'Joining SACCOs is sustainable way of improving welfare, reducing salary dependence'

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JINJA – City, municipal and town clerks across the country have been urged to adopt a strong saving culture by joining their savings and credit co-operative organisation (SACCO) as a sustainable way to improve their welfare and reduce dependence on monthly salaries.

The SACCO is the Town Clerks Association of Uganda (TCAU).

Jinja city clerk Godfrey Kiseka says the clerks should start saving with the little they have rather than waiting for the promised salary increment by the Government, come next financial year.

Benon Iga, the national chairperson of TCAU and also Kira munipcal clerk, speaking during the launch of the registration at Jinja city hall. (Photo by Doreen Musingo)

“Start with the little you can afford to build the SACCO, and we will become more organised. Once the increment comes, then we can improve the savings,” he says.

According to Kiseka, this is a better way for the accounting officers who are civil servants to tap into government programmes to improve their welfare now and for the future.

“We are also humans and have personal challenges; we should find avenues as fallback positions once we have financial constraints. The best way to go is to push forward the SACCO,” he added.

Kiseka made the call while launching the registration for TCAU members from the eastern region at Jinja City Hall on April 28, 2026, noting that it will help fight financial resilience among public servants, mainly accounting officers.

TCAU national chairperson Benon Iga highlighted the increasing cost of living and economic pressures that have continued to strain civil servants, thus making it difficult for many to meet their basic needs and long-term financial goals.

Iga, who is also the Kira municipal council clerk, while addressing participants, said that while salaries remain a key source of income, they are no longer sufficient to guarantee financial security in the current economic environment.

He encouraged them to embrace the SACCO as a platform that will promote savings discipline and provide access to affordable credit.

“Salaries alone cannot sustain the kind of lives we aspire to live today. Clerks must take deliberate steps to save and invest through the SACCO if they are to secure their future and support their families,” he said.

Iga said the SACCO, which is member-owned, will offer flexible loan terms and relatively low interest rates compared to commercial banks, making it suitable for civil servants who may need financial support for emergencies, education, housing or investment.

Kauma Fazira, the Jinja deputy clerk, emphasised the importance of financial discipline, urging participants to make regular contributions to their SACCO and avoid unnecessary borrowing.

Proper planning and budgeting

Kauma encouraged them to have proper planning and budgeting, which are essential for maximising the benefits of SACCO membership.

“Saving is not about how much you earn, but how consistent you are. Even small contributions can grow into meaningful capital if managed well over time," she said.

She cautioned them on having strong leadership, proper record keeping and adherence to cooperative principles to safeguard members' savings, thus avoiding poor management practices, which include lack of accountability and transparency.

Moureen Nabatanga, the deputy Iganga municipal clerk, called for intensive mobilisation for more to join, adding they should empower competent leaders and receive regular financial reports.

She noted that this should move hand in hand with financial literacy to improve their understanding of savings, investment and loan management.

Benjamin Mawanda, the SACCO administrator, urged local governments to strengthen the SACCO by providing guidance and creating awareness among their staff about the benefits.

He noted that the SACCO gives financial inclusion for underserved areas, thus members promote it in their respective jurisdictions, which will not only build a saving culture but also improve their personal welfare, enhance productivity and create stability in public service.

However, during the meeting, Dr Samual Mukasa, the Kira Municipal Council health in-charge, tipped the participants about various ways to keep a mentally stress-free work environment and be more productive.

He explained that mental health due to anxiety, heavy workloads, lack of exercise, poor nutrition and chronic diseases were some of the major factors affecting productivity.

He urged them to desist from always taking their annual leave to refresh their minds, avoid behaviour like alcoholism, constant counselling since some officers mix work and family home-related issues, and always sleep for a maximum of six hours to wake up with a fresh mind.