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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 82698, member: 636"]
A credit union just showed major banks how real community finance operates. EBO SACCO and its CEO, Joseph Mugume, earned a top national award through its partnership with Equity Bank. Founded in Bwizibwera Town Board near Mbarara, the institution grew from a small group into a regional force across more than thirty-five districts. It turns members into shareholders, giving them a direct voice in operations.

EBO focuses on those typically excluded, like smallholder farmers and refugee communities. It designs loans around their needs, covering agriculture, boda boda bikes, and solar energy systems. Digital tools such as EBO Merchant Pay and the EBO Verve card, developed with Interswitch, provide modern access. Linking with Equity Bank opened larger credit facilities and advanced banking services for members.

That collaboration helped EBO secure a formal license from the Bank of Uganda, protecting funds while maintaining independence. Shifting withdrawals and deposits to digital channels cuts costs and reduces travel for rural members. Mugume insists on absolute integrity, stating that mishandling money destroys trust and attracts regulatory attention.

Guided by a proverb about preparing for the future early, the SACCO emphasizes saving and long-term security. Winning the Equity Pinnacle Award marks a phase of expansion into Central Uganda. EBO aims to replicate its people-first model nationwide, proving that community finance with institutional support breaks down barriers.
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