RONALD N
Leaders and members of Burama-Bugangari Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO in Bugangari Sub-county, Rukungiri District, have been urged to adopt values and practices that will strengthen the SACCO’s performance, particularly through active borrowing and consistent saving.
The call was made on February 13, 2026, by Rukungiri District Commercial Officer Keith Ainebyoona, who was the chief guest at the SACCO’s second Annual General Meeting held at Burama Parish headquarters.
Addressing members, Ainebyoona emphasized the importance of mindset change, cooperation, accountability, and proper utilization of SACCO funds. He encouraged members to invest borrowed money in productive enterprises and ensure timely repayment to allow others equal access to loans. He noted that the SACCO’s income can only grow when members borrow and repay on schedule, warning that loan defaulting slows down development and limits opportunities for other members.
He further stressed that responsible financial practices are essential for Parish Development Model funds to have a meaningful impact on both households and the wider parish community.
The Chairperson of the Board, Gad Mugabi, commended members for their innovation and dedication, noting that their hard work has kept the SACCO progressing steadily. He revealed that the SACCO was established in February 2022, initially bringing together parish leaders and Village Health Teams (VHTs) as the first shareholders.
Currently, the SACCO comprises 41 PDM enterprise groups with a total membership of 534. To date, the government has disbursed Shs 338 million to the SACCO under the PDM program.
Mugabi reminded members that PDM funds are revolving resources, urging those who accessed loans first to repay promptly so that others can also benefit. He also called on the SACCO leadership to maintain proper records to effectively track and manage loan defaulters, noting that poor repayment has slowed the SACCO’s growth.
Among the SACCO’s achievements are the construction of a parish office, disbursement of loans to members, purchase of plastic chairs, and organization of sensitization programs aimed at equipping members with skills to manage their enterprises effectively.
Burama Parish Chief Joseph Akampurira said the parish leadership and residents studied the PDM guidelines before establishing the SACCO, in line with the government directive requiring each parish to form one. He noted that while the SACCO has registered notable progress, it continues to face challenges common to newly formed institutions.
He identified poor loan repayment, limited capital, low individual saving capacity, and discouragement from non-members as key challenges affecting operations. Despite this, he commended the Government of Uganda for the financial support extended through the Parish Development Model, saying many Ugandans have benefited from the initiative.
The meeting reaffirmed members’ commitment to strengthening the SACCO to ensure sustainable growth and improved livelihoods within the parish.
