By Emmanuel Olinga
KATAKWI
In an effort to enhance the economy and provide adequate housing for rural women, Katakwi women have implemented an innovative way of providing iron sheets in a rotating manner to members of the organization.
Ebumakinos VSLA, located in Aleles Kololo cell, Southern Ward, Katakwi Town Council, Katakwi District, has thrived with a savings scheme in which members have begun disbursing 20 iron sheets earned from savings to members.
Ebumakinos Women’s Village Savings and Loans Association, founded in 2023 with 70 members who save Ugx 50,000 once a month on Mondays, has distributed gauge 32 iron sheets to its group members, with everyone receiving 20.
Catherine Ramatovo, chairperson of the Ebumakinos Group, stated that the group’s primary goal is to lift the community out of poverty, but more importantly, to address the problems of accommodating themselves in poor grass thatched housing, which is one of the challenges that rural communities face because most women risk being harassed by Karamoja cattle raiders while looking for grass.
According to Ramatovo, the group, which is largely made up of women, has been around for over three years, and the majority of their income comes from small companies such as produce sales, silver fish sales, juice sales, and agricultural harvest sales.
Florence Acaak and James Alemu, members of a family that benefited from the iron sheets, expressed joy that their family will be transitioning from grass thatched huts to permanent accommodation.
Other members, such as Agnes Anyakoit and Christine Imalingat, urged women to start modest businesses as a way to transform their families rather than waiting for their husbands.
Robert Osekeny, Chairperson of the LCI Aleles Kololo cell in the southern ward, advised the community to embrace the savings culture in order to improve societal well-being and achieve progress.
According to Osekeny, when a community accepts saving, not only does development occur, but also unity and progressive societal improvements in terms of structural development.
Sam Malinga, Personal Assistant to Hon Peter Ogwang, who was attending the disbursement of iron sheets to members, urged the members to prioritize savings culture as a strategy of combating poverty at the family level.
