By Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L. H. D (Hon.)

KAMPALA- UGANDA- The Special Presidential Assistant and Coordinator of Bataka Affairs in Buganda, Henry Lutwama, has rewarded three outstanding savers of Abataka Mutindo SACCO and called on clan leaders to deepen support for the Government’s wealth creation agenda.

Mr Lutwama was the guest of honour at the SACCO’s annual general meeting (AGM) and second anniversary celebrations held at Bulange on February 16.

He commended the Abataka (clan heads) for embracing organised savings, financial discipline and collective responsibility, describing the SACCO as a model of how cultural institutions can drive socio-economic transformation.
“Many social development clubs and organisations collapse within one or two years of operation. Thank you for making this SACCO what it is today,” Mr Lutwama said.

Founded two years ago, Abataka Mutindo SACCO was established as a unifying financial platform for clan heads across the Buganda Kingdom, with the aim of promoting savings, access to affordable credit and shared economic growth.
Mr Lutwama noted that President Yoweri Museveni has consistently championed the principle of okugasa—being resourceful—through programmes targeting poverty eradication and household income growth.
“You, the Bataka, are leading by example in financial development.

I urge members to use SACCO funds responsibly and avoid diverting loans to non-productive expenses such as kwanjula ceremonies, weddings or birthday parties,” he said.
He further urged the SACCO to prioritise youth entrepreneurship, support women-led enterprises and invest in financial literacy for clan members.
Looking ahead, Mr Lutwama challenged members to think bigger by transforming the SACCO into a fully fledged financial institution.

“The Abataka Bank should be one of the projects we plan for. Let us build a bank from this SACCO so that clan members can access affordable financial services and grow their ventures,” he said. “If the SACCO is managed well and doubles its capital by the end of this year, we shall boost it with a vehicle to support its operations.”
During the ceremony, Ms Sarah Nansubuga and Mr Samuel Musoke, recognised as the best savers of 2025, received Solar M7 home kits, while SACCO chairman Ian Kabali Kajubi also received a unit.

Mr Lutwama, a co-founder of the solar initiative, said the kits are designed to support off-grid households with clean lighting and phone-charging solutions. He also donated Shs5m towards the SACCO’s ongoing projects.

Abataka leaders used the event to remind the President of his earlier pledge to establish Lwattamu House, a proposed commercial building intended to serve as headquarters for Abataka programmes.

The SACCO leadership said the anniversary marked a renewed commitment to strengthening a savings culture and expanding economic opportunities among clan members across Buganda.