Members of Rukungiri Farmers Savings and Credit Cooperative Association (Rukungiri Farmers SACCO) have been urged to adopt a stronger savings culture to ensure the cooperative’s stability and future growth.
The appeal came from Abaho John Bosco, chief speaker at the SACCO’s 8th Annual General Meeting held at Hotel Riverside conference hall in Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality on 16 thFeb ,2026. Addressing members, Abaho emphasized that regular savings by members would build the SACCO’s capital base, enabling it to meet members’ needs, expand services and remain financially stable. He called on each member to act as an ambassador for the SACCO by promoting saving habits within their families and communities.
“A disciplined savings culture will generate the funds necessary for lending, support operational needs, and sustain long-term development,” Abaho said. He encouraged members to embrace modern digital networks and mobile banking options to reduce transport costs and make saving more convenient, particularly for those in remote areas who currently face barriers to frequent branch visits.
Abaho also urged SACCO management to prioritize support for farmer-members, noting that agricultural producers are among the cooperative’s best performers. He said targeted support to farmers would incentivize continuous savings and boost overall SACCO performance.
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Mugarura Deus, the newly elected chairperson of the Board of Governors, thanked members for their continued support and commitment. Deus outlined the main objectives of the AGM, which included presenting the board’s accountability to members, member education and awareness initiatives, and the election of the new committee. He acknowledged several operational challenges confronting the SACCO, such as liquidity constraints arising from growing credit demand, pressures on loan recovery, and an overall limited culture of saving.
“These challenges are real, but the newly elected board is committed to putting in place policies and measures that will strengthen liquidity management, improve loan recovery systems, and cultivate a stronger savings mindset among members,” Deus said.
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Baguma Richard, Principal Commercial Officer for Rukungiri Municipality, praised the SACCO’s management for advancing the institution rather than allowing it to backslide. He urged members to show loyalty to the cooperative by saving regularly and repaying loans promptly.
“A disciplined membership will help the SACCO grow into one of the region’s leading cooperatives and contribute to broader poverty reduction efforts,” Baguma said.
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The AGM concluded with renewed calls for unity, enhanced member education on financial management, and a commitment by the new board to tackle the highlighted challenges during its tenure.
