BUDAKA, Uganda: Media practitioners from across the North Bukedi sub-region have resolved to establish a cooperative society aimed at promoting economic empowerment, professional growth and unity among journalists, bloggers and other media stakeholders.
The resolution was reached during the group’s second consultative meeting held at Clover Woods Hotel in Budaka District, where members received guidance on the legal and operational requirements for registering a cooperative society.
The meeting followed earlier discussions on establishing a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO). However, after receiving technical guidance from Budaka District Commercial Officer Waaki Dan, members unanimously agreed that a cooperative society would provide broader opportunities and greater flexibility in pursuing their long-term objectives.
Speaking during the meeting, Interim Chairperson Kaalo Rogers thanked members for entrusting him with the leadership role and urged them to remain committed to the vision of the initiative.
He said the cooperative is intended to provide a common platform through which media practitioners can support one another professionally and economically.
Interim Board Chairperson Ismail Kabirizi, the Bureau Chief for DailyExpress in Bukedi region, called upon journalists, bloggers and other information disseminators across North Bukedi to join the initiative.
He noted that the cooperative seeks to unite media practitioners from Pallisa, Kibuku, Budaka and Butebo districts under a shared development agenda.
“We want every media practitioner in North Bukedi to be part of this journey. This is a platform intended to strengthen our profession, create opportunities, and promote collective growth,” Kabirizi, popularly known as Ismail K Omukenkuffu, told journalists.
He explained that the current leadership structure remains interim and was established to guide the registration process and membership mobilization efforts.
Kabirizi added that members would later elect substantive leaders in accordance with the cooperative’s governing structures.
Gyagenda Alamanzani, commonly known as Manza, the interim Vice Chairperson, encouraged media practitioners who are yet to join the initiative to actively participate in shaping its future.
Budaka District Commercial Officer Waaki Dan guided members on membership requirements, shareholding obligations, governance structures and the registration process for cooperative societies.
The meeting was later joined by Iki-Iki County Member of Parliament Hon. Kampanya Abduswaibu, who commended the media practitioners for organizing themselves around a shared vision.
He urged members to remain patient and committed to building a sustainable institution that can benefit both current and future generations.
Hon. Kampanya also pledged Shs500,000 as seed capital to support the cooperative’s development efforts.
Members agreed on membership fees and committed themselves to purchasing shares as part of building a strong foundation for the cooperative.
Leaders of the initiative expressed confidence that the registration process would be completed in the coming weeks and dismissed concerns raised by critics regarding the viability of the project.
They maintained that the cooperative continues to attract growing support and remains focused on achieving its objectives.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for journalists, bloggers, online publishers and other media practitioners across North Bukedi to join the cooperative and actively participate in its development.
Leaders also appealed to political, cultural, religious and community leaders in the four districts to support the initiative, noting that a stronger and economically empowered media sector would contribute significantly to the region’s development.
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