By Anzoo Evaline.

Adjumani Town Council SACCO has approved a budget of approximately Shs 3.9 billion for the 2026 financial year, marking another milestone in the institution’s steady rise from a small savings group into one of the most promising SACCOs in Uganda.

The budget approval comes at a time when the SACCO is celebrating its 17th Annual General Meeting highlighting significant achievements in membership growth, share capital accumulation, and loan portfolio expansion, achievements that leaders said reflect growing public confidence and commitment among members.

The Sacco’s annual meeting, attended by members, district officials, and representatives from the cooperative movement, highlighted how the institution has transformed over the years since its establishment in 2007. Leaders noted that the Sacco’s journey has been driven by trust, active membership participation, and disciplined financial management.

Speaking during the meeting, Board Chairman, Mangapi Lawrence, reflected on the humble beginnings of the SACCO and the remarkable progress it has made over nearly two decades.

“We started this circle in 2007. Over a time, we kept growing. From membership of 139, we are now talking of membership of 20,199 as of 31st December 2025. And so that triggers commitment of the people and the shareholders.”

Lawrence explained that the rapid growth in membership is not only a sign of confidence in the SACCO but also proof that communities are increasingly embracing cooperative savings and credit systems as a reliable path toward economic empowerment.

He further revealed that the institution’s financial standing has grown tremendously, with share capital now standing at Shs 1.1 billion and a loan portfolio reaching Shs 22 billion. According to him, the Sacco’s ability to sustain such growth demonstrates the commitment of members and the effectiveness of its leadership structures.

“We have now a shareholding that is a share capital of 1.1 billion of a loan portfolio of 22 billion.”

The newly approved budget for 2026 is expected to support operational activities, capital investments, and member services throughout the year. SACCO Treasurer Area Joyce explained that the budget was prepared in accordance with the Cooperative Act Cap 112, which requires cooperative societies to prepare annual financial plans to guide their operations. We have prepared a budget for financial year 2026 running from January to December for the circle. This is a requirement of the Cooperative Act Cap 112.”

She added that the budget covers both recurrent expenditures and capital investments aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening the Sacco’s operations.

“For this reason, Adjumani Town Council Sacco has prepared its budget both income and expenditure and also capital expenditure which is expected to be 3,961 1,070,326.”

Leaders at the meeting emphasized that the Sacco’s growth is particularly important at a time when many communities continue to struggle with limited access to affordable financial services. Through savings and accessible credit facilities, the SACCO has enabled many members to invest in businesses, educate their children, improve agriculture, and support household livelihoods.

Joseph Paul Ochatomi, representing the Registrar of Uganda Cooperative Societies, commended Adjumani Town Council SACCO for becoming one of the strongest SACCOs in the country in terms of financial growth and membership base.

“Given that level of 20 billion net worth, Adjumani town council Sacco can be among the first 100 SACCOS in Uganda.”

Ochatomi compared the Sacco’s achievements with some of Uganda’s most established cooperatives, saying the institution is steadily positioning itself among nationally recognized SACCOs.

“I want to tell you the best as I said is Wazalendo, the one of the soldiers. They have 1.3 trillion. Then when you come to most of the Western Ugandan SACCOS, they are hanging between 60 and 100 billion. So, we put Adjumani among first 100.”

His remarks were received with excitement from members, many of whom viewed the recognition as proof that the SACCO is on the right path toward becoming a major financial institution in the region.

Adjumani Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Wambi Richard, also praised the SACCO for its consistency and resilience over the years. He noted that many SACCOs collapse because of poor management, weak member participation, and mistrust, but Adjumani Town Council SACCO has remained strong because of the dedication of its members.

“I have lived to see very many SACCOS die, but I have also lived to see Adjumani Town council prosper year in and year out. It could not prosper if you are not active members of this circle.”

Wambi further applauded members for maintaining a low level of inactivity within the SACCO, describing it as a healthy indicator of member ownership and confidence in the institution.

“I’ve been looking at the documents. I have come to appreciate that the inactive members of this Sacco are about 3%. That is negligible.”

He encouraged members to continue supporting the SACCO by saving consistently, borrowing responsibly, and participating actively in its programs and governance structures.

“So, I want to thank you for being members of this Sacco owning this Sacco, being part of it, moving with it, and ensuring that it grows every time. This is wonderful, and please keep it up.”

The meeting ended with renewed optimism among members and leaders, who expressed confidence that the Sacco will continue expanding its services and strengthening the economic well-being of its members in the coming years.

With a growing membership of over 20,000 people, a loan portfolio of Shs 22 billion, and a newly approved multi-billion-shilling budget, Adjumani Town Council Sacco is increasingly emerging as a symbol of financial resilience and community-driven development in Northern Uganda. Leaders believe that if the current momentum is sustained, the Sacco could soon rank among the country’s leading cooperative financial institutions while continuing to transform the lives of ordinary members through savings and affordable credit services.

END