LIRA CITY, 11 August 2025 –- Youth leaders affiliated with the ruling National Resistance Movement [NRM] party in the Lango Sub-region have come together to form a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation [SACCO] aimed at tackling poverty and improving economic resilience among members.
The sub-region, which includes the districts of Alebtong, Amolatar, Apac, Dokolo, Kwania, Kole, Lira, Oyam, Otuke, and Lira City, is home to the newly established Lango NRM Youth League SACCO, which already boasts over 200 members. The number is expected to grow as awareness of the initiative spreads.
To join the SACCO, members are required to pay a registration fee of Shs 20,000. In addition, members are encouraged to save regularly and buy shares to build the SACCO’s capital base and ensure its sustainability.
A platform for unity and empowerment
Ronald Awio, Chairperson of the SACCO and also Chairperson of the NRM Youth League in Kole district, urged all youth leaders in the region to join the initiative, noting its potential to address longstanding financial constraints.
“As a SACCO, we aim to support the business ideas of young people. Many youths in our villages have great ideas but lack the financial means to bring them to life. With this SACCO, we can support them to start businesses and fight poverty collectively,” Awio said.
He further explained that one of the SACCO’s goals is to unite youth leaders across all levels in the Lango Sub-region, so they can tackle challenges together rather than in isolation.
Strategic organisation and future plans
Sodrick Ogwang, the recently elected NRM Youth League Chairperson for Lira district and the SACCO’s General Secretary, emphasised the importance of proper organisation for the SACCO to achieve its goals of self-reliance.
“People will only support you if you are well organised and actively doing something. At the start, we plan to seek external support, but our long-term goal is independence,” Ogwang said.
He added that the SACCO plans to support members in establishing small enterprises such as piggery and poultry projects. “We see the SACCO growing further as we venture into agribusiness, including farm production, value addition, and marketing,” he noted.
Members express optimism
Brian Yeko Ongora, Chairperson of the Lira City NRM Youth League and a SACCO member, expressed optimism about the new initiative, saying it will foster unity and solidarity among the youth.
“We intend to lobby for funding and create employment opportunities for the youth within the SACCO framework,” Ongora stated.
Sharon Akite, Otuke District NRM Youth Chairperson and also a SACCO member, highlighted the importance of good governance and transparency.
“In the past, we had a SACCO that collapsed due to mismanagement. This time, we are determined to do things differently. We will be honest and serious about our responsibilities,” Akite said.
She added that they plan to encourage young people in rural areas to start small-scale projects such as goat rearing and poultry farming to help improve their livelihoods.
Call for cooperation and transparency
Ayo, another youth leader, called for transparency and cooperation among the SACCO’s leadership, stressing the need to remain focused on the organisation’s vision and mission.
“We have had many initiatives in the past, but most fail because leaders deviate from their original goals. I urge the interim leaders to work together, speak with one voice, and be transparent. That’s how we will build trust and succeed,” he said.
The SACCO will be managed by three youth leaders from each district in the sub-region, who will help steer the organisation towards achieving its objectives.
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