KAMPALA, May 30, 2025 – – A budget of Shs 362.93 million has been earmarked for Uganda’s national celebrations of the 2025 International Day of Cooperatives [CoopsDay], set to take place on July 5, 2025 in Fort Portal City.
The budget was unveiled on Wednesday, during the inaugural stakeholders’ meeting held at the Uganda Cooperative Alliance [UCA] headquarters in Kampala. Funding will be sourced from government, cooperatives, the private sector, other well-wishers.
According to the event’s organising committee, the celebrations will span a week under the banner of “Cooperative Week”, featuring a series of nationwide activities leading up to the main event. These will include media engagements, a high-level breakfast meeting, tree planting, charity drives, a national blood donation campaign, exhibitions, a sports gala, and a national symposium showcasing the impact of cooperatives on Uganda’s development.
A letter dated May 19, 2025 from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives [MTIC] confirmed that the event will be co–hosted by Toro Dairy Cooperative Society Ltd and Busaiga SACCO, with President Yoweri Museveni expected to attend as the Chief Guest.
In the letter, MTIC Permanent Secretary B. Bagonza highlighted the importance of this year’s celebrations, which will be marked under the global theme: “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.”
More about the theme
This theme, in line with the one announced by the International Cooperative Alliance [ICA], aligns the 2025 CoopsDay with the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025 [IYC 2025] – a designation awarded once every decade by the UN General Assembly.
“Across the globe, cooperatives are demonstrating that a values-driven enterprise model can deliver real and lasting solutions. CoopsDay 2025 is a moment to recognise this collective strength and reaffirm our dedication to an inclusive and sustainable path forward,” said Jeroen Douglas, Director General, ICA.
Wenyan Yang, Chair of the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives [COPAC], echoed this sentiment, stating: “This year’s theme reflects both the identity and urgency of the cooperative model. In a time of global uncertainty, cooperatives are showing that development can be democratic, inclusive, and rooted in solidarity. CoopsDay 2025 is our chance to amplify that message to the world.”
The UN’s declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives is a recognition of the role that cooperatives play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs].
According to the ICA, cooperative enterprises are helping to combat poverty, enhance economic resilience, and foster inclusive and equitable communities worldwide.
In Uganda, stakeholders across the cooperative movement are expected to mobilise resources and support to ensure a successful celebration that aligns with the global cooperative development agenda.
About CoopsDay
The International Day of Cooperatives has been celebrated annually since 1923 by the International Cooperative Alliance and was officially recognised by the United Nations in 1995. It is observed globally on the first Saturday of July to raise awareness of the contributions of cooperatives to development and peace.
The 2025 edition marks: The 103rd International Cooperative Day, and; The 31st UN International Day of Cooperatives.
The annual theme is jointly selected by the ICA and COPAC, in consultation with UN partners and the global cooperative movement.
https://thecooperator.news/official-theme-for-coopsday-2025-announced-in-brussels/
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