Interview: Bishop Kisembo commends The Uhuru Institute for unwavering support of Uganda’s cooperative movement
FORT PORTAL CITY, December 17, 2024 – The Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo, has praised The Uhuru Institute for Social Development [TUI] for its steadfast support of Uganda’s cooperative movement, highlighting the organisation’s key role in uniting local communities through sensitisation and training programmes.
“TUI has done an outstanding job in educating people about the power of working together to create wealth through cooperatives,” he remarked in an interview focusing on what he made of TUI’s 10 years of existence.
The Bishop emphasised that TUI, which marked its 10th anniversary on November 21, 2024, has significantly contributed to fostering unity among cooperators across the country, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive collectively.
Kisembo pointed to the success of the Ruwenzori Diocese’s [RUDI] SACCO, which has greatly benefited from TUI’s initiatives, particularly through customised training sessions.
“TUI’s interventions have enabled cooperative members to better understand how to maximise their benefits and contribute to sustainable development in their communities,” he said.
He also acknowledged government initiatives that encourage citizens to join cooperatives in order to access various opportunities, urging TUI to build on these efforts by expanding its outreach and continuing to sensitise the public through established cooperatives.
According to the Bishop, TUI should adopt a more grassroots approach by engaging directly with cooperative managers and attending annual general meetings [AGMs] to interact with members. He further suggested extending these sensitisation efforts to schools and tertiary institutions, encouraging young people to embrace the cooperative model and actively contribute to social development in their communities.
Bishop Kisembo stressed the essential role of religious and cultural institutions in advancing this cause.
“Religious institutions provide an excellent platform for those with expertise, like TUI, to share knowledge and inspire communities to work together,” he said.
He also noted that cooperatives’ lower interest rates on loans, compared to commercial banks, present an incredible opportunity to empower citizens economically—a benefit that TUI should continue to highlight in its campaigns.
The Bishop praised cooperatives, especially those in agriculture, for their ability to mobilise members to market their produce collectively. He pointed out that this approach strengthens their bargaining power, reduces exploitation by middlemen, and ensures fair prices for their goods.
Looking to the future, Kisembo called on TUI to expand its reach beyond the central region, where its offices are primarily located.
“I encourage TUI to build stronger partnerships with religious and cultural institutions to foster coordinated and impactful movements. With more structured collaborations, Uganda’s future could be firmly anchored in the cooperative movement,” he said.
As TUI reflects on its decade of achievements, Kisembo’s insights underscore the Institute’s profound impact and the opportunities ahead to deepen its engagement with communities nationwide. Through continued advocacy, training, and partnerships, TUI is well-positioned to shape a cooperative-driven future for Uganda.
TUI, registered in 2013, recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating 10 years of dedicated service to Uganda’s cooperative movement and community empowerment. The organisation is determined to continue delivering vital services in the next decade through its various platforms/products such as Coop360 Network, Think Tank, SkillCoop, Fanaka Finance, Coop Profiler, and theCooperator among others.
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