The Minister of State for Cooperatives, Fredrick Ngobi Gume, has hailed the power of unity and collective investment, describing cooperatives as a critical engine for accelerated community and national development.
He made the remarks while officiating at celebrations to mark 10 years of Mushana Multipurpose Cooperative Savings and Credit Society (SACCO), one of Uganda's fastest-rising cooperative success stories.
What started as a modest savings initiative among a small group of friends has, over the past decade, grown into a formidable financial institution transforming livelihoods and strengthening economic resilience among its members.
Addressing members and invited guests, Minister Gume commended Mushana SACCO for choosing cooperation over individualism, noting that collective effort remains a cornerstone of sustainable development.
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"Cooperatives are a powerful tool for economic transformation. When people pool resources, share responsibility, and work together, development happens faster and more sustainably," Gume said.
The Minister further applauded Mushana SACCO for its strict adherence to cooperative laws and regulations, describing it as a model cooperative that government can confidently rely on to advance its economic transformation agenda.
The Chairperson of Mushana Multipurpose Cooperative SACCO reflected on the society's decade-long journey, highlighting disciplined saving, strategic investment, and member trust as the pillars behind its growth. The SACCO is currently valued at over 30 billion shillings and boasts a membership of nearly 2,000 people.
Beyond financial services, Mushana SACCO has diversified its investments into agriculture, acquiring a 97-acre farm in Nakasongola District, which not only supports members but also benefits surrounding communities through employment and food production.
Looking to the future, the cooperative has set ambitious goals. Plans are underway to embrace digital financial services, expand investment portfolios, and work toward the establishment of a fully-fledged bank by 2026.
In addition, the SACCO announced a new venture into the education sector, beginning with the establishment of a primary school in Kyanja, aimed at improving access to quality education for members' families and the wider community.
As members celebrated a decade of shared vision, discipline, and economic empowerment, Mushana Multipurpose Cooperative SACCO stood out as a testament to the transformative power of unity, cooperation, and long-term planning in driving inclusive development.
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