Africa’s end-to-end cooperative ecosystem growth partner
A holding and operating company limited by guarantee without shares, registered in June 2013 under the Companies Act Cap 106 of Uganda. TUI exists to help cooperatives and entrepreneurs create sustainable wealth.
Knowledge, skills, technology, finance, networks and communication
We physically and virtually connect people, institutions and opportunities while providing practical solutions that support inclusive, locally led socio-economic development in Uganda and beyond.
01
In-house enterprise
TUI Think Tank
Research, convening and evidence that frame narratives and foster action by cooperatives.
02
In-house enterprise
Coop360° Network
Business services hub, marketplace and community accelerating cooperative growth.
03
In-house enterprise
TUI ICT Hub
Digital transformation through Coop Profiler and SplendorERP.
04
Subsidiary
theCooperator Media Ltd
Independent business media advancing cooperative business and living.
05
Subsidiary
SkillCoop Business School Ltd
Competence-based, accredited cooperative business education.
06
Subsidiary
Fanaka Finance Ltd
Inclusive financial solutions for cooperative-member SMEs.
Our vision
The most trusted partner inspiring transformative wealth creation in Africa.
Our mission
Accelerating inclusive locally led socio-economic development by advancing the cooperative business model.
Headquartered at Plot 1 Katalima Crescent, Naguru, Kampala, our presence extends through digitally powered delivery channels, franchise partnerships, the Coop360° Network community and clients across Uganda and beyond.
Our story
It began with a question
Our story began in 2011: why did many communities remain vulnerable after years of donor-funded support?
After 25 years with NGOs in Karamoja, West Nile, Acholi, Bunyoro, Yei in South Sudan and Yemen, our co-founder Mr Leonard Okello observed that progress made while projects were active was difficult to sustain once support ended.
Africa is rich in natural resources, yet millions still live in extreme poverty — often after decades of reliance on Official Development Assistance.
Why cooperatives
Across East Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa, Mr Okello saw communities building stronger, more secure economies through cooperative enterprise — resilient even through the 2008 global financial crisis.
Cooperative values and principles reflect many of the social and religious values in our communities, making cooperatives natural vehicles for sustainable development.
Rebuilding the cooperative model
Cooperatives anchored Uganda’s economy in the first two decades after independence, but were weakened by the loss of property, people, capital and trust during the insurgencies of 1972–2006.
Today, communities and governments across Africa are returning to cooperatives as a more secure and sustainable business model.
The gap TUI was created to fill
Rebuilding requires trusted leadership and renewed commitment to self-help, self-responsibility, solidarity and collective investment — and capital combined with skills, education, information, technology, research, innovation and supportive policy.
The Uhuru Institute for Social Development was established to help fill this gap.
What Uhuru means
“Uhuru” is a Kiswahili word meaning liberty — our belief that individuals and communities can take charge of their destiny, live dignified lives and free themselves from discrimination and exploitation when they own and sustainably use their wealth.
The Equity Strips
Three vertical red lines of different sizes representing differences in people’s abilities, resources and opportunities — and our belief that society must take deliberate action to ensure equitable access to opportunity. This belief is at the heart of our work.