UCC distributes tablets to PDM SACCO leaders in Sebei districts

KAPCHORWA, October 10, 2025 — In a bid to integrate technology into Uganda’s rural financial systems, the Uganda Communications Commission [UCC] has distributed tablets to leaders of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs] under the Parish Development Model [PDM] in the Sebei Sub-region districts of Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo.

The distribution of tablets to the parish credit cooperatives, commonly known as PDM SACCOs, aims to promote digital literacy and financial inclusion, and is expected to revolutionise the way these SACCOs manage their operations under the government programme aimed at moving the active poor from the subsistence economy to the money economy.

The handover ceremony, which took place a few days ago, was attended by SACCO leaders, local government officials, and representatives from UCC’s ongoing digital literacy programme. The programme seeks to enhance the use of technology in rural communities, particularly in areas such as financial management, education, and agriculture.

Bridging the digital divide

This initiative aims to tackle one of the major challenges hindering the growth of PDM SACCOs in rural Uganda: Limited access to formal banking services for people in remote areas.

Many of these SACCOs still operate using outdated systems, relying on manual record-keeping and paper-based transactions, practices that often result in inefficiencies, errors, and a lack of transparency in fund management.

To address these challenges, UCC has provided SACCO leaders with tablets pre-installed with financial management applications. These tools will enable leaders to track transactions more accurately, streamline operations, and offer improved services to their members.

Dan Tumusiime, UCC’s Head of Rural Connectivity, highlighted the broader economic impact of this digital initiative.

“This initiative is not just about handing out tablets; it’s about empowering SACCO leaders with the tools they need to improve their operations and help their members thrive,” Tumusiime said. “SACCOs are essential to financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas where traditional banking services are limited. By introducing technology into their operations, we are not only increasing their efficiency but also making them more transparent and accountable.”

A game-changer for PDM SACCOs

The introduction of digital tools is expected to be transformative. Previously, SACCO members relied on handwritten ledgers to record transactions—an approach prone to errors and lacking real-time financial oversight. With the new tablets, SACCO leaders can now access cloud-based financial management software, allowing them to monitor savings, loans, and repayments in real time.

Arafat Malewa, Secretary of Sirimityo PDM SACCO, expressed optimism about the change:

“We have been using manual systems to manage our records for years, and it has often led to errors. Now that we’ve got tablets, we’ll be able to record everything electronically, ensuring we are more efficient and transparent in our operations,” he said. “This will also help us serve our members better. I’m excited about the future of our SACCO.”

The tablets will also serve other key functions, including member communication, tracking loan applications, and providing access to financial literacy materials.

By accessing the internet, SACCO leaders can explore a wealth of information on best practices in financial management, while staying connected with government programmes and financial institutions.

Training for success

A critical component of the initiative is the training provided to PDM SACCO leaders on how to use the tablets effectively. While many leaders are familiar with basic mobile phones, transitioning to tablets and digital financial tools requires new skills.

UCC partnered with technology experts to conduct hands-on training sessions, covering everything from basic tablet navigation to using financial applications and maintaining data security.

Tumusiime emphasised that training is crucial to the programme’s success: “Providing the tablets is just the first step; ensuring that SACCO leaders know how to use them effectively is just as important. That’s why we have invested in comprehensive training for all participants,” he said. “We want to ensure that these leaders can fully leverage the technology to improve their operations and better serve their communities.”

Cybersecurity

The training sessions also addressed cybersecurity, ensuring that SACCO leaders understand the importance of protecting sensitive financial information. As SACCOs transition to digital transactions, they may become more exposed to cyber threats, making cybersecurity awareness vital.

Strengthening financial inclusion

This initiative is part of UCC’s broader strategy to promote financial inclusion across Uganda. By equipping PDM SACCO leaders with essential digital tools, the Commission aims to create a more inclusive financial system that reaches the most marginalised communities.

In many rural areas, SACCOs are the only available source of credit, savings, and other financial services. However, without modern financial tools, these SACCOs often struggle to scale operations or maintain financial integrity.

The introduction of tablets is expected to improve the financial health of SACCOs in Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo, attract new members, and enhance the quality of services offered. According to Tumusiime, the move will make a significant contribution to Uganda’s financial inclusion agenda:

“Our mission is to create a more inclusive and equitable financial system. This initiative is a vital step towards achieving that goal, by ensuring that rural SACCOs are not left behind in the digital revolution.”

Looking ahead

While the distribution of tablets marks a promising start, the real work is only beginning. UCC plans to monitor the programme over the coming months to ensure the devices are being used effectively to improve SACCO operations.

“We will continue to work closely with SACCO leaders to provide ongoing support and ensure they are able to fully integrate these digital tools into their daily activities,” Tumusiime concluded. “This is just the beginning of a broader effort to bring digital technology to all sectors of Uganda’s economy.”

For now, PDM SACCO leaders in Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo are hopeful. With tablets in hand, they see not just devices, but the keys to a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive financial future as they run the programme launched in February 2022 to facilitate investment in sectors such as coffee, piggery, poultry keeping, dairy, bananas, and beekeeping among others.

https://thecooperator.news/sebei-farmers-sacco-embraces-technology-to-serve-members-better/

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