In a bold step to tackle Uganda’s poor savings culture and rampant financial mismanagement, over 20 Rotary Clubs under District 9213 have launched a nationwide financial literacy campaign targeting at least 10,000 Ugandans this year.
The initiative, led by the Rotary Club of Bulindo in partnership with Centenary Bank, Old Mutual, and the Uganda Financial Literacy Association (UFLA), aims to equip citizens with the skills and confidence to manage their money wisely.
Speaking during the launch, Paul Lubega Percy, President of the Rotary Club of Bulindo, said many Ugandans continue to lose money to fraud and failed investments due to a lack of financial knowledge.
“We want people to understand how to save responsibly, where to save, and how to invest safely. Too many Ugandans fall victim to get-rich-quick schemes because they don’t know how formal financial systems work,” he said.
The program will cover all regions where Rotary Clubs operate, with Rotarians serving as community trainers.
According to Daniel Ayebare, Chairperson of the Uganda Financial Literacy Association, the initiative complements the National Financial Inclusion Strategy spearheaded by the Bank of Uganda and the Ministry of Finance.
“Only 30% of Ugandans have a basic understanding of financial concepts, according to a 2022 Bank of Uganda survey,” Ayebare noted. “This program will build resilience and help Ugandans make informed decisions about saving, investing, and protecting their assets.”
The campaign also integrates digital financial literacy, encouraging the public to embrace mobile and online banking platforms to improve transparency and access to affordable credit.
Governor of Rotary District 9213, Martin Kitakule noted that the goal is not just to teach people how to handle large sums of money but to help every Ugandan, regardless of income level, manage the little they have more effectively.
“Managing finances doesn’t mean being rich,” one Kitakule explained. “It’s about making the most of what you have.”
Through consistent community engagement and partnerships, Rotary hopes the program will foster a culture of saving, reduce financial vulnerability, and contribute to Uganda’s vision of achieving middle-income status by 2040.