Kaabong district embarks on overhauling initial PDM SACCO leadership to strengthen governance
This follows a recent directive from the PDM Secretariat in Kampala, calling for the election of new SACCO leaders across Uganda, as required by law
KAABONG, June 15, 2026 — The Kaabong District Local Government has launched a series of Special General Meetings [SGMs] aimed at restructuring the leadership of Parish Development Model Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [PDM SACCOs] across the district in a move intended to strengthen their governance.
This follows a recent directive from the PDM Secretariat in Kampala, calling for the election of new SACCO leaders across Uganda, as required by law.
The exercise, scheduled to run from June to June 16-24, 2026, seeks to refresh executive committees and ensure that the management of community funds is guided by transparency, integrity and efficiency.
According to an official directive issued by the Kaabong District Commercial Officer [DCO], John Bosco Okongo, the meetings are being convened in accordance with the Cooperative Societies Regulations of 1992.
The exercise will commence in Kaabong and Kalapata town councils before extending to sub-counties including Kathile, Kamion, Sidok and Lotim.
The restructuring process will be conducted in two phases. The first phase involves electing Leadership Vetting Committees responsible for screening aspiring candidates. Prospective leaders will be required to submit formal Expressions of Interest together with proof of identification.
The second phase will focus on electing substantive SACCO Boards and Supervisory Committees, as well as appointing authorised officers for the Wendi Mobile Wallet system to enhance security in digital fund disbursement.
Speaking ahead of the transition, Okongo emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation to ensure continuity in local governance. He called on outgoing leaders to embrace the process and support a smooth handover.
“I urge the old leadership to accept this move and support the transition process,” Okongo said. “Change is necessary for growth, and a smooth handover is essential for the stability of our SACCOs.”
He also challenged incoming leaders to prioritise public service over personal interests.
“I urge those with the potential to lead to commit themselves fully to serving the community. The success of the PDM depends on leaders who are dedicated to the socio-economic transformation of our people,” he added.
To reinforce accountability, Okongo directed parish chiefs and town agents to provide updated membership registers and payment records for verification during the meetings.
He noted that the process is being closely monitored by district authorities, including the Resident District Commissioner [RDC] and the Chief Administrative Officer [CAO].
Okongo said the exercise would conclude with the submission of leadership minutes to the Registrar of Cooperatives to formalise and legalise the newly elected executives.
“By refreshing these leadership structures, Kaabong District aims to ensure that the PDM remains a robust vehicle for poverty alleviation and local empowerment,” he said.
The Government of Uganda is currently conducting nationwide elections for PDM SACCO leadership, with all elections expected to be concluded by June 30, 2026, following reforms designed to expand participation and improve governance.
Under the revised framework, all individual parish residents — including those registered through enterprise groups and individual enrolment — are eligible to attend meetings, contest leadership positions and vote, replacing the previous delegate-based system.
The national leadership renewal process includes the election of independent vetting committees to assess candidates using a “fit and proper” standard, followed by formal elections for PDM SACCO Boards and Supervisory Committees.
The PDM was launched in February 2022 by President Yoweri Museveni, with the goal of transitioning 3.5 million households from subsistence production into the money economy.
Beneficiaries receive soft loans [Shs 1 million, each] to invest in enterprises such as coffee growing, piggery, poultry keeping, apiculture, and crop farming, among others.
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