Derrick A
Community groups have been urged to register with the government and participate in its initiatives in order to access various benefits, as governmental support is primarily directed towards organized groups rather than individuals.
These statements were made by Emily Akunda, the sub-county chief of Bugangari Sub-county in Rukungiri district, during the conclusion of the Kakindo Tukwatanise savings and loans associations’ annual event. She commended the association for its commendable objectives aimed at community and family development, advising them to formalize their registration with the sub-county to access government support.
Wilber Twijukye, the association’s chairperson, disclosed that it was established in 2009 following training by the Rukungiri district farmers association, led by the late Charles Kwebagira Byabakama, the former Rukungiri district chairperson. Initially, with 23 members, they began saving 500 shillings each, but membership has since grown to 55. Encouraged by the members’ commitment to saving, they distributed 109 million shillings in 2022-2023 and over 198 million shillings this year (2023-2024), which was shared among members at the event.
The association initiated catering and boda boda projects to enhance their income, with plans to establish a SACCO in the future. Ven Elias Mbangi, the Archdeacon of Bugangari Archdeaconry, and Rev Fr Jeremiah Tumwijukye, the parish priest of Rwengiri parish, praised the organization for its teamwork and urged them to continue collaborating for the betterment of their community and households.
Expressing gratitude to the association members for launching projects aimed at uplifting their families, the religious leaders also commended the association’s leadership for their integrity, highlighting the unfortunate instances where other associations mishandled members’ funds.
Chris Kagayano, the Bwambara sub-county chairperson and chairperson of the Rukungiri district Farmers Association, along with its coordinator Steven Kalezi, acknowledged Kakindo Tukwatanise group as one of the successful associations they had trained, promising to seek further support from the Uganda National Farmers Federation to bolster their efforts. They also called on members to combat domestic violence.
Following the distribution of savings and various items such as mattresses, basins, kitchenware, and plastic chairs, 55 association members expressed their gratitude, crediting the association for teaching them the importance of saving, leaving them content and transformed.
3 Comments