VANNESSA A
Nyakyishenyi Boda Boda Cooperative Savings and Credit Society (SACCO) has called on its 158 members to consider growing coffee as a means of improving their livelihoods and fighting poverty. The SACCO, which has been in operation for four years, is composed of 41 Boda Boda stages and aims to empower its members through collective savings and investments.
At the SACCO’s Fourth Annual General Meeting, Caleb Niwabine, the Chairman of the Board, expressed gratitude to members for their continued savings but highlighted several challenges facing the organization, including dormant accounts, delays in loan repayment, and limited funds available for lending. Despite these hurdles, Niwabine shared the SACCO’s future plans, which include introducing motorcycle loans and expanding the staff to better serve its growing membership.
Charles Atukwase Karoli, Chairperson of the Boda Boda Stages Association in Nyakyishenyi Subcounty, addressed the meeting, urging Boda Boda riders to prioritize the security of their motorcycles by returning home early and avoiding late-night drinking. He emphasized the importance of setting good examples for younger members joining the Boda Boda industry.
In his speech, Hon. Alex Bob Rugonde, an aspiring Member of Parliament for Rubabo County, encouraged SACCO members to take full ownership of the cooperative’s growth. He stressed the importance of collectively contributing to the SACCO’s development, including timely loan repayments, and highlighted the connection between political success and infrastructure development, such as roads and schools. Rugonde also urged members to embrace coffee farming, viewing it as a path to both financial prosperity and community development.
Keith Ainebyoona, Rukungiri District Commercial Officer, applauded the stakeholders for their efforts in supporting the SACCO. He called for greater ownership of the cooperative, urging members to save, buy shares, and continuously educate their children. He also recommended that the SACCO board members benchmark with more established SACCOs to learn best practices for growth and ensure the proper use of funds.
The Chief Guest, Wednesday Twinomujuni, Chairperson of LC3 Nyakyishenyi Subcounty, echoed the call to grow coffee as a means of eradicating poverty. He assured members that he would continue to seek government support for the development of the SACCO and encouraged them to work together for its success. Twinomujuni emphasized that members should not fear taking loans for the betterment of the cooperative and its members.
The meeting concluded with a strong call for unity, strategic growth, and community empowerment through the SACCO’s activities and coffee farming.
