WCU recognises top SACCOs in Bugisu
All the three recognised SACCOs have successfully repaid loans borrowed from the WCU and demonstrated strong governance practices
MBALE CITY, August 25, 2025 — The Walimu Cooperative Union [WCU] has recognised three top-performing Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [ SACCOs ] in the Bugisu Subregion for their excellence in financial management and service delivery.
This announcement was made by Caroline Atai Kiyai, General Manager of WCU, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at Mount Elgon Hotel in Mbale City on Wednesday. The meeting focused on the progress and challenges faced by teachers’ SACCOs since receiving financial support under the revolving fund initiative.
The SACCOs honoured include: Mbale Municipal Teachers’ SACCO [Mbale City]; Budadiri Primary Teachers’ SACCO [Sironko district]; and Bushika Teachers’ SACCO [Bududa district].
All the three recognised SACCOs have successfully repaid loans borrowed from the WCU and demonstrated strong governance practices.
Atai attributed their success to the commitment of their members in fulfilling loan obligations and their understanding of the presidential initiative aimed at improving teachers’ welfare.
She urged teachers who have yet to repay their loans to do so, stressing that timely repayment enables broader access to the government’s revolving fund. The government has allocated Shs 500 million to teachers’ SACCOs in each district, municipality, and city to support income-generating activities.
“This fund is meant to support teachers in launching income-generating projects that will improve their families’ livelihoods,” Atai said.
UNATU leadership criticised
Edward Wanakina, Chairperson of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union [UNATU] in Bududa district, criticised the national leadership of UNATU in Kampala, accusing them of undermining the work of the Walimu Cooperative Union for selfish interests.
“The UNATU executives have been discouraging teachers from borrowing from their SACCOs, which has led to delayed repayments by some members,” Wanakina claimed.
He further alleged that certain UNATU officials at the district level had misappropriated funds received from the cooperative union, leaving teachers in deeper financial hardship.
Call for health insurance adoption
Stephen Nabende, National Chairperson of WCU, called on teachers to embrace the health insurance scheme being promoted by the Union, saying, “Health is wealth.”
Under the scheme, each teacher contributes Shs 150,000 annually, which is matched by an equivalent contribution from the Union. This ensures members can access timely and affordable medical care.
“Currently, the system is being centralised in Kampala, but we are in the process of establishing sub-centres in every region. Each region will have at least four gazetted health centres to serve our teachers,” Nabende said.
Government urges responsible borrowing
Mbale Resident District Commissioner [RDC], Stanley Bayole, encouraged teachers to take full advantage of the presidential initiative by borrowing responsibly from their SACCOs and ensuring prompt repayment.
He clarified that government support through SACCOs should not be mistaken for a political handout.
“This is not political money. If you want campaign T-shirts or posters, attend political rallies. But if you go to a SACCO, it means you are seeking funds to improve your life and support the growth of the SACCO,” Bayole remarked.
He urged teachers to invest in income-generating activities such as poultry, goat rearing, and piggery, which can supplement their income and contribute to financial independence.
However, Bayole warned against the rising trend of taking multiple loans from various money-lending institutions, cautioning that this can lead to financial stress, reduced teaching effectiveness, and ultimately poorer student outcomes.
In conclusion, Bayole appealed to government to increase the current Shs 25 billion from the Presidential Fund for Teachers to Shs 50 billion, noting the growing demand and increasing number of teachers needing support across the country.
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