Uganda to celebrate world cooperates day

16 July 2024, 4:16 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, in partnership with the Uganda Cooperative Alliance, is gearing up to celebrate World Cooperatives Day on July 20th, 2024. The event aims to recognise the significant contributions of cooperatives to improving the lives of Ugandans through thriving businesses.

In Uganda, cooperatives have grown exponentially, from 5,452 in 1986 to 45,452 today, and are now engaged in diversified sectors such as savings and credit (SACCOs), agricultural marketing, transport, dairy, health, housing, fishing, and mining. The government has recognised the crucial role cooperatives play in poverty reduction and has created an enabling environment for their development and growth.

Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting cooperatives. “We recognise the vital role cooperatives play in our economy and are dedicated to providing an enabling environment for their growth and development,” he said. “We are proud to celebrate World Cooperatives Day and acknowledge the contributions of cooperatives to our socio-economic transformation.”

Asiimwe Ivan, Secretary General of the Uganda Cooperative Alliance, emphasised the importance of cooperatives in promoting economic growth and social justice. “Cooperatives are a vital part of our economy, providing essential services and creating opportunities for thousands of Ugandans,” he said. “We are committed to supporting the growth and development of cooperatives in Uganda.”

This year’s celebrations, themed “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All,” will take place at Misanvu Demonstration, Church of Uganda Primary School Grounds in Kibinge sub-county, Bukomansimbi district. The event will be preceded by Cooperatives Week, which will feature various activities, including tree planting, blood donation, and national microfinance and savings groups conference.

The government has also introduced initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and EMYOOGA to support cooperative development. By celebrating World Cooperatives Day, Uganda joins the global community in recognising the impact of cooperatives on socio-economic transformation and promoting a better future for all. This year’s celebrations will be a significant milestone in Uganda’s cooperative movement, and we look forward to many more years of growth and success.