Fish vendors reap big through cooperatives

LIRA – Fish vendors especially women are reaping big from the business after getting soft loans from local cooperatives.

One of the cooperatives supporting the fish vendors in Lira Main Market is Lira Main Market Vendors Cooperative Society Limited initiated in 2019 and has 206 registered members that supports in growing their businesses.

Bazil Edwoko, the chairperson of the cooperative says said they have given soft loans worth Shs 2 million to members.

He told this reporter their loans come with fair interest so that members invest and pay back.

Macdonald Obua, the chairperson of Smoked and Silver Fish Vendors Cooperative Society Limited, also operating in Lira Main Market, said the loan facility is boosted by the savings that the members make.

He said most of the women at the market are now financially stable, having joined the cooperative.

“At least most of our women here under the cooperative can have some amount of money in their accounts at the end of the day or even year because we do savings and give them loans at small interest rates,” Obua said.

Sandra Acen, a beneficiary of the cooperative referred to the cooperative as a uniting fact that continues to boost their businesses through providing affordable loans.

“This is bringing us together and we can borrow soft loans anytime we want it the most,” Acen said.

Like Acen, Asia Akullo Otoo, another fish vendor said that the cooperative has helped her business to grow which has in turn develop and cater for her household needs.

“Without money, our business cannot develop, that is why we have joined the cooperative. It has enabled us to pay fees for our children, cater for rent and other domestic responsibilities,” Asia added.

Beatrice Akello who sells silver fish said she will also be joining the cooperative very soon in order to boost her business.

https://thecooperator.news/fish-traders-at-mpondwe-osbp-decry-low-market-for-fish/

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