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Kigarama People’s SACCO was founded in the early 1980s by a group of 132 banana growers from Kigarama sub-county, in the Bushenyi district of western Uganda, with the main aim of collectively marketing their bananas on the vast Kampala market. In 2005, the association became a fully registered cooperative society offering savings and credit services to its members.
Western Uganda is renowned for its people’s ability to organize themselves to achieve collective goals.
With a population of 48 million, Uganda is the third-largest economy in East Africa, after Kenya and Tanzania. After going through a difficult period until the 1980s, the country has achieved impressive economic performance over the last few decades. Uganda managed the post-pandemic recovery well and has remained resilient in the face of global economic challenges. Agriculture remains the backbone of the Ugandan economy, employing 66% of the population, with coffee being one of the main export resources. Despite this positive trend, poverty persists, with 60% of the population living below the global threshold of $3 PPP/day.
Kigarama People’s SACCO aims to empower rural communities, particularly low-income and farming households, by providing accessible and affordable financial services, including savings, credit, and financial education. It emphasizes inclusive growth by encouraging the participation of women, improving livelihoods, and fostering a culture of saving and investment among its members. Ultimately, Kigarama People’s SACCO aspires to a financially autonomous membership capable of driving sustainable development within its communities.
