Adjumani Town Council SACCO says government-backed financing has expanded access to credit for farmers, entrepreneurs and school proprietors, with deposits rising by 25.7 per cent to Shs10.83 billion in 2025.
Government support through the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) has strengthened Adjumani Town Council Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO), expanding access to affordable credit for farmers, entrepreneurs, school proprietors and other community members.
Established in 2006 following President Museveni’s directive for every sub-county to establish a SACCO, the institution was registered in 2007 before commencing full operations.
Patrick Maku Mawadri, the SACCO’s general manager, said government financing, training and institutional support had strengthened its capacity to serve members and support their economic activities.
“Government support has played an important role in strengthening our institution and enabling us to provide affordable financial services to our members. Through these interventions, we have supported people who want to grow their businesses, improve agriculture and transform their livelihoods,” Mawadri said.
The SACCO began receiving government support amounting to Shs10 million in 2009, with cumulative financing through agricultural loans and government grants subsequently reaching approximately Shs1.1 billion.
According to its annual report, consolidated deposits grew by 25.7 per cent, from Shs8.54 billion in 2024 to Shs10.83 billion in 2025. Its loan portfolio increased by 18.5 per cent to Shs16.3 billion, while total assets reached Shs22.1 billion.
For Charles Ambama, proprietor of Rock View Nursery and Primary School in Pakele Town Council, access to SACCO financing has helped improve school infrastructure and accommodate more learners.
“The financing has helped me improve the school’s infrastructure and create a better learning environment for our pupils. Access to credit is important because it enables us to invest in facilities that would otherwise take much longer to develop,” Ambama said.
Agronomist Felix Asilaza said an agricultural loan had enabled him to establish a model farm in Adropi Sub-county, demonstrating the potential of affordable credit to support agricultural production.
“The loan enabled me to establish a model farm where agricultural practices can be demonstrated. Affordable financing gives farmers an opportunity to invest in production and put their agricultural knowledge into practice,” Asilaza said.
Mary Limio, a businesswoman from Rassia East Village in Pachara Sub-county, said SACCO financing had supported home improvements and the construction of residential rental houses.
“The loan has helped me improve my home and invest in rental houses. Such financial support gives people an opportunity to develop their property and improve their livelihoods instead of depending entirely on their existing income,” Limio said.
Juma Ramadan Bashir, a resident of Central II Village, said he secured more than Shs10 million to establish a car and motorcycle washing business.
“I used the loan to establish my car and motorcycle washing business. Access to this money gave me an opportunity to invest in an income-generating activity and work towards improving my financial position,” Bashir said.
Sunday Edea, a poultry farmer in Pakondo Village, said SACCO financing had helped her expand poultry production, increase egg output and employ workers.
“The financing has helped me expand my poultry business, increase egg production and create employment opportunities. When farmers can access affordable loans, they can grow their enterprises and contribute to the local economy,” Edea said.
Beyond individual businesses, the SACCO acquired three tractors through MSC to support agricultural production.
The machinery reportedly helped farmers prepare more than 10,000 acres of land, benefiting over 1,500 people in less than a year.
Francis Nsubuga, MSC regional manager for Northern Uganda, said affordable financing, complemented by training and technical assistance, was essential for sustainable economic development.
“Affordable credit enables people to invest in productive activities, expand their businesses and improve their household incomes. When financing is complemented by training and technical support, communities are better positioned to build sustainable enterprises and create employment,” Nsubuga said.
The SACCO’s reported growth highlights the role of government-backed financing in expanding access to credit, supporting agricultural production and helping small businesses invest in income-generating activities.