Leaders from 24 Emyooga Saccos in Greater Masaka are on a series of exchange visits to the Tooro region, aiming to learn from the success of established Saccos in the area. This is part of their efforts to enhance the performance and sustainability of their own Saccos.
The delegation kicked off their visit at Karugutu Sacco (KASACCO), a prominent mainstream Sacco in Ntoroko district. During the visit, KASACCO management shared valuable insights on effective management and operational strategies.
The discussion centered on several key areas essential for the growth and development of Saccos.
Ernest Bwambale the chairperson Karugutu Sacco (KASACCO) emphasized the importance of embracing Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Bwambale encouraged greater Masaka Emyooga Sacco Leaders to leverage digital tools to improve efficiency in operations, enhance communication with members, and streamline financial management.
Bwambale emphasized the importance of training Sacco staff members, urging leaders to invest in their teams’ professional development. He highlighted the need for staff to be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to navigate the evolving financial landscape.
“Trainings are mode of retooling staff, for example, recently we installed systems which use computer and the Internet, and we had to train our staff on how to use them. So, people should go for training so that they can know how to how to use those systems,” he said.
Bwambale noted that training enhances staff members’ knowledge and keeps them informed about challenges and how to address them.
“We have challenges in credit, so people should know how to mitigate the risks that come up due to credit and other areas of operation. Trainings are very important, even to board members in governance. People should know some challenges which they meet in governance and how they go about those challenges,” he added.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of involving youth in Saccos, stating that they are essential for sustainability and innovation.
He pointed out that engaging younger members can bring fresh ideas and perspectives, ultimately enhancing service delivery and fostering growth.
While addressing the Greater Masaka Emyooga Sacco leaders, Joseph Tukamushaba, the Head of the Emyooga Secretariat at the Microfinance Support Center, stated that these exchange visits are intended to equip Sacco leaders with the knowledge needed to drive their organizations toward growth.
“Without knowledge, you cannot have sustainable development. And for us as Microfinance Support Center, our strategy and what gets us out of our beds every day is what can we do to build a strong, resilient, sustainable grassroot finances and training is at the core of it. Learning by example can be more effective and that’s why we have these exchange visits,” he said.
Hasheem Uthman Mwesige, the Assistant RDC Ntoroko noted that government is doing a lot to alleviate poverty, adding that economic growth is a mindset and not rocket science.
He encouraged them to use the knowledge acquired from established Saccos to grow theirs.
“You don’t need to study excessively to escape poverty, instead, when you work hard, things can change. It’s all about having the right mindset,” he said.
The exchange visits are part of the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) efforts through the Emyooga initiative.
This program aims to support struggling Emyooga Saccos by allowing them to learn from well-performing Saccos and providing effective strategies for their development.
