to financial hardships. With the formation of this SACCO I hope members will be able to save, and borrow to address some of the challenges.”
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