For years, many village savings groups in Luwero District collapsed under the weight of poor record-keeping, financial mismanagement, and lack of clear structures.But in Nakatonya Parish, Nyimbwa Sub-county, one group of residents chose a different path.
What began in 2011 as ten small village savings groups has grown into Jamaat United Development SACCO—a community financial institution that now serves more than 1,600 members and manages savings worth 800 million shillings.
Now, the SACCO has received a major boost after General Salim Saleh, the Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, donated 100 million shillings to strengthen its capital base and support economic empowerment initiatives.
The donation was unveiled at Nakatonya Mosque in Luwero District. Located in Sedertula Village, Jamaat United Development SACCO operates under Islamic financing principles, offering interest-free loans to members from Nyimbwa Sub-county and Bombo Town Council.
According to Gaddafi Bachu, the Acting Manager of the SACCO, increasing demand for loans from members pushed the leadership to seek additional support.
He said they approached General Saleh after demonstrating the SACCO’s growth and impact within the community.Bachu noted that the General appreciated the group’s progress and later donated 100 million shillings, which has already been deposited into the SACCO account to expand lending capacity.
For members like Zenar Nasur, the SACCO represents stability and trust that many informal village savings groups previously lacked.She explained that because earlier groups were not formally registered, they struggled to attract support from government and development partners.
Now, she says, the SACCO’s formal structure and strong membership have opened doors for growth and external support.
Zenar added that the latest donation will strengthen the SACCO’s loan portfolio and attract more residents to join. Local leaders say the impact is already visible in the community.
Shabelle Khamis, the LC2 Chairperson of Nakatonya Parish, said the SACCO has enabled residents to access interest-free loans for small businesses, farming, and children’s education.
Representing General Saleh at the handover ceremony, Major Herbert Ndiwalana urged SACCO leaders to manage the funds transparently and ensure that the donation directly benefits members.
He said although the contribution may appear modest, it could help the SACCO build long-term financial independence if members continue saving and investing responsibly.
Ndiwalana also praised the SACCO for promoting unity and economic cooperation within the community, especially among women and low-income earners.
For many residents in Nakatonya, the growth of Jamaat United Development SACCO is more than a financial success story—it is proof that organized community savings can evolve into sustainable local economic empowerment. URN