The Special Presidential Assistant and Coordinator of Bataka Affairs in Buganda Kingdom, Henry Lutwama, has called on clan leaders to embrace organised savings as a sustainable pathway to wealth creation, warning against diverting SACCO funds to non-productive activities.
Lutwama made the remarks 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 fail prematurely due to weak governance and poor financial management.
“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 shared 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” — a culture of resourcefulness through income-generating and poverty-reduction initiatives.
He cautioned leaders against using SACCO funds for social ceremonies and personal events.
“SACCO funds should be invested in productive ventures, not spent on weddings, introductions or birthday celebrations,” he said, urging clan heads to lead by example.
He encouraged the SACCO to prioritise youth entrepreneurship, support women-led enterprises and expand financial literacy programmes among clan members.
Looking ahead, Lutwama challenged the leadership to explore the possibility of transforming the SACCO 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 that offers 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, while SACCO chairperson 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 to support 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 reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening the savings culture and expanding economic opportunities within Buganda’s clan structures.
