Minister Kyambadde advises on SACCOS management

By John Odyek          

Trade and industry minister, Amelia Kyambadde, has advised organizations starting Savings and Credit Cooperative Schemes (SACCOS) to elect independent management teams to run them.

Kyambadde made the remarks at celebrations to mark administrative Professionals week. The celebration was organized by the National Association of Secretaries and Administrative Assistants (NASAP). NASAP is in the process of forming a SACCO.

Over 300 administrative professional attended the function.

They are employed by ministries, departments and agencies of government. Other secretaries were from corporations, universities and other institutions.

Kyambadde stressed that SACCO management teams should be different from the executive of associations to enable them be succeed. “Have an independent executive of SACCOS. Every member has a right to know how much is saved and to borrow money at a lower rate,” Kyambadde said.

She urged administrative professionals to acquire entrepreneurial skills to enable them start and run successful businesses to supplement their salaries.

The minister tipped them to plan exit strategies from their jobs. “You should learn to move on. Begin moving on. One day you will have to go. When you move on, don’t go to rot in villages. Exit to other opportunities. Don’t fight others, avoid negative competition,” Kyambadde advised.

Dr Maggie Kigozi, director Crown Beverages Ltd encouraged the secretaries to start businesses saying it was never too late to start.

Kigozi, a former executive director Uganda Investment Authority said life was tough for secretaries but they should learn to put on a smile in their offices because being gloomy or impolite was not the answer.

She urged them to have self- confidence and realise that the work they do is important.

Harriet Tugume, director Danie Consult, a motivational and business advisory company said organizations employ different types of people and understanding people would enable one work successfully.

Godwin Muhanguzi, president NASAP said the organization seeks to improve the professional and ethical skills of its members. “Excellence is what we strive for. Selfishness, intrigue, looking to ‘eat money’ is not what we come to do in offices,” Muhanguzi said.