By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Bank of Uganda is considering giving money to Savings and credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) as lending financial institutions through which money would be lent to small businesses across the country under the supervision of Bank Of Uganda.
According to Winnie Muliisa, the Head of Disbarment and Recovery at the Bank of Uganda, discussions are ongoing between the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Uganda to bring SACCOS on board as a lending institution under the Agriculture Credit Facility, a fund that was introduced in 2009 to bridge the financing gap between the agricultural sector and the commercial banks to increase access to low interest loans.
SACCOS are an essential part of the financial sector in Uganda and are member-based financial cooperatives that offer a range of financial services to their members including savings, loans, and other financial products.
SACCOS are typically formed by individuals who have a common bond, such as working in the same profession, residing in the same community, or belonging to the same social or religious group. Members pool their resources, primarily savings, to provide affordable credit and other financial services to one another.
SACCOS also provide a range of financial services to their members, including savings accounts, fixed deposits, and various loan products which are often designed to meet the financial needs of their members, including personal loans, education loans, and agricultural loans.
But if Implemented, How will it impact commercial ?
SACCOS in Uganda, like similar financial institutions worldwide, can affect commercial banks in various ways, both positively and negatively. The extent of this impact depends on several factors, including the scale and reach of the SACCOS, their level of competition with commercial banks, and the regulatory environment. Here are some ways in which SACCOS in Uganda can affect commercial banks:
- Competition for Deposits: SACCOS attract depositors by offering savings and credit services, and they often provide more favorable terms and interest rates compared to commercial banks. This competition can lead to commercial banks having to offer higher interest rates on savings accounts to retain customers or attract new deposits.
- Reduced Loan Portfolio: As SACCOS offer lending services, they may compete with commercial banks in terms of providing loans to individuals and small businesses. Commercial banks may lose some potential borrowers to SACCOS, especially when it comes to microloans and smaller credit needs.
- Financial Inclusion: SACCOS often serve underserved and low-income populations, which can help promote financial inclusion. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on the overall economy and, indirectly, on commercial banks. When more people have access to financial services and build their financial stability through SACCOS, they may become potential customers for commercial banks in the future.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Some commercial banks may see SACCOS as potential partners for expanding their reach and services. By collaborating with SACCOS, commercial banks can access a broader customer base and offer financial products to individuals and businesses in rural and underserved areas.
- Regulatory Impact: Regulatory changes and oversight related to SACCOS can indirectly affect commercial banks. For example, if regulations governing SACCOS become stricter, it could lead to a more level playing field between SACCOS and commercial banks or reduce the risks associated with SACCOS’ operations.
- Risk Management: Commercial banks often have a more robust risk management framework compared to SACCOS. If SACCOS face financial challenges or mismanagement, it can indirectly impact the overall financial stability of the region, which may affect commercial banks as well.
- Market Segmentation: SACCOS may focus on a specific market segment, such as rural or agricultural lending, that commercial banks may not target. In such cases, the impact on commercial banks may be minimal because they cater to different customer segments.
The impact of SACCOS on commercial banks in Uganda can vary depending on multiple factors. While competition for deposits and lending opportunities exists, there are also opportunities for collaboration and expansion. Additionally, SACCOS can help improve financial inclusion and contribute to economic development, which can indirectly benefit commercial banks over the long term. Regulatory oversight and the specific business models of individual SACCOS and commercial banks also play a significant role in determining the nature and extent of their interaction.
