SOROTI, August 27, 2025 – Teachers’ SACCOs in the Teso Subregion are set to benefit from a major financial injection as the government rolls out new funding through the Presidential Initiative for Teachers.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement event at Soroti Hotel, Caroline Atai, General Manager of Walimu Cooperative Union Limited, announced that each teachers’ SACCO in the region will receive UGX 500 million to strengthen their financial base and support teachers’ economic advancement.
“These funds aim to improve the livelihoods of teachers and their households by boosting access to affordable credit,” Atai said.
She revealed that more than UGX 3 billion has already been allocated to the Teso region. Of that amount, over UGX 2 billion has been successfully repaid, with Kumi Progressive Teachers’ SACCO, Amuria Teachers’ SACCO, and Kalaki Teachers’ SACCO recognized for leading in repayment performance.
Atai called on SACCOs and individual borrowers who are yet to clear their loans to fulfill their obligations, stressing that the programme is under close supervision by multiple stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability.
“This is a government-led initiative, and we’ve brought on board other actors to support monitoring and implementation, all aimed at enhancing teachers’ welfare,” she added.
Stephen Olinga, National Vice Chairperson of the Union, reaffirmed that the core aim of the fund is to increase teachers’ incomes and promote financial self-reliance through their SACCOs.
He highlighted that teachers can use these loans to engage in productive activities that supplement their earnings, while the digital loan disbursement system introduced by the Union ensures more efficient management and prevents duplication of loans across multiple SACCOs.
Olinga also praised high-performing SACCOs such as Amuria and Kumi Progressive for their discipline in repayment, which has made them eligible for additional financial support.
In his remarks, Moses Omagor, Chairperson of Amuria Teachers’ SACCO, credited their 97% repayment success rate to a strict vetting process, close coordination with district education officials, and peer appraisals. He noted that final loan decisions rest with the SACCO’s board, ensuring accountability and fairness.
Omagor shared that Amuria Teachers’ SACCO, with over 300 members, initially received UGX 280 million, and currently has an outstanding loan balance of just UGX 60 million. The SACCO plans to use the additional UGX 500 million to increase access to credit for its members.
“Teachers bring in a range of project proposals. The most successful ventures have been poultry farming, goat rearing, small retail businesses, and support for school fees, all of which contribute to their economic resilience,” he said.
The new funding is expected to stimulate further growth in teacher-led enterprises, boost financial inclusion, and enhance local economic development across the Teso Subregion.
Teachers were urged to save consistently and borrow wisely, while SACCO leaders were reminded to safeguard their institutions from political interference, which can undermine trust and long-term sustainability.