The Walimu Cooperative Union has launched its annual capacity-building programme, calling on teachers across Uganda to move beyond a “chalkboard-only mindset” and actively participate in the money economy.
The training, held today, brought together Teachers’ SACCOs from multiple districts under the theme “From the Chalkboard to the Money Economy.”
General Manager Caroline Kiyayi said the programme aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDP4), which emphasises commercialisation and economic productivity.
“Teachers must now focus on economic commercialisation. Schools are not just for teaching—many have land, and that land should work for them,” she explained.
The initiative specifically targets government teachers on the payroll, who constitute the backbone of the Walimu Cooperative, though Kiyayi acknowledged existing challenges.
“We still face major hurdles in marketing, ICT adoption, and poor saving culture among teachers,” she said.
Teopista Birungi Mayanja, vision bearer of Walimu Cooperative and General Secretary of the Uganda Teachers’ Union, noted that teachers’ tendency to borrow and consume rather than invest has limited success.
She indicated plans to engage the Ministry of Education to increase support for SACCOs.
Walimu Cooperative Union National Chairperson Nabende Steven cautioned that over-reliance on salaries undermines financial stability.
“Teachers cannot depend on salaries alone. We are now pushing them into economic development activities for their own betterment,” he said, stressing that leaders at all levels will be engaged to help teachers avoid losses and enhance their participation in local markets.
The programme is part of a broader effort to equip educators with skills and knowledge to leverage school assets, savings, and investment opportunities, positioning teachers as active contributors to Uganda’s economic growth.
