Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Safari Elected Chairperson of Uganda Cooperative Alliance
The Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) has ushered in a new chapter of leadership with the election of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Safari as its new Chairperson. A veteran cooperator and Catholic priest from Kisoro District, Father Safari was elected unopposed during the UCA General Assembly, a testament to the delegates’ overwhelming confidence in his integrity, experience, and unwavering dedication to the cooperative cause.
Father Safari secured 74 votes, officially confirming his position as Chairperson of the UCA Board. In his acceptance speech, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the members for the trust placed in him.
“God chose me when I am not worthy. He presented me before you, and I thank you for electing me,” he said, drawing applause from delegates.
Reflecting on his lifelong journey of service, Father Safari recalled a defining moment from 1983 when he met Yoweri Kaguta Museveni—then not yet President. “That day, I was privileged to spend the whole day with him and other colleagues. He told us that one day we would see him as President of Uganda—and indeed, it came to pass,” he recounted. He noted that this early connection later played a role in advocating for tax exemptions for cooperatives, a cause close to his heart.
A Lifelong Commitment to Cooperative Growth
Born on July 14, 1965, in Kisoro District, Rev. Fr. Safari Emmanuel has been an active figure in Uganda’s cooperative movement for over 25 years. He joined UCA in September 2005, serving as a delegate and later as the organization’s Treasurer. Renowned for his honesty and transparency, Father Safari has been instrumental in rebuilding financial trust within UCA and promoting accountability across its systems.
Beyond his national service, he also chairs the Kebisoni Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Ltd in Rukungiri District, where he has championed prudent financial management, member empowerment, and productive community investments.
