From the Editor

How did cooperatives start in Uganda? In 1913, a number of native Ugandan farmers came together under an association with the aim of wresting control of the processing and marketing of the crops grown in Ugandafrom the Europeans and Indians. This association became the nucleus of the cooperative movement, which would to be formalised only in 1936. During the first decades of its existence, the cooperative movement thrived. However, later, because of political meddling, it started facing serious challenges. Finally, the 1990s economic liberalisation and privatisation, which also saw the closure of the Uganda Cooperative Bank (UCB), sounded the death knell for the cooperatives as they were known then. However, they didn’t die; they simply evolved into new forms. This then raises the question whether or not cooperatives sill relevant today. The obvious answer is yes – they are alive,well and relevant. We have many types in Uganda, the most common of which are the Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs). In addition, there are multipurpose cooperatives, housing cooperatives and funeral cooperatives (burial societies/associations), among others.

Cooperatives carry the seeds of the attainment of many of women’s rights. Much as in the past they were the preserve of men, the situation has changed a great deal, with the emergence of all-women cooperatives, mostly SACCOs, and with women reaching for, and frequently securing, slots in the top echelons of the various cooperative organisations. In the process of achieving this level of success, women have had to grapple with a number of cultural obstacles, some of which are still very much alive. Yet it is important that women are strongly represented at the top management levels of the cooperatives since this would be of great benefit to everyone.

Should there be hope that the Cooperative Bank will sooner or later rise from the ashes? There have been strong hints from the Ugandan Government regarding its intention to revive the bank. It is hoped that, sooner rather than later, the public hope for this revival will translate into reality.These, and more, are the matters that Arise 65 brings to the fore.

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