KAMPALA, July 18, 2026 – The Uganda Cooperative Savings and Credit Union Limited [ UCSCU ] is set to host the first SACCO Leadership Summit aimed at strengthening governance, leadership capacity and sustainability of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies [SACCOs] across Uganda.
The seven-day summit, scheduled for July 19-25, 2026 at the National Leadership Training Institute [NALI], Kyankwanzi, will be held under the theme: “Building a Resilient and Sustainable SACCO Ecosystem in Uganda.”
The summit comes at a time when Uganda’s financial services sector remains highly competitive, with commercial banks dominating customer deposits, assets and profitability, while access to formal financial services continues to be a challenge for many Ugandans.
According to the Financial Sector Deepening Uganda [FSDU] report of 2018, about 89 per cent of Ugandans [16.5 million out of 18.6 million adults] did not have access to bank accounts or structured financial services, underscoring the importance of alternative financial service providers such as SACCOs, Village Savings and Loan Associations [VSLAs] and microfinance institutions.
According to UCSCU Chief Executive Officer Dr Sylivester Ndiroramukama, the summit is designed to equip SACCO leaders with knowledge and skills needed to improve governance, strengthen management practices and build resilient cooperative institutions.
“Cognisant of the challenges facing SACCOs, UCSCU has organised this leadership summit to enhance participants’ understanding of SACCO governance and management while promoting a resilient and sustainable cooperative ecosystem in Uganda,” Ndiroramukama said.
SACCOs play a critical role in Uganda’s financial inclusion agenda by mobilising domestic savings, providing affordable credit and supporting economic activities along various agricultural and business value chains.
The country has experienced significant growth in the number of SACCOs, with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives reporting that Uganda had 9,189 registered SACCOs by January 2020. However, many SACCOs continue to face challenges including weak governance structures, limited product innovation, political interference and market misconduct.
UCSCU noted that the operating environment for SACCOs has recently become more complex due to increased regulatory requirements arising from Section 110 of the Tier IV Microfinance Institutions and Money Lenders Act, 2016, requiring SACCO leaders to strengthen compliance and institutional resilience.
Focus on leadership, governance and growth
The summit will bring together SACCO board chairpersons, vice chairpersons, treasurers, chief executive officers/general managers and two senior managers from participating SACCOs.
Participants will undergo training sessions covering key areas such as:
- Strengthening governance, trust and the future of cooperatives in Uganda;
- Managing modern risks and building SACCO resilience;
- Financial wellness as a driver of SACCO sustainability and growth;
- Economic outlook and SACCO alignment for long-term sustainability;
- Advocacy and opportunities for collaboration;
- Advancing Uganda’s cooperative movement;
- Government priorities and policy reforms affecting SACCO development;
- Strategic communication for SACCO leadership; and
- Developing effective governance tools.
The summit will feature presentations and discussions from senior government officials, cooperative sector experts and financial sector stakeholders, including representatives from UCSCU, the Uganda Cooperative Alliance [UCA], Bank of Uganda [BoU], Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Financial Intelligence Authority [FIA], NITA-U and other institutions.
Among the expected speakers are Gen Salim Saleh, Senior Presidential Advisor; Prof Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Internal Affairs; Prof Ezra Suruma; and other cooperative development experts.
Building a stronger cooperative movement
UCSCU, the apex body of the SACCO sector in Uganda, said the summit is part of its broader efforts to promote professionalism, accountability and effective leadership among SACCOs, which remain key drivers of financial inclusion and community development.
The Union has encouraged eligible SACCO leaders to register and participate in the summit, saying the platform will provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration among cooperative leaders.
The participation fee is Shs 1.1 million per person, with payments to be made to the Uganda Cooperative Savings and Credit Union Limited account held at Stanbic Bank, Metro Branch.
The summit will conclude with a graduation and certification ceremony on July 25, 2026 for participants who complete the leadership programme.
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