HOIMA, April 9, 2026 — Church leaders and Christians in Bunyoro Kitara Diocese have welcomed the opening of a new branch of Ankole Diocese Millennium SACCO, describing it as a major step towards improving access to affordable financial services in the region.
The branch, located at All Saints City Church Commercial Building in Hoima City, was officially opened on Friday following a partnership between the leadership of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese and Ankole Diocese.
Speaking at the launch, the Bishop of Ankole Diocese, Rt Rev Sheldon Mwesigwa, said the initiative is aimed at extending financial support to local communities, particularly those unable to access loans from commercial banks due to high interest rates.
The SACCO offers agricultural loans at an interest rate of 2 per cent to farmers growing coffee, cotton, maize and sugarcane, while women and youth can access loans at a reduced rate of 1.5 per cent.
Mwesigwa emphasised that the SACCO operates without discrimination, noting that it does not consider religious affiliation but instead focuses on promoting financial inclusion and enabling people to transition from subsistence living to active participation in the money economy.
He added that members can buy shares, save regularly and access loans, a model designed to empower individuals who may lack the capacity to engage with formal banking institutions.
“I am excited about this partnership. As a diocese, we look forward to working with others to expand SACCO branches, enabling Christians to access financial support, receive training in financial management and grow their businesses,” he said.
The Bishop of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese, Rt Rev Jacob Ateirweho, commended the initiative, describing the new branch as a significant opportunity for Christians involved in agriculture and small businesses who often face challenges in accessing affordable credit.
He pledged to mobilise Christians, church leaders and farmers across the diocese to take advantage of the SACCO’s services.
Rt Rev Ateirweho also urged believers to embrace a culture of saving as a foundation for socio-economic development, particularly among women and young people.
“We are going to mobilise our Christians, church leaders and farmers to join and save with this SACCO. Through saving, they will be able to access loans at lower interest rates to grow their businesses,” he said.
Retired Bishop Samuel Kahuma also welcomed the development, noting that it would enable many people to access financial support to boost their enterprises.
He described SACCOs as vital vehicles for community development but urged members to uphold key principles such as saving regularly, buying shares and repaying loans.
One of the residents, George Mpamire, said the SACCO’s lending rates are affordable and expressed his intention to join.
Ankole Diocese Millennium SACCO currently has more than 37,000 members.
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