By Nathan Eyagu
Soroti City — Teachers across Teso Sub-region are set to receive much-needed financial relief following the rollout of the Shs25 billion Presidential Teachers’ Fund, as Walimu Cooperative Union accelerates the implementation of Phase Two of the initiative at district level.
The development was announced during a stakeholders’ engagement held today at Soroti Hotel, bringing together Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), District Education Officers (DEOs), Human Resource Officers, Commercial Officers, and representatives from Pearl Bank.
The meeting focused on briefing district leaders, signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and aligning all stakeholders to ensure a smooth and accountable disbursement process.
Walimu Cooperative Union Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Atai Carolyne Kiyai, said the fund was established following dialogue between the President and teachers to address persistent financial challenges facing the profession.
“This fund is meant to support teachers through their district-based cooperative structures. Phase Two is being implemented at district level, with each gazetted district eligible to receive up to Shs500 million, depending on preparedness,” Atai said.
She explained that once MoUs are signed and bank accounts opened, Walimu Cooperative Union will deposit the funds to enable teachers to access financing for income-generating projects and personal development.
Atai clarified that Walimu is a cooperative union and not a SACCO, noting that it serves all teachers regardless of location.
To ensure transparency and proper use of the funds, Walimu Cooperative Union has recruited staff to work closely with district leadership and has asked local governments to provide office space for effective coordination and monitoring.
The Dean of RDCs in Teso Sub-region, Mr. Paul Eseru, who also serves as RDC for Amuria District, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention for teachers burdened by high-interest loans.
“The President committed Shs25 billion to support teachers countrywide. This money is channeled through district teachers’ SACCOs, where teachers can borrow at an interest rate of 15 percent per annum, payable after one year,” Eseru said.
He noted that many teachers had fallen prey to exploitative money lenders charging interest rates as high as 20 percent per month, often forcing borrowers to surrender ATM cards or personal identification documents.
“This programme will protect teachers from such exploitation and promote financial discipline within the teaching fraternity,” he added.
Eseru emphasized that onboarding into district SACCOs is a key requirement for accessing the funds, with focal persons appointed to assist teachers to apply using mobile phone platforms for faster processing and approval.
Pearl Bank Soroti Branch Manager, Mr. Godfrey Otene, confirmed that the bank will support the disbursement process and provide financial literacy training to beneficiaries to ensure responsible borrowing and repayment.
The Presidential Teachers’ Fund is being implemented in phases, with Shs20 billion released during Phase one.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the current rollout will significantly improve teachers’ welfare and reduce dependence on high-risk informal lending across the Teso Sub-region.
