The Police Force has issued a rebuttal to a parliamentary report that raised questions about the operations of the Police Exodus Saving and Credit Cooperative Organization (Sacco). The report, presented in the House in early February, prompted an inquiry into the Sacco’s operations by the parliament’s defence committee following concerns raised by Internal Affairs state minister Gen David Muhoozi regarding involuntary deductions from officer salaries for the Sacco.
According to the committee’s report, the Exodus Sacco, established in 2007, faces various governance and management challenges, leading to numerous complaints. However, in response, the Sacco’s chairman, Wilson Omoding Otuna, asserted that the report failed to adequately address the challenges and achievements of the Sacco since 2020.
Omoding highlighted the Sacco’s increased membership, loan and savings growth, and financial empowerment efforts. He stated that the Sacco operates autonomously as a self-help organization controlled by its members, with no interference from police management, despite operating under the patronage of the Force to improve officer welfare.
Despite a slight decrease in membership to 41,798 in 2023 due to retirements, voluntary exits, and member deaths, the Sacco reported a significant growth in its loan portfolio, reaching Shs45 billion, a 48% increase. Savings withdrawals remained high at approximately Shs557 million per month, constituting over 69% of saving deposits during the period. Total assets reached Shs69 billion, with share capital at Shs13 billion, while member savings stand at Shs31 billion.
Omoding emphasized the Sacco’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and member autonomy, stating that they have communicated with the registrar of cooperatives and the Police Council, and that recommendations from both entities will guide their next steps.
