Emyooga Sacco members in Kassanda South have credited exchange visits and strong governance practices for the remarkable growth registered in the 2024/2025 financial year.
This was revealed on Tuesday as over 300 Sacco members convened for mass Annual General Meetings (AGMs) at Kiganda Town Council.
The Saccos drawn from all 18 Emyooga categories, gathered to review their audited books of accounts, elect new leaders, and plan for the next financial cycle.
For many, the biggest driver of their improved performance has been the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC)’s exchange learning program.
Lydia Batenga, the chairperson of Kassanda South Women Entrepreneurs Sacco, said their study visit to Bunyangabo and Kabarole was a turning point for the group.
“I was privileged to be part of the Sacco leaders taken for exchange visits in Bunyangabo and Kabarole,” Batenga said.
“We got exposure, and when I returned to Kassanda, I called my members and explained how far behind we were. We agreed on what to do and immediately started a poultry farm.”
She said the team designed their poultry farm using the exact model they saw in Kabarole.
“In two months, we were already collecting money,” she added. “With the additional Shs 20 million we received, we grew even bigger and ventured into tents and chairs. Today, every woman in our Sacco has a stable source of income. All this began with Emyooga seed capital and the exchange visits that opened our eyes.”
The Sacco now owns two tents, each accommodating 50 people, plus 50 chairs—investments that have added steady income to their revolving fund.
Batenga hailed the Microfinance Support Centre for opening their eyes, urging the institution to extend the same opportunity to other Sacco leaders so they too can transform.
Kassanda South Mechanics Sacco chairperson, Phillip Mwebaze, echoed similar sentiments.
“The exchange visits changed how we used to see things,” he said. “We are much more organised now. I thank MSC and President Museveni for supporting us to transform economically.”
MSC Communications Manager, Tadeo Atuhurira, emphasised that AGMs are a cornerstone of cooperative governance.
“Having the AGM is a very important step for all cooperatives,” he said. “It is when members come together, learn from each other, strengthen governance, listen to audited books of accounts and plan for success.”
He said AGMs go beyond formality, they help build strong, resilient institutions.
“We have seen Saccos increase their savings, establish jobs, improve household incomes and form enterprises. All this contributes to socio-economic transformation, which is the vision of His Excellency the President and the government.”
Atuhurira stressed that MSC’s role includes capacity building, financial literacy, leadership training, and organising exchange learning visits.
He added that the new model now brings high-performing Saccos to mass AGMs to share experiences with others for cost-effective learning.
“Once you share ideas, learning happens. When people have knowledge, they can use funds better and build resilient institutions,” he said.
Deputy RDC Kassanda, Saul Kityo, said the AGM was aimed at ensuring accountability and proper management across all the 18 circles.
“Holding AGMs is mandatory. Groups must review their performance, present audits and elect leaders,” he said.
“We thank government and President Museveni because Emyooga has greatly impacted the population. Formerly looked-down-on groups, mechanics, boda bodas, welders, women, and people with disabilities are now empowered," he said.
Kityo noted that each Sacco received Shs 30 million seed capital and is eligible for an additional Shs 20 million every year, if performing well.
He urged Saccos to embrace a strong saving culture, noting that only those that save consistently are able to qualify for additional seed capital.
“At the end of the five rounds, each Sacco should have at least Shs 100 million rotating among members,” he explained.
He added that the program is contributing to improved security since empowered citizens are busy and productive.
NRM flag bearer for Kassanda South, Hajji Abdul Bisaso, encouraged members to embrace saving.
“When you save, your Sacco grows. And when your Sacco grows, it attracts more seed capital,” he said.
The AGMs in Kassanda South showcased how knowledge-sharing, good governance and government seed capital can revitalise struggling groups.