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 fresh leadership team tasked with strengthening savings, expanding investments and enhancing financial empowerment for 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 on Saturday, where members reviewed the institution’s performance and discussed strategies for future growth.
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.
Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire was re-elected Chairperson of the Supervisory Committee, deputised by HW Marion Ninsiima and HW Sheila Fiona Angura.
Speaking shortly after her election, Lady Justice Kisakye thanked members for entrusting her with the responsibility 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 executive to strengthen the institution and improve services to members.
The elections marked a significant transition for the SACCO, which for the past 13 years has served judicial officers as a vehicle for savings, affordable credit and investment.
In his farewell remarks, outgoing Chairperson Justice Boniface Wamala commended members for their continued support and highlighted the SACCO’s achievements during the 2025 financial year.
He revealed that membership had increased from 338 members 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 during the same period.
Justice Wamala noted that loan recoveries had significantly improved following the introduction of standing orders. He also announced that members would earn annual interest of 10 percent on savings, while a dividend of UGX 5,000 per share had been recommended following the surplus registered during the year.
Despite the progress, he acknowledged persistent challenges facing the SACCO, including low participation in the Special Savers Scheme, inadequate savings among some members, delayed subscription payments and loan repayment defaults caused by 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.
Chairperson of the Supervisory Committee, Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, challenged members to think beyond short-term financial needs and adopt a long-term vision for the institution.
“You cannot have cooperation without cooperators,” he remarked, noting that despite the SACCO having 351 registered members, only between 100 and 120 actively participate in its activities.
Drawing lessons from Kenya’s Sheria SACCO, Justice Kiryabwire encouraged members to pursue ambitious growth strategies aimed at transforming UJO-SACCO into a stronger and more sustainable 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.
Sharing her personal experience, she said disciplined saving had helped her appreciate the value of long-term financial planning and encouraged members to take advantage of the SACCO to secure their financial future.
