By Wilson Oganan – Soroti
More than 100 painters affiliated with Plascon Uganda in Soroti City have undergone specialized training on Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) management, in a move aimed at strengthening their financial discipline, improving savings habits, and enhancing access to capital.
The training, conducted in partnership with Equity Bank Uganda, focused on equipping painters with skills in financial planning, savings, credit management, and cooperative governance to help them build sustainable businesses despite prevailing economic challenges.
Speaking during the session, the Manager of Equity Bank Soroti Branch, Francis Erumu, said the initiative is designed to empower painters financially and address liquidity constraints that often affect their operations.
“Equity is working closely with all Plascon SACCOs across the Teso sub-region to ensure painters achieve financial stability,” Erumu said. “One major challenge affecting them is lack of liquidity. Through this training, we want them to understand saving, credit access, and how to properly manage their finances.”
He added that strengthening SACCO structures will enable members to pool resources, access affordable loans, and grow their enterprises.
Robert Mubiru, the national coordinator of Kansai Plascon painters in Uganda, encouraged members to cultivate a strong savings culture and increase their share contributions to solidify the SACCO’s financial base.
Delivering his message during the February 2 training at the Plascon offices in Soroti, Mubiru explained that savings accounts help members safely set aside money for future investments while earning interest.
“A strong SACCO depends on active members who save consistently and participate in meetings and activities,” he said. “We must embrace self-sustainability and remain informed about new opportunities that can help us grow.”
The Chairperson of Plascon Soroti, Pius Okunga, echoed similar sentiments, urging members to work collectively to develop their skills and strengthen their association.
He emphasized teamwork, commitment, and unity as key pillars for building a resilient SACCO capable of supporting painters’ livelihoods.
Organizers say the training marks a significant step toward improving financial inclusion among artisans in Soroti, with expectations that better savings and credit management will enhance incomes, stabilize businesses, and promote long-term economic growth within the painters’ community.
