• Government released a first tranche of UGX 529 billion ($145 million) to fund more than 10,589 cooperatives.

• Each cooperative will receive UGX 50 million (about $13,700) starting November 19, 2025.

• World Bank data shows Uganda’s poverty rate reached 26.4% in 2023/2024, with rural areas hit hardest.

Uganda’s government released an initial UGX 529 billion ($145 million) to finance savings and credit cooperatives created under the Parish Development Model (PDM) for the 2025–2026 fiscal year.

The Ministry of Finance announced the disbursement on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in a statement that confirmed authorities had created more than 10,589 cooperatives nationwide.

The government aims to help local communities mobilize savings and access credit for productive activities. Each cooperative will receive UGX 50 million (around $13,700). Authorities will deposit the funds directly into cooperative accounts starting Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

Under program rules, the ministry will release the money in two semiannual tranches per cooperative. Officials designed this schedule to ensure gradual, monitored use of the resources and maintain continuous access to working capital.

World Bank data shows Uganda’s poverty rate reached 26.4% in 2023/2024. Rural areas remain disproportionately affected, with poverty estimated at 30.2%, compared with 19.8% in urban zones. Eastern and Northern Uganda show the highest levels, at 39.2% and 34.3% respectively, versus 12.8% in the central region.

Uganda launched the Parish Development Model in 2022 to reduce poverty, raise household incomes, improve livelihoods and expand financial inclusion. Since its inception, the government has transferred UGX 3.216 trillion directly to cooperatives.

Ingrid Haffiny (intern)