EBO SACCO links with Equity to break financial barriers

In a financial sector often driven by balance sheets and bottom lines, Joseph Mugume has spent 25 years proving that sustainable growth begins with people.

As Chief Executive Officer of EBO SACCO, Mugume has built an institution rooted not just in savings and credit, but in trust, shared ownership, and community.

That philosophy recently earned EBO SACCO national recognition after winning the 2025 Equity Bank Pinnacle Award, a milestone that highlights the power of strategic partnerships in transforming grassroots finance.

Founded in 2000 in Bwizibwera Town Board, about 25 kilometers from Mbarara on the Ibanda Road, EBO SACCO began as a modest community initiative. Its name, Ebirungi biruga o’mutuutu meaning “good things come from sweat”, reflects a belief in discipline and collective effort.

What started as a small gathering has since grown into a regional financial powerhouse, now operating across more than 35 districts with 19 branches including Mbarara, Ibanda, Rushere, Igorora, and Kashaka.

At the heart of EBO’s success is a cooperative model that turns clients into owners. Unlike conventional banks, EBO members are shareholders with a voice in decision-making. This structure creates a family-like environment where members feel invested in their financial future.

“We started under a tree,” Mugume recalls. “Today, EBO stands as proof of what unity, trust, and discipline can achieve.”

EBO’s core mission targets smallholder farmers and marginalized groups including the elderly and refugees, communities long excluded by traditional banking systems. While many financial institutions view these groups as high-risk, EBO sees opportunity and responsibility.

To meet their needs, EBO SACCO blends grassroots understanding with modern financial solutions. Members access savings and loan products supported by digital platforms such as EBO Merchant Pay and the EBO Verve card, developed in partnership with Interswitch. These innovations have improved convenience, security, and efficiency, especially in rural areas.

The real transformation, however, has come through EBO’s long-standing linkage banking partnership with Equity Bank. Through this collaboration, EBO members are connected to Equity’s vast financial infrastructure, allowing access to larger credit facilities, secure accounts, and advanced banking services previously beyond reach.

“Equity Bank has enabled our members to step onto the global financial stage,” Mugume explains. “This partnership strengthens our capacity while preserving our cooperative identity.”

Equity’s support has also enhanced EBO’s credibility, governance, and regulatory compliance. With a Bank of Uganda license now secured, EBO SACCO operates within a strong regulatory framework, protecting members’ funds while maintaining operational independence.

The partnership has further accelerated EBO’s digital transformation. The SACCO is steadily shifting withdrawals, deposits, and loan repayments to digital channels, reducing operational costs and improving service delivery. For rural members, this means faster transactions and less travel, saving both time and money.

EBO’s loan products are designed to reflect the daily realities of its members. From agriculture and banana improvement loans to solar, biogas, boda-boda, water tank, and group loans, each product speaks directly to livelihoods in Western Uganda. As Mugume notes, “Our people use solar. Our people do agriculture. Our role is to support what puts money in their pockets.”

Guided by the proverb Buto ekorera bukuru meaning “prepare for old age while still young”, EBO emphasizes saving, planning, and long-term security.

Mugume remains firm that integrity is non-negotiable. In his view, mishandling people’s money erodes trust and risks regulatory intervention. Compliance, transparency, and accountability remain central to EBO’s operations.

Winning the Equity Pinnacle Award marks not an endpoint, but a new beginning. With expansion already underway into Central Uganda, EBO SACCO aims to replicate its people-first model nationwide. Backed by Equity Bank, EBO is positioning itself as a catalyst for inclusive growth, proving that when community finance meets institutional support, barriers fall and opportunity rises.