LIRA CITY, September 8, 2025 – The Lango Regional Cultural Leaders’ Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Limited [SACCO] is significantly improving the livelihoods of its members, according to the cooperative’s leadership.
Established in 2021, the SACCO currently boasts 204 members representing 175 clans across the Lango Subregion. Its primary aim is to promote savings and provide affordable credit to members, helping them build capital for sustainable income-generating projects.
Members can access loans at an interest rate of 10 percent over a repayment period of three months. To join the SACCO, individuals must not only be clan leaders but also pay a registration fee of 20,000 Ugandan Shillings.
Simon Odepe, the 1st Deputy Prime Minister of the Lango Cultural Institution and Chairperson of the SACCO, noted recently that members have already initiated a range of sustainable projects such as poultry and piggery farming.
“The SACCO is performing well. I’ve visited several members who are running piggery and poultry projects, while others have used the funds to plant coffee,” Odepe said.
He explained that managing the SACCO has been relatively straightforward, as members are free to deposit savings into the SACCO’s account at their convenience.
“Our members can deposit savings into the SACCO’s account anytime they choose,” he added.
However, he acknowledged a recurring challenge, some members are reluctant to repay their loans on time.
“A common issue, which I consider normal, is that some members are not repaying their loans as expected. They need to be reminded or pushed, which hinders the SACCO’s development,” Odepe said.
Willy Omodo, Speaker of the Lango Cultural Institution, recalled that the Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci) supported the SACCO with Shs 10 million at its inception to facilitate its operations.
Omodo added that the SACCO is enhancing the social standing of clan leaders, especially those who are retired from government service.
“Most of the clan leaders are now respected because they have something to fall back on. Some are already retired, and with the help of these loans, they are engaged in farming and other income-generating projects,” he said.
Dr Eng Moses Michael Odongo Okune, the Lango Paramount Chief, appealed to the government to provide financial support to the SACCO, emphasising its potential to uplift communities.
“My administration is built on key pillars that need strengthening. The SACCO is operational, and if the government provided around Shs 550 million, it would become a significant source of funding to fight poverty within our clans,” Okune stated.
President Yoweri Museveni, during a recent visit to the Lango Subregion regarding cattle compensation, praised the initiative and pledged support.
“It’s a very good idea, getting out of poverty so they can build wealth. I will support that,” Museveni said.
https://thecooperator.news/lango-lra-victims-turn-to-vsla-to-boost-livelihoods/
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