Two Decades of Impact: How MSC Supported SAO Zirobwe SACCO is Transforming Luweero
The SAO Zirobwe SACCO in Uganda has experienced significant growth over two decades, evolving from a small community initiative into a major financial institution. This expansion, supported by the Microfinance Support Centre, has improved local livelihoods by providing affordable credit for agriculture and small business development.
Why it matters
The success of this cooperative demonstrates the impact of government-backed microfinance on rural economic development and poverty reduction.
ZIROBWЕ, LUWEERO — When Share An Opportunity Zirobwe Cooperative Savings & Credit Society (SAO Zirobwe SACCO) started in 2002, it was a small community initiative with just 251 members, Shs7 million in share capital, Shs8 million in savings and a loan portfolio of Shs10 million.
More than two decades later, the SACCO has grown into a major community financial institution with 26,878 members, Shs2.8 billion in share capital, Shs8.5 billion in savings and a loan portfolio of Shs12 billion.
For General Manager Rita Nansitu Sebutinde, the growth is more than a set of financial figures. She says access to affordable credit has enabled members to start and expand businesses, create employment and move from subsistence to commercial farming.
The SACCO was initially established with support from SAO Uganda to help a small group of people mobilise their own resources and access financial services.
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