Teso teachers’ SACCOs to receive additional gov’t funding
SOROTI, August 22, 2025 – Teachers’ Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs] in the Teso Subregion are set to receive a significant financial boost from the government through the Presidential Fund for Teachers.
Caroline Atai, General Manager of Walimu Cooperative Union Limited, announced during a stakeholders’ engagement held at Soroti Hotel in Soroti City on Thursday that each SACCO would receive Shs 500 million to support revitalisation efforts.
“The funds are intended to support teachers and their families by enhancing their economic wellbeing,” Atai said.
She noted that the Teso Subregion had already received over Shs 3 billion for disbursement to various teachers’ SACCOs. Of that amount, more than Shs 2 billion has so far been repaid to the Walimu Cooperative Union, with Kumi Progressive Teachers’ SACCO leading in loan repayment, followed by Amuria Teachers’ SACCO, and Kalaki Teachers’ SACCO.
Atai urged the SACCOs and individual teachers who have not yet repaid their loans to do so promptly, adding that additional stakeholders have been engaged to monitor and supervise the programme.
“We have brought other stakeholders on board because this is a government programme. Their role is to monitor and supervise the implementation as government works to improve the welfare of teachers,” she explained.
Stephen Olinga, National Vice Chairperson of the Union, emphasised that the core objective of the Presidential Fund for Teachers is to improve teachers’ incomes and economic wellbeing.
“Through their SACCOs, teachers can access loans for various economic activities to supplement their salaries,” he said.
He added that the digital loan disbursement system introduced by the Cooperative Union is designed to streamline processes and prevent teachers from taking multiple loans from different SACCOs.
Olinga praised SACCOs such as Amuria Teachers’ SACCO and Kumi Progressive Teachers’ SACCO for their strong loan repayment performance, which has enabled them to qualify for further funding from the Union.
Moses Omagor, Chairperson of Amuria Teachers’ SACCO, attributed their high repayment success to rigorous screening of applicants, strong coordination with district officials, including the Human Resource Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, and District Education Officer, and peer appraisals. He explained that final loan approvals rest with the SACCO board.
Omagor revealed that Amuria Teachers’ SACCO has 300 members and initially received Shs 280 million. The outstanding loan balance currently stands at approximately Shs 60 million, reflecting a repayment rate of 97 percent.
“Teachers come with a variety of project ideas, but we guide them. The most common and successful ones are poultry, goat rearing, small businesses, and school fees payments for their children,” he said.
He confirmed that the additional Shs 500 million will significantly enhance the SACCO’s liquidity, enabling more teachers to access credit.
The funds borrowed by teachers are typically used for income-generating ventures, education expenses, and small-scale enterprises, contributing to the broader economic development of the Subregion and the country.
The teachers were also encouraged to actively participate in their SACCOs by saving regularly and borrowing responsibly. Meanwhile, SACCO leaders were cautioned against political interference, which could undermine the stability and credibility of the SACCOs.
https://thecooperator.news/govt-to-give-shs-9bln-to-walimu-saccos-union/
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