Preparations for CoopsDay 2025 launched in Fort Portal City
This year’s celebrations will be co-hosted by Busaiga SACCO Limited and the Tooro Dairy Cooperative Society Limited, under the global theme: “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.”
FORT PORTAL CITY, June 13, 2025 – Uganda has officially launched preparations for the 2025 International Day of Cooperatives [ CoopsDay ], scheduled to take place on July 5, 2025 in Fort Portal City. Key stakeholders and partners gathered on Thursday at Fort Breeze Hotel to initiate planning for this significant national event.
This year’s celebrations will be co-hosted by Busaiga SACCO Limited and the Tooro Dairy Cooperative Society Limited, under the global theme: “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.” The theme, as announced by the International Cooperative Alliance [ICA], aligns with the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025 [IYC 2025] — a rare designation awarded once every decade by the UN General Assembly.
Speaking at the launch, Mercy Kusemererwa, General Manager of Busaiga SACCO Limited, confirmed that preparations are in full swing, with fundraising efforts already underway.
“We need over Shs 500 million to successfully organise the activities leading up to, and on, the main day,” Kusemererwa stated.
A week-long programme of events will run from June 28 to 5 July, including a medical camp, greening campaign, road drive, interfaith prayers, a symposium, and a cooperative sports gala.
“These activities require substantial funding. We call upon all stakeholders to support and participate actively,” she emphasised.
Kusemererwa highlighted the importance of the occasion in promoting the role of cooperatives and attracting new members to SACCOs. She noted that hosting the national event would give cooperatives in the Tooro sub-region a valuable opportunity to exhibit their products and gain wider visibility.
“Some of our cooperatives and their products have remained under the radar. This event will put them on the map,” she remarked, adding that mobilising cooperators to engage and learn from each other is equally vital.
Patrick Rwakamba, representing the Tooro Dairy Cooperative Society, echoed her sentiments.
“This is a significant moment for Tooro and the entire region. It’s an opportunity to inform, educate, and attract more people to cooperative-based services,” he said.
Tonny Kibalama, a representative from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives [MTIC], praised both host organisations for taking the lead in organising this year’s event. He emphasised the potential economic benefits the event could bring to the region.
“This is a chance for every local business to thrive. But for it to succeed, strong mobilisation is key,” Kibalama urged, commending the cooperative model for its longstanding role in transforming lives through unity and mutual support.
“Cooperatives have, for decades, demonstrated the power of collective effort,” he added.
Robert Asiimwe, Senior Development Officer at the Uganda Cooperative Alliance [UCA], said this year’s CoopsDay celebrations would also serve to promote and popularise cooperative services nationwide.
“We want to see growth in membership — both individual and institutional, as well as the emergence of new cooperatives,” Asiimwe explained. “As UCA, our role is to drive awareness and mobilisation so more people can benefit from the cooperative movement.”
“Ultimately, this contributes to Uganda’s broader goals of inclusive economic development,” he concluded.
About the International Day of Cooperatives
Celebrated annually since 1923 by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and officially recognised by the United Nations in 1995, the International Day of Cooperatives is held on the first Saturday of July to highlight the contribution of cooperatives to sustainable development, social inclusion, and peace.
The 2025 edition marks the 103rd International Cooperative Day and the 31st UN International Day of Cooperatives. Each year’s theme is jointly selected by the ICA and the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives [COPAC], in consultation with UN partners and the global cooperative movement.
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