How to register a SACCO in Uganda (Ministry of Trade + UMRA licence)

A SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation) lets members save together and borrow at fair rates. Registering one takes two stages: becoming a legal cooperative, then getting a licence to handle members' money.

Stage 1: Register as a cooperative society

The Registrar of Cooperatives at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC) registers SACCOs under the Cooperative Societies Act.

1. Mobilise at least 30 members. That's the legal minimum.
2. Hold a founding meeting. Keep the minutes and a list of members with their National IDs.
3. Reserve your SACCO's name.
4. Prepare your bye-laws: the rules on membership, shares, savings, loans and leadership.
5. Get a recommendation letter from the District Commercial (Cooperatives) Officer for your area. They may first let you run as a pre-cooperative and review your reports.
6. Apply to the Registrar and pay the registration fee.
7. Receive your certificate of registration.

You can do much of this online on the Cooperatives Registry (CRMIS) at coopmis.mtic.go.ug. It handles name reservation, member verification with NIRA, mobile money payment and application tracking.

Fee: the registration fee is set by the Registrar and has been reported at about UGX 50,000. Check the current fee on CRMIS.

Stage 2: Get a licence from UMRA

Before a SACCO takes savings or gives loans, it must be licensed by the Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority (UMRA) as a Tier 4 institution.

• Apply on the forms at umra.go.ug. Typical documents:
  • registration certificate
  • leaders' certificates of good conduct
  • a business plan
  • lending policy and interest rates
  • proof of fee payment
• The licence runs for one calendar year (to 31 December) and must be renewed every year.
• Licensed SACCOs must keep core capital of at least 10% of total assets and liquid assets of at least 15% of savings.

Large SACCOs: since November 2025, SACCOs with voluntary savings above UGX 1.5 billion and institutional capital of UGX 500 million+ also come under Bank of Uganda licensing. Small community SACCOs stay with UMRA.

Frequently asked questions

How many members do you need to start a SACCO in Uganda?

At least 30.

Can a SACCO operate without a UMRA licence?

It can be registered as a cooperative, but it should not take deposits or lend money until it is licensed by UMRA.

Where do I register a SACCO online?

On the Ministry of Trade's Cooperatives Registry (CRMIS) at coopmis.mtic.go.ug.