The Moderating Role of Cultural Factors on SACCO Strategies and Women’s Financial Empowerment in Masaka District, Uganda

Background Women’s financial empowerment remains a critical component of inclusive development in sub-Saharan Africa, yet its realization is often constrained by socio-cultural factors. In Uganda, Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) play a pivotal role in improving women’s access to credit, savings, and financial literacy. However, the influence of cultural norms on the effectiveness of SACCO strategies has not been adequately explored. This study therefore examined the mediating role of cultural factors in the relationship between SACCO strategies financial training, savings, credit access, and government policy and women’s financial empowerment in Masaka District, Uganda. Methods The study adopted a mixed-methods descriptive cross-sectional design under the pragmatic paradigm. Data were collected from 340 women SACCO members and 10 managers using structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Instrument reliability (Cronbach’s α ≥ 0.70) and validity were confirmed, and ethical approval was obtained from the Kampala International University Research Ethics Committee. Findings Results indicated that SACCO strategies significantly enhance women’s financial empowerment (R 2 = 0.304, F(4,335) = 36.526, p < 0.001). Financial training exerted the strongest positive influence, while access to credit showed mixed outcomes due to high interest rates and repayment pressures. Cultural factors partially mediated these effects, strengthening the impact of financial training but constraining credit and savings outcomes through patriarchal norms and spousal control. Conclusions SACCO strategies are instrumental in promoting women’s empowerment when implemented within supportive cultural environments. Policymakers and SACCO managers should adopt gender-sensitive training, flexible credit terms, and culturally responsive community engagement to ensure equitable and sustainable empowerment outcomes.