Staff Reporter
Kitunga Church of Uganda Parish Mother’s Union Savings and Credit Association on Thursday convened its 22nd Annual General Meeting at All Saints Church, Rwashamaire, Kajara County, in Ntungamo District.
The Sacco, established in 2002 with the aim of boosting women’s incomes, started with just 12 members and UGX 320,000, which enabled them to open an account with Kajara People’s Sacco. By the 2024 financial year, membership had grown to 159 members, holding a combined total of UGX 4,285,100 in shares.
Mrs. Jane Kubiriba, the Sacco Chairperson, while addressing members, outlined several milestones achieved in the past financial year. These include the purchase of a plot of land in Rwashamaire town, providing learners with scholastic materials such as books and pens, and organizing educational and sensitization meetings on improving household incomes through investments in projects such as piggery. She also highlighted Sacco’s contribution of over UGX 9 million towards the construction of Kitunga Church of Uganda and issuing loans at low interest rates to members.
On the challenge of loan repayment, Jane advised members to pay back their loans in manageable portions to ensure flexibility and timely clearance. She criticized individuals who take loans from multiple financial institutions and fail to repay, urging Sacco members to instead use loans and savings to invest in income-generating ventures like piggery, poultry, and vegetable farming to support their families through school fees, healthcare, and daily needs.
Jane also shared Sacco’s plans, including constructing on the acquired plot of land, expanding membership, supporting more school-going children, increasing the amount of loans disbursed, conducting more training sessions, and networking with government bodies to seek financial support.
Mrs. Monic Kusasira Rundaana, the Sacco treasurer, echoed Jane’s sentiments, noting the growing membership and improved share capital, loan disbursement, and repayment levels. She acknowledged, however, that some members delay or refuse to repay their loans, which remains a key challenge. Despite this, Monic reported positive developments like increased collaboration with other Saccos and community engagement, visits to other Saccos for benchmarking, and training sessions for members on household income improvement.
Loyce Natumanya, the association secretary, emphasized that the Sacco provides members a six-month loan recovery period. She highlighted the impact of training sessions on skills such as soap making and income-generating projects like piggery and poultry, which have helped improve members’ livelihoods and supported their children’s education.
Speaking to our reporter after the AGM, several members expressed appreciation for the Sacco’s role in transforming their lives. They shared how the Sacco has enabled them to educate their children and start small businesses.
Mary Atuhaire, former vice president of the Mothers’ Union South Ankole Diocese and the Sacco’s vice chairperson, noted that members have gained valuable skills in making items such as handbags and soap—skills that have generated income for their families.
Provia Katamba, another member, credited the Sacco for supporting her children’s education and urged non-members to join and work towards eradicating poverty from their families.
Rogers Taremwa, who represented the guest of honor, Kenneth Muhangi Mushana—an aspiring Member of Parliament for Kajara County—urged members to focus on improving their household incomes through unity and group collaboration. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing education and contributing to family development. Rogers contributed UGX 100,000 towards the Sacco’s ongoing activities and pledged his continued support to uplift the livelihoods of Kajara residents. He also encouraged non-members to join the Sacco, pointing out that government support often targets organized groups.
