A delegation of senior officials from the Kingdom of Lesotho recently concluded a study visit to Uganda, where they lauded the country’s progress in microfinance development, particularly through the Emyooga program. This presidential initiative, implemented by the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC), has gained recognition for its transformative impact on grassroots financial inclusion and cooperative-based wealth creation. The Lesotho delegation, which included the Commissioner of Cooperatives and the Chairman of the Cooperative Development Board, expressed admiration for Uganda’s structured approach to empowering local communities through financial literacy, access to affordable credit, and support for income-generating activities.
During their visit, the delegation engaged with MSC officials and toured various program sites to observe firsthand how Emyooga operates. They were particularly impressed by the program’s emphasis on Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), which serve as vehicles for mobilizing savings and extending credit to groups such as women entrepreneurs, artisans, and farmers. The officials noted that Uganda’s model promotes self-reliance and sustainable development by encouraging community members to invest in their own economic growth. The delegation highlighted the potential for replicating similar strategies in Lesotho, where financial inclusion remains a key development priority.
Ugandan leaders, including Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional collaboration and knowledge sharing. Discussions during the visit explored opportunities for future partnerships between Uganda and Lesotho, aimed at strengthening cooperative development and expanding access to financial services across Africa. The exchange underscored the importance of peer learning in advancing inclusive finance and demonstrated Uganda’s growing role as a regional leader in microfinance innovation. The visit concluded with mutual appreciation and a shared vision for leveraging cooperative systems to uplift communities and foster economic resilience.