Sebei Farmers SACCO embraces technology to serve members better

KAPCHORWA, August 28, 2025 – Established in 2015, Sebei Farmers Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation [Sebei Farmers SACCO] in the Kapchorwa district has been empowering over 5,000 active members by offering accessible financial services through using a mobile app installed on their phones.

The SACCO has become a beacon of financial inclusion, offering a lifeline to thousands of farmers who previously had limited or no access to formal banking services. Its most significant innovation came in February 2025 during the Annual General Meeting [AGM], when it introduced Mobile SACCO [MSACCO], a mobile banking app designed to allow SACCO members to deposit, withdraw, and apply for loans directly from their phones.

In Sebei, where mobile phones are often the only reliable means of communication, MSACCO has been a game changer. Farmers no longer need to trek for miles to access banking services at SACCO offices. They can now manage all their financial transactions conveniently through their phones by logging into MSACCO app.

The supervisory vision of Sheila Cherotich

Sheila Cherotich, the SACCO’s Supervisor, has been at the forefront of this transformation. With a background in finance and rural development, she recognised early on the challenges farmers faced in accessing financial services. These barriers, she believed, could be overcome through the right technology.

“When we started, many farmers were doubtful about digital banking. They were accustomed to traditional methods of saving and borrowing. Introducing a mobile app to handle finances seemed like a big leap,” Cherotich recalls. “But we saw an opportunity to bring banking to their doorstep, literally.”

Her vision to create a more accessible, transparent, and secure financial environment has resonated with Sebei’s farmers. Under her leadership, the SACCO has embraced mobile technology to increase member participation and diversify its financial products. Today, farmers can not only save but also apply for small loans directly from their phones, enabling them to invest in their agricultural enterprises with much-needed liquidity.

Driving the digital transformation

While Cherotich has been the guiding force behind the SACCO’s strategic direction, Valentine Cheptoris, the SACCO Manager, is leading the digital revolution. A former banker with extensive experience in rural finance, Cheptoris has played a key role in integrating mobile banking into the SACCO’s daily operations.

“The idea of MSACCO came from the need to simplify access to financial services. Farmers face many barriers, from long distances to the lack of proper banking infrastructure. Digital banking removes these obstacles,” Cheptoris explains. “It allows our members to manage their finances without leaving their homes, enabling them to continue farming while accessing loans, saving, and keeping track of their financial status.”

However, she is quick to acknowledge that challenges remain. While MSACCO has improved convenience, not all farmers in Sebei are tech-savvy, and some face difficulties accessing smartphones or affording data costs. The SACCO has addressed these issues by offering training sessions to ensure that every member understands how to use the app effectively.

Addressing the digital divide

Despite its success, the journey has not been without hurdles. In rural Uganda, where internet connectivity is inconsistent and smartphones are not universally owned, delivering digital banking services to every farmer presents a significant challenge. Older farmers, in particular, have had to adjust to the technology, and some still rely on traditional methods of saving and borrowing.

Cherotich emphasises the importance of community-based training in overcoming these barriers. “We have been intentional about holding workshops in different communities, ensuring that every member, whether young or old, understands how to use MSACCO,” she explains. “We have also partnered with local mobile providers to ensure that data costs are as low as possible.”

Moreover, the app has been designed with simplicity in mind. Farmers can check their account balances, deposit funds, withdraw money, and even apply for loans, all through an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface. This ease of access has led to growing adoption, with more members incorporating the app into their daily routines.

Empowering the community

The real impact of MSACCO is evident in the community. For many farmers, access to microloans has opened doors that were previously closed. In a region where access to credit is limited, the SACCO’s loan products have proven essential for agricultural development. Farmers have been able to purchase seeds, fertilisers, and equipment, key investments that boost productivity and long-term financial stability.

“The ability to apply for loans instantly and receive funds quickly has changed the way we farm,” says  a long-time member and local farmer. “Before MSACCO, I would have to wait weeks for a loan approval. Now, I receive the funds within days.”

Through its financial products, the SACCO has not only supported individual farmers but also fostered the growth of small agricultural enterprises in the region. The 280 registered farmer groups under Sebei Farmers SACCO have used MSACCO to manage their collective funds, facilitating easier access to loans for group projects. These initiatives, such as irrigation systems and bulk seed purchases, have created wider benefits for the whole community.

Looking to the future

Both Sheila and Valentine remain committed to expanding the services offered through MSACCO. Plans are underway to introduce more advanced features, including microinsurance products to protect farmers against crop failure and natural disasters. The SACCO is also exploring the creation of a digital marketplace where farmers can sell their produce directly to buyers via the app.

For them, the future lies in fully integrating digital financial services with the realities of farming life. “Our goal is to offer a comprehensive package of services that meets all of the farmers’ needs,” says Cheptoris. “We want to build resilience in this community, to ensure that farmers can thrive regardless of the challenges.”

Conclusion

The digital transformation at Sebei Farmers SACCO exemplifies how technology can bring lasting change to rural Africa. Through the introduction of MSACCO app in the operations of the SACCO, Sheila Cherotich and Valentine Cheptoris have not only streamlined financial services but have also empowered farmers in Kapchorwa to take control of their economic future.

With their leadership and the continued expansion of digital banking services, Sebei Farmers SACCO is helping to redefine what’s possible for rural communities in Uganda.

https://thecooperator.news/sacco-leaders-urged-to-embrace-technology-to-safeguard-members-savings/

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