RUBIRIZI, March 30, 2026 — Members of Kyamuhunga People’s SACCO [KYAPS] have been urged to adhere to cooperative principles and values to drive sustainable economic development and strengthen financial inclusion.
The call was made by the SACCO’s General Manager, John Bosco Atwijukire, during the Katerera Branch Pre-Annual General Meeting [Pre-AGM] held recently at Katerera Playground.
Cooperative principles and values, as established by the International Cooperative Alliance [ICA], remain central to the success of cooperatives. These principles prioritise member needs, democratic control and community welfare over profit, guided by values such as self-help, responsibility, equality, equity, solidarity, honesty and social responsibility.
Atwijukire cautioned members against the rising trend of multiple borrowing and the diversion of loans to non-productive activities. According to Atwijukire, some members misuse funds on expenses such as dowry payments, gambling, alcohol consumption and other unproductive ventures.
“It is reasonable for SACCO members to join without the immediate intention of acquiring a loan,” he said. “Loan applicants must have a clear plan before accessing funds. We commend members who borrow and repay promptly, as this strengthens the SACCO’s growth, stability and financial inclusion,” he said.
Presenting the institution’s 2025 performance, Atwijukire highlighted strong financial growth. KYAPS currently has 59,454 members, total savings of Shs 25.59 billion and share capital of Shs 12bln. The loan portfolio stands at Shs 54.55bln, with cumulative disbursements of Shs 63.06 billion and a net surplus of Shs 3.20bln.
Katerera Branch Manager Rodgers Niwabine underscored the SACCO’s role in social transformation, noting that its tailored credit products have helped curb unemployment and crime.
“KYAPS has empowered youth, women and the elderly through boda-boda loans, business loans and other financial products, contributing to improved livelihoods in the community,” Niwabine said.
He also highlighted the SACCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility [CSR] initiatives, including support for education, community clean-up campaigns, customer rewards and contributions to religious institutions and local sports activities.
Niwabine encouraged members to cultivate a strong saving culture and increase their shareholding. “This will enhance our liquidity and reduce reliance on external borrowing,” he added.
Ignatius Muhereza, Chairperson of the KYAPS Katerera branch, echoed the call, pointing to the cooperative’s positive impact on household incomes and poverty reduction.
“The SACCO has transformed communities by enabling families to educate their children and improve their livelihoods through savings and productive borrowing,” Muhereza said. “We appreciate our members for their continued support, which has driven this steady progress.”
The Pre-AGM served as a statutory meeting ahead of the main Annual General Meeting which was scheduled for March 28, 2026, at Kyamuhunga Catholic Parish Hall in Bushenyi district.
Founded in 1998 as a company limited by shares with just 15 members and Shs 3 million in capital, Kyamuhunga People’s Savings and Credit Development Association Limited transitioned into a cooperative society in 2004. The institution now employs over 120 staff and serves more than 60,000 members across the region.
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