Ugandan Financial Professionals Benchmark Rwanda’s Microfinance Sector Success
A delegation of financial professionals from Uganda, led by Dr. Sylivester Ndiroramukama, Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Cooperative Savings and Credit Union Limited (UCSCU), undertook a five-day benchmarking visit to Rwanda from June 23 to 27, 2025. The objective of the visit was to gain insights into Rwanda’s thriving microfinance sector with the aim of revitalizing Uganda’s SACCO sector through shared learning and best practices.
The visit was coordinated in collaboration with the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda (AMIR). The delegation was warmly received by Mr. Jackson Kwikiriza, AMIR’s Executive Director, alongside Senior Program Manager, Mr. Emanuel Gumisiriza, who provided a comprehensive overview of Rwanda’s microfinance journey, including the policies, systems, and structures that have driven its success.
During the visit, the Ugandan team toured several leading microfinance institutions, including:
🔹 Isonga SACCO, a consolidated District SACCO of Kicukiro District. The team was received by Board Chairperson Mr. Muhikira Benson and Managing Director Mr. Nsengiyumva Simon, who showcased the SACCO’s operational model and community impact.
🔹 CPF Ineza, a reputable microfinance institution headquartered in Muhanga District, Southern Province. The delegation was welcomed by CEO Ms. Chantal Uwamariya and her administrative team, who shared insights into CPF Ineza’s approach to financial inclusion and customer-centric services.
🔹 Umwalimu SACCO, the national teachers’ savings and credit cooperative headquartered in Gasabo District, City of Kigali. The visitors were hosted by Acting Director General Mr. Ruhingura Vincent, Assistant to the DG Mr. Musitafu Louis, and other senior staff. Discussions cantered around the cooperative’s national outreach, governance, and digitization strategies.
The benchmarking tour concluded with an insightful engagement with officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, namely Mr. Faustin Mutabazi, Policy Analyst, and Mr. Ntaganda K. Augustine, Capacity Building and Financial Literacy Expert. The officials elaborated on the pivotal role of government in fostering a stable, inclusive, and digitally advanced microfinance sector in Rwanda.
Key Lessons and Insights Gained:
✅ The Umurenge SACCO model: A government-led initiative that significantly boosted financial inclusion across the country by automating, consolidating, and professionalizing grassroots SACCOs.
✅ Locally developed Core Banking Systems: Rwanda’s ability to build and implement a homegrown digital infrastructure that has enhanced service delivery and reduced transaction costs.
✅ Digital transformation: The team witnessed how technology and innovation have not only lowered the cost of financial services but have also expanded access, even in rural areas.
✅ Values-driven financial sector: Integrity, innovation, accountability, efficiency, equality, zero tolerance for corruption, and professionalism are more than slogans—they are the pillars upon which Rwanda’s financial services operate.
According to the 2024 FinScope Survey, Rwanda has achieved an impressive 96% financial inclusion rate, a remarkable feat that highlights the country’s commitment to accessible and equitable financial services for all.
The team expressed profound appreciation for the hospitality and transparency of their Rwandan counterparts and vowed to replicate the best practices observed during the visit to strengthen Uganda’s SACCO sector.
“We’ve learned a lot and we are determined to become catalysts of change in our country,”
“We’ve had many benchmarking visits, but this one is exceptional!” said a member of the Ugandan delegation.
