COOP DAY 2016
Uganda Joins the Rest of the World to Celebrate International Cooperatives day;
International Day of Co-operatives is an annual celebration of the cooperative movement observed on the first Saturday of July, celebrated worldwide. This year, it will fall on July 2nd.
Theme
This year’s theme is: “Cooperatives: The power to act for a sustainable future”.
Purpose
The purpose of International Day of Cooperatives is to increase awareness on cooperatives and promote the movement’s successes and ideals of international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality and world peace. It brings together cooperatives, civil society, financial institutions, policy makers, regulators, academia and other stakeholders to celebrate and review the current state of the cooperative movement, share challenges/ successful experiences and discuss other pertinent issues affecting Cooperatives.
Venue
In Uganda, it is held in rotation by Cooperatives in various parts of the country. This year, it will take place at Butalango Town Council Grounds, in Nakaseke District. It will be hosted by Uganda Meat Producers Cooperative Union. His Excellency the President is expected to be the Chief Guest.
The Cooperative Week: 27th June – 2nd July 2016
The Ministry in collaboration with other stakeholders has earmarked the last week of June 2016 as the Cooperative Week and intends to undertake a number of activities across the country. These are aimed at increasing awareness of cooperatives. A brief on the activities is provided below;
1. Monday, Monday June 27 2016: National Blood donation drive
Working in conjunction with the Uganda Transfusion Service, Cooperators and the public will donate blood at the seven regional blood banks in the country (Mbale, Gulu, Arua, Fort portal, Mbarara, Masaka and Kampala). This is line with the Seventh Principle of Cooperatives: Concern for Community.
2. Wednesday, June 29, 2016: Nationwide Tree Planting Campaign
Working in conjunction with National Forestry Authority and Operation Wealth Creation, timber and fruit tree seedlings will be planted by members of the community to generate income/wealth through sustainable economic practices. This is aimed at environmental protection and mitigating against climate change.
3. Thursday June 30, 2016: Ignatius K. Musazi Memorial Lecture/ National Cooperative Convention
The Late Ignatius Musazi made tremendous contribution to the growth and development of the Cooperative movement in Uganda. A lecture in his honor will be held at Makerere University to be followed by a National Cooperative Convention at the same venue. The main objective of the Convention is to review the current state of the cooperative movement and make recommendations on the way forward. Topics will include the current regulatory framework, challenges to the Cooperative sector, agricultural financing and others. (Details will be availed in due course).
4. Friday July 1st 2016: Mega Media Drive and beginning of exhibitions at Nakaseke.
This day will be dedicated to media coverage of Uganda’s Cooperative movement, its history, successes, challenges and aspirations for the future. On the same day, an exhibition will start at the venue for the main function. The main objective is to give an opportunity to Cooperatives and other stakeholders showcase their products/services to enhance knowledge/ information sharing and promote partnerships.
Saturday July 2, 2016: Main celebrations of International Cooperative Day
The celebrations will include processions, entertainment, Speeches, exhibitions, etc. It will be crowned with the giving out of awards to various personalities who have made a contribution to Uganda’s Cooperative movement.
