By Osuta Yusuf
Date: May 16, 2024- In a bid to foster economic growth and promote a culture of collaboration, stakeholders, politicians, and business leaders in Yumbe District have joined forces to launch a cooperative association aimed at enhancing business, farming, and saving practices within the community.
The newly formed association, named the Yumbe People Common Interest Multipurpose Co-operative Society Ltd, has officially been registered with the district local government. With an initial membership of 200 individuals and a collective savings of 20 million Shillings, the cooperative is poised to make a significant impact on the economic landscape of Yumbe District.
Chairing the inaugural meeting, Mr. Haruna Asirafu, emphasized the association’s commitment to fostering economic and social empowerment among its members. He outlined the principles upon which the cooperative is founded, highlighting the importance of unity and collective effort in driving sustainable development.
Drawing from his extensive experience in cooperative management across East African countries, Habib Amin Tibircu underscored the importance of commitment and unity among members to ensure the success and longevity of the cooperative. He identified disunity and lack of commitment as common pitfalls that have historically led to the collapse of similar initiatives.
Echoing this sentiment, Yumbe District’s internal auditor, Tayiri Asirafu, acknowledged the role of systemic failures in derailing cooperative and savings groups. He pledged to work towards developing robust systems and mechanisms to support the new cooperative and safeguard its operations.
In a show of support for the initiative, Mr. Ezama Ham Mizamil, the deputy resident city commissioner for Central Division Arua City, commended the cooperative leaders for their vision in promoting a culture of saving and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the alignment of the cooperative’s objectives with the socio-economic transformation agenda of the NRM Government, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in driving community development.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Tumwesigye John Bosco, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Yumbe District, called upon the people, particularly the youth, to embrace hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. He urged them to eschew idleness and substance abuse, emphasizing the opportunities presented by the cooperative for meaningful engagement and economic empowerment.
As the Yumbe People Common Interest Multipurpose Co-operative Society Ltd embarks on its journey, there is optimism about its potential to drive positive change and foster economic resilience within the district. With a united front and a shared commitment to success, the cooperative stands poised to become a catalyst for sustainable development and community prosperity in Yumbe.