Kikamba Farmers Development SACCO hits Shs 50 million in savings
KAKUMIRO, May 11, 2026 — Members of Kikamba Farmers Development Savings and Credit Cooperative Society [SACCO] have reason to celebrate following the steady growth of their savings.
Speaking during at the SACCO’s Annual General Meeting [AGM] held recently at its offices in Kikamba Trading Centre, Kasambya Sub-county, Kakumiro district, the SACCO Supervisor, Sande Wyclif, said the institution had accumulated savings worth Shs 50 million from its members.
He noted that since its establishment in 2021, the SACCO’s main focus has been to build members’ financial capacity and shield them from borrowing high-interest loans from financial institutions such as banks.
Wyclif added that the SACCO, which has 500 members mainly engaged in maize, beans and coffee growing, piggery and livestock farming, has also registered more than 153 shareholders.
He explained that farmers have been able to access loans at low interest rates, enabling them to expand their enterprises and improve household incomes.
According to Wyclif, members are regularly trained in agronomic skills through the SACCO, and the knowledge acquired has encouraged many farmers to embrace the President’s four-acre model campaign.
“We have supported our members to buy cows, goats and other assets, as well as pay school fees for their children. Generally, we have been able to transform the lives of our members,” he said.
The SACCO Chairperson, Patrice Ndagijizimana, called upon the government to provide financial support to help the SACCO realise its dream of establishing maize and coffee processing machines for value addition.
He noted that although farmers harvest large quantities of maize and coffee, they still sell unprocessed produce, which often forces them to sell at low prices.
Speaking as the chief guest, the Kakumiro District Resident District Commissioner, Francis Kibuuka Amooti, commended the visionaries behind the formation of the SACCO.
He described SACCOs as a key driver of community development, especially for people who struggle to access financial support to expand their businesses.
However, he urged members to uphold SACCO principles, including saving, buying shares and repaying loans on time.
Amooti observed that many SACCOs have collapsed due to a lack of transparency, accountability and the failure of members to repay loans.
He also encouraged farmers to embrace coffee and cocoa growing, noting that the crops are easier to manage and have a ready market compared to other crops.
In addition, he urged farmers to take advantage of the Parish Development Model [PDM] to supplement the loans they receive from the SACCO and invest in profitable enterprises.
Amooti expressed optimism that if the SACCO continues to grow, it will soon qualify for financial support from the Uganda Microfinance Support Centre.
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Alinaitwe of St Joseph Balikuddembe Kasambya Catholic Parish, who led Mass before the meeting, urged SACCO members to maintain a culture of planning, budgeting and saving for future investment.
He also warned members against laziness and extravagance, encouraging them to embrace hard work, noting that even the Bible teaches that people should work if they are to eat.
https://thecooperator.news/nabbanja-unveils-4-acre-model-farm-in-kakumiro-district/
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