As part of its commitment to reducing poverty and improving livelihoods, Rugero SACCO Gisagara has donated cows to vulnerable households, a move expected to help beneficiaries venture into livestock farming, increase household income, and strengthen their culture of saving through formal financial services.
The beneficiaries say the initiative marks a turning point in their lives, giving them hope for a more secure future through improved agricultural productivity and financial inclusion.
Regina Uwimana, a resident of Bweya Cell in Ndora Sector, said receiving a cow for the first time is a life-changing opportunity that will help her build a better future.
“I have never owned a cow before. This gift is more than just livestock—it is an opportunity to transform my life. I am confident that through proper care and hard work, this cow will become the foundation of my family’s long-term economic progress,” she said.
Kagaragara Innocent, from Mugombwa Sector, said the donation will not only improve his household’s welfare but also motivate him to save and make greater use of Rugero SACCO’s financial services, including the Push and Pull digital banking platform, which allows customers to deposit and withdraw money using their mobile phones.
“This reflects the spirit of good leadership that encourages solidarity and mutual support among Rwandans. At the age of 70, receiving a cow reassures me that I, too, still have a place in Rwanda’s journey toward inclusive development. It inspires me to save more and make better use of financial services to improve my family’s future,” he said.
Alexis Ndayambaje, Rugero SACCO Gisagara Managing Director said the institution is guided by two key objectives: supporting citizens to overcome poverty while building a strong financial institution capable of delivering quality and reliable services.
He explained that following the merger of sector SACCOs into Rugero SACCO Gisagara, the institution’s financial capacity has significantly increased, enabling it to offer loans of up to RWF 150 million an amount that was previously beyond its reach.
“Our mission goes beyond providing financial services. We want to empower communities economically by giving them the tools and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods. A financially empowered citizen contributes to a stronger economy,” Ndayambaje said.
Jean Claude Nyandwi,the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Rugero SACCO Gisagara said the 2025 merger of all SACCOs in Gisagara District was intended to place citizens at the center of financial service delivery by providing faster, more efficient, and more accessible banking services.
He noted that the introduction of the Push and Pull digital platform has simplified financial transactions, allowing customers to deposit, withdraw, and transfer money without visiting a branch.
Nyandwi added that Rugero SACCO places special emphasis on supporting women and young entrepreneurs by offering affordable agricultural loans at an annual interest rate of 9 percent.
“We encourage citizens to approach the SACCO with well-prepared investment projects so they can access affordable credit. Sustainable development does not happen by chance it requires planning, investment, and making good use of the opportunities available,” he said.
He further explained that one of Rugero SACCO’s distinguishing strengths is its commitment to serving low-income citizens, unlike many financial institutions that primarily focus on clients with substantial financial capacity.
Jean Paul Habineza, Gisagara District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development commended the initiative, describing it as a clear demonstration of the country’s inclusive development agenda and the progress achieved over the past 32 years since Rwanda’s Liberation.
“Rugero SACCO has become a model for integrating financial services across the district while embracing digital innovation. Its decision to support vulnerable families with productive assets demonstrates that development is meaningful when it directly improves the lives of ordinary citizens,” he said.
Habineza added that the initiative aligns with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), both of which prioritize financial inclusion, investment, and sustainable economic growth driven by empowered citizens.
Currently, Rugero SACCO Gisagara operates 13 branches across the district, making financial services more accessible to local communities by providing savings, withdrawal, and credit facilities that support income-generating activities and long-term economic development.
