Cooperators tipped on benefits of cooperatives in community development
Officials believe that empowering community groups with knowledge about cooperative governance will help them manage shared projects more effectively.
Kabarole: Cooperators in Kabarole District have been encouraged to embrace cooperative principles and structures as a key pathway for strengthening community development and improving livelihoods.
The call was made by Christine Kengonzi, the Principal Commercial Officer for Kabarole, while training the interim executive committee of the Nyakitokoli Solar Plant Saving and Credit Association at Hamabale Trading Centre in Karangura Sub County.
During the engagement, Kengonzi emphasized that transforming community-based initiatives into registered cooperatives helps improve governance, accountability, and access to opportunities such as government support programs, financial services.
She explained that cooperatives provide a strong framework for communities to mobilize resources, collectively manage projects, and create sustainable economic opportunities. “When communities organize themselves into cooperatives, they strengthen their voice, build trust among members, and create structures that support long-term development,” Kengonzi said.
Kengonzi urged the interim leadership of the Nyakitokoli Solar Plant Saving and Credit Association to formally transition into a cooperative development. She noted that such a transition would enable the association to operate within recognized cooperative structures and benefit from the support provided by the district commercial office.
She also reminded the leaders to strictly follow the core principles and values of cooperatives, including democratic leadership, voluntary membership, transparency, and collective participation in decision-making. According to her, adherence to these principles ensures sustainability and protects members’ interests.
She further explained that well-managed cooperatives are able to mobilize savings, provide affordable financial services to members, and support income-generating activities within communities.
Speaking during the same meeting, Stella Kahunde, the Principal Assistant Secretary and focal person for the solar plant project, commended the interim executive committee for their efforts in managing and sustaining the solar power plant. She noted that the solar plant has played an important role in improving access to electricity within the community.
Kahunde emphasized that the continued success of the project depends on strong leadership practices, particularly transparency and accountability in the management of the plant. “The leadership must ensure that all operations are transparent and accountable so that the project achieves the purpose for which it was established,” she said.
She also cautioned the committee against illegal electricity connections, warning that such practices can undermine the sustainability of the project. Kahunde encouraged the leadership to establish strict and punitive measures against illegal connectors in order to protect the solar plant and ensure fair access to services for registered members.
The chairperson of the interim executive committee, Erisa Kuhuku, said the solar plant has already made a significant impact on the livelihoods of people in the area. According to Kuhuku, access to reliable solar power has helped boost small businesses such as shops, salons, and phone charging stations, thereby improving household incomes in the community.
He revealed that since its establishment, the Nyakitokoli Solar Plant Saving and Credit Association has registered about 150 members, demonstrating growing interest and trust from the community. Kuhuku noted that the association is committed to strengthening its structures and ensuring the solar plant continues to benefit residents of Nyakitokoli and the surrounding areas.
The training is part of ongoing efforts by the district commercial office to promote cooperative development across Kabarole. Officials believe that empowering community groups with knowledge about cooperative governance will help them manage shared projects more effectively.
With the continued support of district leaders and active participation of community members, initiatives such as the Nyakitokoli Solar Plant are expected to play a critical role in expanding access to energy, strengthening savings culture, and promoting economic growth at the grassroots level.
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