By ALEX PITHUA

Sigh of relief as Zombo district Teachers’ Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization [SACCO] leadership received a significant financial boost of UGX 10 million from well-wishers.

The development was revealed to our journalist on Saturday by Uganda National Association of Teachers Union [UNATU] Zombo branch Chairperson Immaculate Atimango, who doubled as Chairperson Zombo teachers’ SACCO Association.

In an interview with our reporter, at their office located in Paidha town, along Arua road, the executives of Zombo teachers’ SACCO Association, confirmed the development adding that, this development materialized through the lobbying efforts of Zombo district Woman Member of Parliament who doubled as commissioner, Esther Afoyocan.

Zombo district Woman MP who doubled as Parliament commissioner Esther Afoyochan. Photo by Alex Pithua

Atimango observed that on October 5rd 2024 during the World Teacher’s Day celebration at Ajei primary school, MP Afoyochan who was the Chief guest for the function, motivated teachers to form a SACCO and pledged to lobby for support.

She commended the MP for fulfilling the pledge saying the SACCO was struggling with little initial contribution from few members appealing to more teaching fraternity to embrace the SACCO idea for convenient financial support.

Currently the SACCO has 50 registered members who paid membership, registration and savings of UGX 30000 per member.

Zombo UNATU branch leadership says it has over 984 potential teachers who will join the SACCO for its growth.

Edward Opar, Treasure UNATU Zombo branch who doubled as Vice chairperson Zombo teachers’ SACCO observed that this will bring relief to teachers who are overwhelmed with the burden of paying multiple loans from financial institutions.

“This will boost the morale of the teachers, as teachers we face many challenges and we shall be lending this money at little interest which will enable teachers to engage in income generating activities other than relying on classroom teaching complementing monthly salary”. Opar

Jolly Achan a SACCO member, headteacher of Zale primary school who doubled as the secretary of Zombo teachers’ SACCO is optimistic that this development will enable them to manage school fees for children.

Achan Implored teachers to manage the SACCO funds well to realize financial change among teachers.

Meanwhile MP Afoyochan for her part observed that good friends of hers came together and decided to fulfil the pledge she had made last year.

“This money is a start-up capital for teachers’ SACCO and it is aimed at allowing teachers to use their own resources in credit instead of rushing to the banks or other money lending facilities.” Afoyochan stressed during the interview.

Zombo district Teachers' SACCO executives speak to our journalist on Saturday 31st November 2025, from their office located in Paidha town council along Arua road after receiving UGX 10 million start-up fund from friends of MP Esther Afoyochan. Photo by Alex Pithua

Alex Pithua is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information