Africa-Press – Uganda. The Special Presidential Assistant and Coordinator of Bataka Affairs in Buganda, Henry Lutwama has urged clan leaders in Buganda Kingdom to embrace organised savings as a pathway to wealth creation, cautioning against diverting SACCO funds to non-productive expenditures.
Lutwama made the remarks on February while officiating at the annual general meeting and second anniversary of Abataka Mutindo SACCO, held at Bulange.
He commended the Bataka (clan heads) for sustaining the SACCO beyond its formative years, noting that many community-based financial initiatives collapse early due to weak governance structures and poor financial discipline.
“This SACCO demonstrates that traditional institutions can drive development when anchored in accountability and collective responsibility,” Lutwama said.
Established two years ago, Abataka Mutindo SACCO serves as a common savings and credit platform for clan heads within Buganda.
Lutwama said the initiative aligns with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s long-standing call for Ugandans to embrace “okugasa” — being resourceful through income-generating and poverty-reduction initiatives.
He cautioned leaders against using SACCO funds for social ceremonies.
“SACCO funds should be invested in productive ventures, not spent on weddings, introductions or birthday celebrations,” he said, urging clan leaders to lead by example.
He further encouraged the SACCO to prioritise youth entrepreneurship, support women-led enterprises and invest in financial literacy programmes for clan members.
Looking ahead, Lutwama challenged the SACCO leadership to explore transitioning into a fully fledged financial institution.
“An Abataka Bank should form part of our long-term vision. With sound management and increased capitalisation, this SACCO can evolve into a bank offering affordable financial services to clan members,” he said, pledging support if the SACCO doubles its capital base by the end of the year.
During the AGM, Sarah Nansubuga and Samuel Musoke, recognised as the best savers of 2025, received Solar M7 home kits. SACCO chairman Ian Kabali Kajubi was also awarded a unit.
Lutwama, a co-founder of the Solar M7 initiative, said the kits are designed to support off-grid households with basic lighting and phone-charging solutions. He also donated Shs5 million towards the SACCO’s ongoing activities.
Abataka leaders used the meeting to remind the President of his earlier pledge to establish Lwattamu House, a proposed commercial building intended to host Bataka programmes.
The SACCO leadership said the anniversary marks a renewed commitment to strengthening the savings culture and expanding economic opportunities within Buganda’s clan structures.
