BOU certifies 39 financial literacy trainers for Karamoja

Certification has long been a cornerstone of professional and educational advancement, serving as proof of expertise and a gateway to opportunities.

In Karamoja, this principle is now being leveraged to address systemic challenges.

The Bank of Uganda (BOU) has now certified 39 leaders following a five-day intensive financial management training, equipping them to tackle the region’s acute lack of financial literacy, a gap that has limited progress in savings, investments and retirement planning. 

The training, facilitated by BOU in partnership with a certified financial literacy trainer, covered critical modules such as personal finance management, savings, insurance, loan management and digital financial literacy.

Graduates, now certified as trainers, are expected to integrate these skills into their organisations and communities, fostering a culture of financial discipline. 

RDC's office Susan Among receives a certificate of completion for financial literacy from Andrew Kawere (L) head of national payment system BOU and Ag. RDC Moroto Justine Tuko. (Credit: Olandason Wanyama)

At the June 28, 2025, closure ceremony in Moroto, Resident District Commissioner Justine Tuko emphasised the urgency of translating knowledge into action: “The biggest challenge Karamoja faces is financial mismanagement, compounded by high illiteracy. We requested this training to empower our leaders to drive change.”

He urged trainees to avoid treating the skills as a “selfish formula,” but as tools to uplift both individuals and communities under poverty alleviation initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. 

BOU director National Payment Systems Andrew Kawere framed the training as a fulfilment of the governor’s commitment to Karamoja.

“This is the start of a long partnership. We expect the knowledge to spread to worship places, markets, and schools,” he said, highlighting the multiplier effect of disciplined financial practices: “Even those who start with shillings 10,000 can thrive with proper planning.”  

Jennifer Lily Akongo, the president of the Karamoja trainers’ team, said: “Many retire without homes or plans. It’s time to invest in fruit farming, rentals, or other ventures—it’s never too late.”