Arua Mother City SACCO Marks 18 Years, Members Call for Government Support
Drasi speaking during the 18th Arua Mother City SACCO anniversary. Photo Credit; Andrew Cohen Amvesi
ARUA CITY – Arua Mother City Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) celebrated 18 years of operation with a strong appeal to the government for support.
Headquartered in Club Cell, Kenya Ward, Arua Central Division, the SACCO has 7,210 registered members and at least 180 affiliated groups across the West Nile sub-region.
Speaking during the 18th anniversary celebration at the head office on Saturday, February 14, 2026, Salim Saleh Drasi, the SACCO’s Manager, said the organization currently holds a share capital of Shs98 million.
“Our share capital was higher previously, but it declined after some groups withdrew and their shares were transferred to others. We now have 4,231 active members out of the 7,210,” Drasi explained.
Over the past 18 years, he added, the SACCO has provided loans ranging from Shs2.5 million to Shs5 million to members at an interest rate of 11 percent per annum. These funds have enabled many to successfully run and grow their businesses.
“We have achieved all this independently, without external support. We now urge the government to step in and assist us so we can reach even more people,” Drasi appealed.
Rehema Atutua, the SACCO Chairperson, said the organization relies solely on member shares and support from Director Swali Atama to operate.
“Since our establishment in 2009, we have received no funding from the government. I often wonder why, especially since so many of our members are grassroots NRM mobilizers,” Atutua remarked.
She lamented the death of former Arua Municipality MP Col. Ibrahim Abiriga, who had been passionate about the SACCO and facilitated a connection with President Museveni.
“Before his death, Abiriga took our director and some leaders to State House Entebbe, where President Museveni pledged Shs350 million to us. Unfortunately, since Abiriga passed away, no one has been able to follow up on that promise with the President,” Atutua said.
Swali Atama confirmed the meeting with President Museveni and expressed hope that the Head of State would fulfill the Shs350 million pledge.
“The demand for loans is overwhelming due to our low interest rates, but we are financially stretched and unable to meet the growing needs of our expanding membership. I appeal to President Museveni to consider supporting us,” Atama said.
Justina Mbabazi, a SACCO member, shared how she used a loan to invest in her milk business, which is now thriving in Arua City.
“With the income from my business, I can pay my children’s school fees and provide for my family. Arua Mother City SACCO has transformed the lives of many of us, and that is why I urge our beloved President Museveni to support the organization,” Mbabazi said.
While presiding over the 18th anniversary celebrations, Samary Ijaga, Chairperson of Kenya Ward, noted that before the SACCO’s establishment, many families had broken apart as spouses fled into exile to escape high-interest loans from commercial banks.
Ijaga said the SACCO had eased the situation by offering affordable and manageable borrowing options.
He pledged to use his office to ensure the members’ call for support reaches the relevant authorities for action.