Privacy policy

1. Data controller

The data controller responsible for personal data described in this policy is The Pharmacists Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Limited (Pharmacists SACCO), Plot 1847 Pharmacy House, Banda–Kyambogo, Kampala, Uganda. P. O. Box 3774, Kampala.

For privacy enquiries, contact us at pharmacistssaccoug@gmail.com or using the details on our Contact page.

2. Scope

This policy applies to personal data collected through this website, including contact enquiries and membership application forms.

If you are already a SACCO member, additional personal data may be collected and processed under separate membership records governed by our bylaws, UMRA requirements, and member agreements. This policy focuses on data handled through our public website and related online channels.

3. Personal data we collect

Depending on how you use the website, we may collect:

• Identity and contact details: full name, email address, and phone number.
• Enquiry content: the message you send through our contact form.
• Application details: membership category, professional registration or internship details, and related information submitted with a membership application.
• Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and approximate usage data collected through standard website logs or analytics tools.
• Communications: records of correspondence when you contact us by email or through forms on this site.

4. How we collect data

We collect personal data directly from you when you fill in forms on this website, email us, or otherwise contact the SACCO.

We may also collect limited technical data automatically when you browse the site, for example through server logs or analytics services that help us understand traffic and improve the site.

5. Why we use your data

Under the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, we process personal data where we have a lawful basis, including:

• Consent: where you submit a form or request that requires your agreement.
• Contract or steps before a contract: to respond to membership applications and enquiries about joining or using SACCO products.
• Legal obligation: to comply with UMRA, co-operative society, tax, anti-money laundering, and other applicable Ugandan laws.
• Legitimate interests: to operate, secure, and improve our website, prevent misuse, and communicate with prospective members, where those interests are not overridden by your rights.

6. How we use personal data

• Respond to contact enquiries and membership applications.
• Assess eligibility for membership and follow up with applicants.
• Provide information about SACCO products and services you request.
• Maintain records required for governance, audit, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor, maintain, and improve website performance and security.
• Send service-related communications where necessary.

7. Sharing and disclosure

We do not sell personal data. We may share data only where necessary and lawful, including with:

We require third parties that process data on our behalf to protect it and use it only for the purposes we specify.

• SACCO staff and authorised agents who need access to perform their duties.
• Service providers who host the website, deliver email, or provide technical support, under appropriate confidentiality and security arrangements.
• Regulators and authorities, including UMRA, where required by Ugandan law or a valid legal request.
• Professional advisers, such as auditors or legal counsel, where necessary for compliance or governance.

8. Data retention

We keep personal data only for as long as needed for the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer period is required by law or legitimate business needs such as resolving disputes or meeting regulatory record-keeping requirements.

Enquiry records are typically retained for a reasonable period to manage follow-up and service quality. Membership application data retained after approval becomes part of member records governed by SACCO policies and UMRA rules.

9. Data security

We apply appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or alteration. No method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Please use strong contact details, keep your devices secure, and notify us promptly if you suspect unauthorised use of information you submitted through this website.

10. Your rights

Under the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, you may have the right to request access to personal data we hold about you, correction of inaccurate data, deletion in certain circumstances, restriction of processing, objection to processing based on legitimate interests, and data portability where applicable.

To exercise these rights, contact us at pharmacistssaccoug@gmail.com. We may need to verify your identity before responding. We will respond within the timeframes required by Ugandan law.

11. Complaints

If you are not satisfied with how we handle your personal data, contact us first so we can try to resolve your concern.

You may also lodge a complaint with the Personal Data Protection Office under the National Information Technology Authority of Uganda (NITA-U), as provided under the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019.

12. Cookies and similar technologies

This website may use cookies or similar technologies to support basic functionality, remember preferences, or understand how visitors use the site through analytics services.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some site features.

13. International transfers

Our website and some service providers may process data on servers located outside Uganda. Where personal data is transferred internationally, we take steps required under Ugandan data protection law to ensure an adequate level of protection.

14. Children

This website and SACCO membership services are intended for adults eligible under our membership criteria. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 18 without appropriate consent and lawful basis.

15. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy when our practices, website features, or legal requirements change. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates the latest revision.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

16. Contact

Privacy questions or requests relating to this policy may be sent to pharmacistssaccoug@gmail.com or to our office at Plot 1847 Pharmacy House, Banda–Kyambogo, Kampala, Uganda.