A new chapter in women's economic empowerment has begun in Serere District following the official launch of the Serere District Mama SACCO, an initiative championed by the NRM Women's League with support from the Acom Foundation under the leadership of Serere District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Esther Acom Lucy.
The SACCO starts with 90 pioneer members but carries an ambitious target of expanding its membership to all 70 parishes across Serere District. The initiative is expected to provide women with affordable access to savings and credit services, enabling them to start and expand businesses, improve household incomes, and build long-term financial security.
The launch was marked by a comprehensive induction training conducted by the District Commercial Officer, who equipped members with practical knowledge on SACCO operations. The participants were taken through savings mobilization, loan management, financial discipline, members' rights and responsibilities, record keeping, and principles of transparency and accountability.
Representing Hon. Esther Acom Lucy at the event, Emanio Richard delivered her message, reaffirming her unwavering commitment to strengthening community-based financial institutions as a pathway to reducing poverty and creating sustainable livelihoods for women.
He said the Serere District Mama SACCO represents a long-term investment in the economic future of women across the district, emphasizing that financial empowerment creates stronger families, resilient communities, and broader local development.
For many women in attendance, the initiative offers hope and a practical opportunity to improve their lives through collective savings and affordable financing. Members expressed optimism that the SACCO would enable them to invest in agriculture, retail trade, and other income-generating ventures that have often remained out of reach due to limited access to affordable credit.
The successful launch also serves as a response to critics who previously questioned or dismissed Hon. Acom's community empowerment agenda. While some sought to undermine the initiative before it took shape, the establishment of a functioning SACCO with trained members demonstrates the value of sustained commitment over political rhetoric.
Rather than engaging in endless debate, Hon. Acom has continued to focus on delivering practical programs that directly benefit ordinary citizens. The launch of the Mama SACCO illustrates that meaningful leadership is measured by initiatives that improve people's lives and create lasting opportunities.
Supporters say the project reflects Hon. Acom's consistent focus on empowering women economically instead of making promises without implementation. They believe the Foundation's support provides a strong platform for the SACCO to grow into one of the district's most impactful grassroots financial institutions.
As the cooperative prepares to extend its reach to every parish in Serere District, expectations remain high that thousands more women will join the movement and benefit from financial literacy, access to capital, and stronger social networks.
With training already underway and expansion plans clearly mapped out, the Serere District Mama SACCO stands as a testament to what focused leadership, community partnership, and investment in women can achieve.
For Hon. Esther Acom Lucy, supporters say this is more than the launch of a SACCO, it is the fulfillment of a promise to place women at the center of Serere's economic transformation and a reminder that genuine development ultimately speaks louder than cri
