Kampala– The Uganda Judicial Officers Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (UJO-SACCO) has elected Lady Justice Mary Kaitesi Kisakye as its new Chairperson, ushering in a new leadership team committed to strengthening savings, expanding investments, and enhancing the financial empowerment of judicial officers.
Lady Justice Kisakye was elected during the SACCO’s Elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Court of Appeal Conference Hall in Kampala. The meeting reviewed the institution’s performance and explored strategies aimed at accelerating growth and improving member welfare.
Other officials elected to the Executive Committee include HW Dr. Alex Karocho Mushabe as Vice Chairperson, HW Timothy Lumunye as Treasurer, HW Jessica Chemeri as Secretary, Lady Justice Linda Lillian Tumusiime Mugisha representing Justices and Judges, HW Naume Sikhoya representing Registrars and Chief Magistrates, HW Evelyn Najjuko representing Magistrates, and HW Charles Yeteise representing retired judicial officers.
Members also re-elected Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire as Chairperson of the Supervisory Committee, assisted by HW Marion Ninsiima and HW Sheila Fiona Angura.
Speaking after her election, Lady Justice Kisakye expressed gratitude to members for the trust they had placed in her and pledged to build on the achievements of the outgoing leadership.
“We will definitely take this SACCO to greater heights,” she said, promising to work closely with the newly elected committee to strengthen the institution and improve services for members.
The elections marked a significant transition for the SACCO, which has served judicial officers for the past 13 years as a platform for savings, affordable credit, and investment.
In his farewell address, outgoing Chairperson Justice Boniface Wamala highlighted the SACCO’s achievements during the 2025 financial year. He reported that membership had increased from 338 in 2024 to 351 by the end of 2025, while the loan portfolio grew from UGX 1.84 billion to UGX 2.259 billion. Share capital, savings, and total assets also recorded steady growth.
Justice Wamala noted that loan recoveries had significantly improved following the introduction of standing orders. He further announced that members would receive annual interest of 10 percent on their savings, alongside a recommended dividend of UGX 5,000 per share following the surplus recorded during the year.
Despite the positive performance, he pointed out several challenges, including low participation in the Special Savers Scheme, inadequate savings by some members, delayed subscription payments, and loan repayment defaults resulting from cancelled or unfunded standing orders.
“The SACCO’s potential remains largely underutilised,” Justice Wamala observed, urging members to embrace the cooperative spirit through active participation and consistent saving.
Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire challenged members to adopt a long-term vision for the institution, emphasizing that sustainable growth depends on active member involvement.
“You cannot have cooperation without cooperators,” he remarked, noting that although the SACCO has 351 registered members, only about 100 to 120 actively participate in its activities.
Drawing lessons from Kenya’s Sheria SACCO, Justice Kiryabwire encouraged members to pursue ambitious growth targets and transform UJO-SACCO into a stronger and more sustainable financial institution.
Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya, President of the International Association of Women Judges Uganda Chapter (IAWJ-UC), urged judicial officers, particularly women, to embrace saving and investing through the SACCO. She shared her personal experience, highlighting how disciplined saving had reinforced the importance of long-term financial planning.
During the discussions, members called for increased participation, enhanced financial literacy programmes, and the introduction of tailored savings products to cater for housing, education, retirement, emergencies, and investment projects.
The AGM also proposed the introduction of an annual “SACCO Month” to boost member mobilisation and savings campaigns, as well as stronger mediation mechanisms for loan recovery before enforcement measures are pursued.
Representing the President of the Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA), HW Vincent Muzeyi reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to working closely with the SACCO to advance the welfare and financial empowerment of judicial officers.
The meeting concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and the presentation of appreciation awards to members of the outgoing Executive Committee in recognition of their dedicated service and contribution to the growth of UJO-SACCO.
Members expressed confidence that under its new leadership, the SACCO is well-positioned to strengthen membership, expand its financial portfolio, and remain a key pillar of economic empowerment within Uganda’s Judiciary.
