The newly appointed State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives in charge of Cooperatives, Aleru Tom Aza, has pledged to revitalize Uganda’s cooperative sector through increased funding, enhanced accountability, and stronger support for farmers and community-based enterprises.
Speaking after his vetting, Aleru outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening cooperative societies across the country, describing them as critical engines of wealth creation, agricultural transformation, and economic growth.
Among his immediate priorities is conducting a nationwide audit of cooperative societies to assess their performance, improve transparency, and ensure accountability in their operations.
He also pledged to lobby for increased financing for agricultural cooperatives and government livelihood initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
The minister said his office will intensify efforts to mobilize and support various cooperative groups, including coffee, mango, and regional cooperative societies, with the goal of enhancing production, promoting value addition, and improving market access for farmers.
Aleru further emphasized the importance of commercial agriculture as a pathway to increased household incomes and national economic growth.
He revealed plans to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to expand access to tractors and other modern farming technologies in order to boost mechanization and productivity.
He noted that strengthening cooperatives will not only improve farmers’ earnings but also create employment opportunities and stimulate rural development across the country.
Meanwhile, Aleru pledged to maintain close engagement with local communities, particularly in the West Nile region, while coordinating efforts within the ministry to ensure government programmes deliver meaningful and measurable benefits to Ugandans.
His remarks come at a time when the government is seeking to strengthen cooperatives as vehicles for financial inclusion, value chain development, and sustainable economic empowerment.
By Alex Magala
2nd June 2026
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