Fort Portal, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | The Uganda Co-operative Alliance is advocating for the integration of co-operative education into schools nationwide to promote economic empowerment and sustainable development.
The General Secretary of the Uganda Co-operative Alliance emphasized the significance of co-operatives in driving economic growth and improving livelihoods. Their proposal involves incorporating co-operative principles and practices into various subjects to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how co-operatives operate.
Barnabas Tinkasimire, Member of Parliament for Buyaga West, supports the initiative, stating that integrating co-operative education into the curriculum will not only enhance students’ grasp of economic principles but also instill values of collaboration, shared responsibility, and community building from an early age.
Ivan Asiimwe, the General Secretary of the Uganda Co-operative Alliance, stressed the vital role of co-operatives in society, contributing to poverty reduction, job creation, and sustainable development. He highlighted the importance of introducing young minds to the co-operative model early on to cultivate a culture of teamwork and social responsibility.
The proposal suggests incorporating co-operative principles and practices into various subjects, equipping students with a profound understanding of co-operatives’ functions and their positive impact on local communities. This initiative was discussed during a three-day capacity-building session for commercial officers in mid-western Uganda on cooperative ideology, governance, and management, held in Fort Portal.
Banabus expressed concerns about the current Sacco system, stating that it has left many people at the mercy of middlemen, adversely affecting them economically.
