Kapchorwa: Ngesi PDM SACCO adopts savings culture to empower beneficiaries

KAPCHORWA, July 21, 2026 — Ngesi PDM SACCO has adopted a savings culture aimed at strengthening the financial capacity of its members and ensuring the long-term success of the Parish Development Model [PDM].

The development was announced during the SACCO’s second Special General Meeting [SGM], held recently in Ngesi Parish, Kaserem Subcounty, Kapchorwa district. The meeting brought together PDM beneficiaries, local leaders and government officials to elect the Board of Directors that will oversee the management and governance of the SACCO.

The election, a requirement from the PDM Secretariat, was presided over by David Labu, a representative from the Office of the District Commercial Officer, who guided members through the election process and emphasised the importance of adhering to the PDM guidelines.

He encouraged the newly elected leaders to serve with honesty, transparency and accountability while safeguarding members’ savings.

During the meeting, members agreed that promoting a savings culture would help beneficiaries become more financially disciplined and reduce their dependence on borrowing. They noted that regular saving would strengthen the SACCO, improve members’ access to financial services and create a sustainable source of capital for future development.

Several positions on the Board of Directors were filled unopposed after members expressed confidence in the candidates. The peaceful election reflected the unity among beneficiaries and their shared commitment to strengthening the SACCO. The newly elected leaders pledged to work together to ensure the proper management of members’ resources and promote accountability in all SACCO activities.

Speaking during the meeting, the LCII Chairperson of Ngesi Parish, Chepsikor Ididi, commended beneficiaries for embracing a culture of saving. He said saving is one of the most effective ways through which families can improve their livelihoods and achieve economic independence.

Chepsikor urged beneficiaries to use PDM funds for the intended income-generating activities instead of diverting the money to non-productive expenses. He noted that the success of the Parish Development Model depends on the responsible use of the funds and the timely repayment of loans.

He further encouraged the newly elected board members to lead with integrity and ensure that all members are treated fairly. According to him, transparency and teamwork will build trust among beneficiaries and enable the SACCO to grow steadily.

Labu congratulated the newly elected board members and reminded them that their responsibility extends beyond managing finances.

He said they are expected to promote good governance, maintain proper financial records, mobilise members to save regularly, and ensure that all SACCO operations comply with government guidelines.

He also urged beneficiaries to participate actively in SACCO meetings and support their leaders in making decisions that will improve members’ welfare.

He emphasised that strong leadership and active member participation are essential for the success of any community SACCO.

Beneficiaries welcomed the decision to promote savings, saying it would help them prepare for future investments and emergencies while strengthening the SACCO’s financial capacity.

They expressed optimism that, with committed leadership and continued support from members, Ngesi PDM SACCO would become a model for other parish SACCOs in the district.

The meeting concluded with a call for unity, transparency and continued support for the Parish Development Model. Members pledged to work closely with the newly elected Board of Directors to promote saving, strengthen governance and improve household incomes through productive investments.

The Parish Development Model is a government initiative launched in February 2022 to move 3.5 million households in Uganda from subsistence farming to the money economy, primarily through agricultural value chains such as production, processing and trade in agricultural commodities.

Under the programme, each beneficiary receives a soft loan of Shs1 million to invest in enterprises such as coffee growing, dairy farming, poultry keeping and others. Beneficiaries access the funds through the Parish Revolving Fund [PRF], which is managed by parish SACCOs. Each parish receives Shs 100mln annually from the central government to support the revolving fund.

Leaders expressed confidence that the adoption of a savings culture, together with accountable leadership, would enable Ngesi PDM SACCO to achieve its goal of empowering beneficiaries and contributing to the socio-economic transformation of Ngesi Parish and Kaserem Subcounty.

https://thecooperator.news/kapchorwas-sirimityo-pdm-sacco-elects-new-board-amid-dispute/

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