Umurenge Saccos to get computers

The Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA) launched a project that will see all the 416 sector savings and credit schemes (Umurenge Saccos) receive a computer each. Each computer will also come with a stabilizer and printer.The project commenced yesterday in Kigali where 20 Umurenge Saccos received the computers. “We have been spending a lot of money in Internet cafes to make sure we carry out our activities such as storing information and preparing financial statements and reports to be submitted to the RCA and the National Bank of Rwanda,” said Dieudonne Mwenedata, the manager of Ijabo Sacco in Kicukiro. He explained that the donation will not only reduce expenses but also the time it has been taking to perform certain tasks.Another beneficiary, Apollinaire Munyangoga, head of Ijabo Sacco in Remera, called on RCA to train members on how to effectively utilise the computers. “Yes, we have the basic computer skills...but we are not able to use some programmes such as Excel,” said Munyangoga. Responding to this concern, RCA Director General, Damien Mugabo, promised to extend the training programme to all the Sacco’s in the country. “We are aware of this problem and, so far, have managed to train almost half the people we intend to work with.”The event was presided over by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Francois Kanimba. Kanimba said that the move is in line with the government’s strategy of empowering Sacco’s to support the fight against poverty. “Encouraging people to save will only benefit them when there is accountability. And, as Government, we are doing our best to set a favourable working environment for these Sacco`s,” he said. He called on the grassroots savings and credit institutions to work towards becoming financially independent. “Sacco`s have started giving out loans, meaning that there is interest on these loans. It’s, therefore, important that you plan so that by next year you are in position to pay your employees,” he said. Currently, Sacco employees are paid by the Government.