Frequently asked questions.

Any Ugandan citizen holding a certificate, diploma or degree from an accredited institution, whether employed, self-employed or unemployed, can join as an ordinary member. Final-year students can join as associate members. Ugandan graduates living abroad can join as diaspora members.

The entrance fee is UGX 20,000, the minimum shareholding is 20 shares of UGX 10,000 each (UGX 200,000, payable in instalments over 12 months), compulsory savings are UGX 20,000 per month, and the annual subscription is UGX 12,000.

After saving consistently for at least three months, completing the enterprise readiness course and paying the minimum shares. Larger loans require six months of savings.

No. Start-up and small loans are secured through savings, guarantees from fellow members, chattels and the assets financed. Land is accepted for larger loans but is not required for start-up loans.

No UG-SACCO loan will carry an interest rate above 13 percent per annum. The seven loan products are each priced differently between 9 and 13 percent on a reducing balance basis, from 9 percent for the Women and Inclusive Enterprise Loan to 13 percent for the Emergency Loan, far below typical commercial bank rates of 18 to 21 percent. Government programme windows follow their own rates, also within the ceiling. Savings earn between 4 and 9 percent per annum depending on the product.

No. UG-SACCO is a member-owned cooperative registered under the Cooperative Societies Act. It works in partnership with Government as the designated channel for graduate-targeted programmes, but it is owned and democratically controlled by its members and professionally managed.

No. Government programme funds channelled through UG-SACCO are revolving loan funds. They must be repaid so that other graduates can benefit.

Through strong governance, prudential standards, regulatory supervision, internal and external audits, insurance, a savings protection fund and diversified lending. The SACCO will transition to Bank of Uganda supervision once it crosses the thresholds for large SACCOs.

Yes. Employed graduates can save through payroll, earn competitive returns, borrow for productive investments such as side enterprises, and mentor or invest in fellow members' enterprises.

UG-SACCO is organised around graduates rather than parish residence or trade, operates nationally through digital channels, combines members' savings with Government and partner funds, provides enterprise clusters and mentorship, and serves as the graduate window for Government programmes, complementing PDM and Emyooga rather than competing with them.

The bye-laws contain a political neutrality clause, holders of partisan political office cannot serve on the Board, all transactions are digital and audited, and performance is reported publicly every quarter.

Agricultural and enterprise insurance covers insured losses, and genuine shocks may justify restructuring of the loan. Credit-life insurance clears loans in the event of death or permanent disability.

On a reducing balance, so you pay interest only on what you still owe, and never above 13 percent a year. You receive a key facts statement before disbursement.

A processing fee of 1 percent of the loan amount and a credit-life insurance premium at cost. Late payment attracts 1 percent per month on the overdue instalment only, never on the whole loan.

Most products accept member guarantors, your own savings and shares, or assets financed by the loan as security. The requirement depends on the product and amount.

Early repayment terms are set out in your loan agreement. Ask the credit team before you apply if this matters to you.