Lira City | August 6, 2025 —
Youth leaders under the Lango Youth League have officially launched a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) during a high-level meeting held today at Benvia Hotel in Lira City.
This youth-led initiative, spearheaded by NRM district youth leaders across Lango, seeks to tackle rising youth unemployment, reduce redundancy, and promote economic empowerment through organized savings and investment structures.
The SACCO, which will operate inclusively from village, parish, district, and city levels, was unveiled during the NRM Youth Leaders Conference, which brought together representatives from all districts in the sub-region.
While delivering the keynote speech, Brian Yeko Ongora, the Lira City Youth League leader, emphasized the long-overdue need for a unifying economic platform that can serve as a springboard for sustainable youth development.
“This SACCO is for all youth leaders across all levels—from poultry projects to roofing schools, from distributing sanitary pads to establishing skills hubs. I want my five-year term to reflect visible and accountable leadership,” said Ongora.
The SACCO will be managed by an interim committee, headed by Sodrick Ogwang, the newly elected Lira District Youth League Chairperson, who will also serve as the General Secretary.
Ogwang acknowledged the inspiration drawn from President Museveni’s youth empowerment programs and pledged to run the SACCO with professional management structures.
“We are encouraging youths trained in Administration, Accounting, and Procurement to take lead roles in managing the SACCO. This isn’t just a political season project; it’s here to outlive the political wave,” he affirmed.
Membership is open to all NRM Youth League leaders within Lango sub-region at a fee of UGX 20,000.
Ivan Ayo, NRM Youth League Chairperson for Kole District, urged for transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in the management of the SACCO, warning against the common pitfall of mismanagement in similar projects.
“Most youth projects die due to lack of transparency. We must remain open and accountable if we want this to succeed,” he noted.
Sharon Akite, Otuke District Youth Leader, called on her fellow youth leaders to avoid selfishness and serve their constituencies, especially those in rural areas who lack access to development projects.”We must go down to the grassroots.
The village youth are depending on us to deliver real change.”The SACCO’s bank account is expected to be officially opened this Saturday, marking the next phase in mobilizing resources and expanding membership.
Leaders aim to attract government support, private partnerships, and donor funding.If successfully managed, the SACCO will serve as a financial backbone for youth-led initiatives in:
Agribusiness
Vocational skills training
Education and school infrastructure
Sanitary and health support
Community developmentYouth leaders remain optimistic that this initiative will shape the future of Lango youth through financial independence and collaborative progress.
ENDS
