Organizing and attending regular training opportunities for both leaders and members of cooperatives is critical for growth, Mpakibi Waiswa Robert, the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Cooperatives at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives has said.
Mpakibi made the remarks during a recent 4-day training for leaders of four cooperatives conducted by the Uhuru Institute of Social Development’s Coop360°Network at Foyer de Charite retreat center in Namugongo.
The training, which took place from Tuesday, March 9, 2021, to Friday, March 12, 2021, sought to equip the leaders in attendance to guide their members forward towards achieving their cooperatives’ objectives and goals.
In attendance were leaders from Bubaare Innovation Platform Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited from Rubanda District, Kigezi Dairy Cooperative Society Limited from Kabale District, Nyakibale Development Cooperative Savings, and Credit Society Limited from Rukungiri District, and Yumbe Aupi Community Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Limited from Yumbe District.
The orientation covered sensitive issues that are affecting cooperatives on a day-to-day basis, such as the role of cooperatives in development, the multipurpose cooperative business model, cooperative governance in practice, and cooperative regulations and policy in Uganda.
Prioritize training
Addressing the participants, Mpakibi stressed the need for continuous professional growth through frequent training.
“Cooperative leaders and members need to attend the training, meetings, and conferences that the ministry organizes so that they fully understand the policies and regulations that govern the sector, for smoother operating of cooperatives,” he said.
Some of the members in attendance, such as Nyakibale Development Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Limited’s Secretary, Board of Directors, Fortunate Akanyihayo, commented on the timeliness of the refresher training.
“This orientation was much needed because some things like the policies and regulations were not so clear to us,” she said.
“We also picked lessons on how to draft business plans and the importance of having clear goals and objectives. These lessons will be implemented when we get back home and this will enable our cooperatives to thrive.”
Leonard Okello, the Chief Executive Officer of Uhuru Institute for Social Development, encouraged cooperatives to start where they are, use what they have, and persevere in spite of challenges.
” There is no business that doesn’t get troubles, but you have to be determined and keep going,” he urged.
The Coop360°Network is an arm of The Uhuru Institute for Social Development that aims to support cooperatives to provide value to their members and impact communities, in line with the seven cooperative principles.
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