Expanding rural Savings and Loans scheme in Uganda

Covid continues to be a challenge in Uganda. Having apparently escaped the worst of the pandemic until recently, unfortunately the number of infections has now increased dramatically, and the Government has introduced restrictions on gatherings and travel in an attempt to halt the progress of the virus. 

Despite these difficult circumstances we are delighted to report that the money raised from GlobalGiving donations has enabled two more Village Savings and Loans Associations to be formed.

The Lyama Widows and Orphanage Association is comprised of 55 members (50 women and 5 men), with a leadership committee of 9 (8 women and 1 man).This is a special interests group because all members are either widows, having lost their husbands or orphans fending for themselves. The group had a very simple savings scheme previously, but GlobalGiving funds have enabled us to support them with savings materials like cash box, passbooks, and calculator, complemented by ongoing training.

The group meets weekly, and members generate savings by selling agricultural food stuffs and vegetables and running informal businesses such as local juice and alcohol brew bars.

The second group is named "Nakibulu Akugeya Takuwa" Nakibulu is the name of the village, “Akugeya Takuwa” means “one who spreads rumours about you will not give you anything, and so, such a person should be ignored as you toil to make ends meet”. The group was created from scratch thanks to the effort of one woman who is now the chairperson. It comprises of 30 members (25 females and 5 males). There is a leadership team of 8 women, and meetings are held every Friday. Almost all the members are small-scale farmers. They have also received a Savings Kit and training is ongoing.

With Covid the groups have been formed at a challenging time, but it is great to see the enthusiasm of the members and their determination to make the scheme work for them as individuals and for the group as a whole.