Nakayiso Eseza K. is a highly accomplished Manager, Administrator, and Lecturer with over 12 years of progressive experience in strategic planning, project management, financial administration, and academic leadership. She holds an MBA in Finance & Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance & Banking, both from Kampala International University. Currently, she serves as the Deputy Director Finance at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital and as a Lecturer at Kampala International University. Her core competencies include strategic planning, financial management, academic administration, project coordination, and community engagement. She is passionate about empowering women through education, financial literacy, and capacity-building initiatives that promote inclusive and sustainable development

Abstract title : ENHANCING WOMEN'S FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SAVINGS AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE (SACCO) ROLES: EVIDENCE FROM MASAKA DISTRICT, UGANDAAbstarct : Women's financial empowerment is essential for promoting inclusive economic development, especially in contexts where access to formal financial services remains limited. In Uganda, Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) play a significant role in improving women's access to savings opportunities, credit facilities, and financial literacy. This study examined the influence of SACCO strategies on the financial empowerment of women in Masaka District, Uganda. The study focused on SACCO savings mobilization, credit access mechanisms, and financial literacy initiatives. A descriptive research design using a mixed-methods approach was adopted. Data were collected from women SACCO members using structured questionnaires and interviews with SACCO leaders. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings show that SACCO strategies positively influence women's financial empowerment by enhancing savings behavior, improving access to affordable credit, and supporting income-generating activities. Financial literacy initiatives further strengthened women's financial decision-making and investment capacity. However, challenges such as limited loan amounts, delayed disbursement, and uneven financial literacy levels were identified. The study concluded that SACCOs are vital instruments for enhancing women's financial empowerment and recommends strengthening financial literacy programs and improving credit delivery systems