Kole, Uganda: A renewed wave of optimism is sweeping through Agwea Village following a governance training that has equipped leaders and members of the Agwea Integrated Farmers Cooperative Society with practical skills to strengthen transparency, accountability, and growth.
The training, conducted by the Kole District Commercial Office on Monday under the theme “Together We Prosper,” focused on reinforcing leadership capacity as a key pillar in safeguarding farmers’ savings and strengthening rural economies.
Facilitating the session, Mr Okao Emmanuel emphasized the central role of leadership in cooperative success.
“Strong leadership is the backbone of any successful cooperative,” Mr Okao said. “When leaders embrace transparency and accountability, they build trust among members and create a foundation for sustainable growth. This is how we transform livelihoods at the grassroots.”
He added, “Our goal is to ensure that every SACCO in Kole District operates with clear systems, proper records, and a shared vision that benefits all members, not just a few.”
Leaders of the SACCO described the training as a turning point in how they approach governance and service delivery.
“This training has challenged us to rethink how we lead,” said SACCO Chairperson Agustino Okello. “We have learned that leadership is not about positions, but about responsibility and service to our members.”
He added, “We are now committed to ensuring that every decision we make is transparent and in the best interest of our farmers. We want our members to trust us with their savings and their future.”
SACCO Secretary Opio Emmanuel highlighted the importance of systems and communication.
“One of the biggest lessons for us has been the importance of documentation and clear communication,” he said. “We must keep accurate records and ensure that every member understands how decisions are made.”
He added, “When members are informed, they feel included and that strengthens the entire cooperative.”
Treasurer Apili Lona said the training had strengthened financial discipline within the SACCO. “I have gained practical skills in financial management and accountability,” she said. “We are now better prepared to safeguard members’ savings and ensure that all financial transactions are properly recorded and reported.”
She emphasized, “Financial transparency is not optional, it is the foundation of trust in any SACCO.”
Members of the cooperative also expressed renewed confidence in the leadership following the training.
“This training gives us hope,” said Denis Oyet. “We have seen our leaders learn and engage seriously. It shows they are ready to manage our resources responsibly.”
Grace Auma noted that unity and teamwork remain essential to success. “We cannot succeed alone,” she said. “The message ‘Together We Prosper’ reminds us that when we work as a team under good leadership, we all benefit.”
She added, “I now feel more confident saving with the SACCO because I know there is a stronger system in place.”
James Okot described the initiative as transformative for the community. “This is not just training, it is transformation,” he said. “If our leaders continue applying what they have learned, our cooperative will grow and support many families in this community.”
The training forms part of a broader effort by the District Commercial Office to strengthen cooperative governance across Kole District, ensuring that farmer-led institutions remain transparent, sustainable, and impactful.
As Mr Okao noted, “When we empower leaders, we empower communities. And when communities are empowered, development becomes inevitable.”
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