General Manager’s Statement

As I reflect on this remarkable journey, I am filled with a deep sense of pride and fulfillment. As the Pioneer General Manager, it is truly inspiring to witness our SACCO grow from humble beginnings into a strong and thriving financial institution.

In 2018, we began operations with just 110 members. Today, in 2026, we proudly stand at a membership of over 20,000 Members and an asset base of over UGX 12 billion. This Eight-year journey is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and teamwork of the entire IGARA BUHWEJU TEA FARMERS SACCO Ltd (IGABU SACCO) family.

IGABU SACCO was established as an initiative of Igara Growers Tea Factory to provide convenient and accessible financial services to tea farmers and factory employees. Two years later, membership was opened to the wider community, enabling us to serve a broader range of individuals and business ventures. This strategic expansion has significantly strengthened our key performance indicators—including membership growth, share capital, savings mobilization, loan portfolio, and overall profitability—positioning us for even greater growth.

We are fully licensed and registered under the **Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives** as a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (Reg. No. 11108). This empowers us to mobilize savings and extend credit facilities to our members in line with cooperative principles. Our operations are anchored on the core pillars of a SACCO: member ownership, democratic governance, member control, and shared benefits.

IGABU SACCO operates across Western Uganda, with its head office located at Butare Trading Centre, Kyamuhunga Town Council, Bushenyi District, approximately 12 km along the Ishaka–Kasese Highway. We currently operate four fully functional branches:

1. Kanuuka Branch (Buhweju District).
2. Buhweju Branch (Buhweju District).
3. Igara Branch (Bushenyi District).
4. Kagarama Branch (Ntungamo District)

To further extend our reach, we have established several outreach centers attached to our branches:

Igara Branch: Mutara, Mugoma, Katerera
Buhweju Branch: Malinde, Rubengye, Kakindo
Kanuuka Branch: Kabagaramire, Mabonwa

These outreach centers were strategically created to bring financial services closer to our members. In addition, we have embraced digital innovation through our Mobile Banking platform (M-SACCO), enabling members to conveniently deposit and withdraw funds using their mobile phones.

At IGABU SACCO, we firmly believe that “We are because you are.” We invite you to join us and experience our unwavering commitment to delivering excellent financial services. We assure you that choosing IGABU SACCO will be a decision you will never regret.

Mrs. Nuwagaba Lilian
Pioneer General Manager