Cooperatives & CommunitiesDevelopmentEducationLegalNationalNewsOrganisationsTrade

MTIC trains DCOs in cooperative supervision and auditing

The training, held at Kolping Hotel in Makerere Kavule, Kampala, was supported by the German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation [DGRV] and facilitated by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda [ICPAU]

KAMPALA, August 20, 2025 –The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives [MTIC] has conducted a two-day capacity-building training for 50 District Commercial Officers [DCOs] from across Uganda, focusing on cooperative supervision and financial auditing.

The training, held at Kolping Hotel in Makerere Kavule, Kampala, was supported by the German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation [DGRV] and facilitated by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda [ICPAU].

According to Robert W. Mpakibi, Assistant Commissioner for Cooperatives at MTIC, the training aimed to equip Commercial Officers with practical knowledge and tools to conduct and supervise cooperative financial audits in accordance with established standards.

“Cooperatives are not only business enterprises but also community-driven institutions that thrive on trust, transparency, and accountability. Strengthening the audit function is therefore central to building confidence among stakeholders,” Mpakibi said.

Rwampara District Commercial Officer Amon Mutabarura raising a point during the capacity building training. Photo by Simon Kabayo.

Officials emphasised that supervision in cooperative societies is a crucial regulatory function that ensures these organisations operate within the legal framework while upholding core cooperative values. Unlike inspections or inquiries, supervision is a continuous process that monitors functionality and compliance, they said.

“This ongoing oversight helps cooperatives maintain financial discipline, operational transparency, and adherence to cooperative principles, factors that are vital for their long-term sustainability and effectiveness,” one official noted.

MTIC officials also revealed that additional DCOs will be invited to participate in similar training sessions in the future.

All cooperatives in Uganda are regulated by MTIC through its Department of Cooperatives, which is tasked with promoting a conducive environment for the development of sustainable, member-based cooperative societies. The department facilitates the formation, organisation, and operation of cooperatives and also promotes good governance and member empowerment.

While supervision and oversight have been decentralised to local governments under Uganda’s Decentralisation Policy, other entities, such as the Uganda Cooperative Savings and Credit Union Limited [UCSCU], have also taken on complementary roles in cooperative development and monitoring.

https://thecooperator.news/mtic-directs-on-agms-elections-for-cooperatives/

Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news

Related Articles

Back to top button