Greater Apac Muslim women call for special empowerment grant

APAC, March 3, 2025 – Muslim women in the Greater Apac region have called on government to urgently establish a special empowerment grant to support them in their fight against household poverty.

The appeal was made last Thursday during a fundraising drive at Aduku Main Mosque, the headquarters of the Greater Apac Muslim districts.

Stakeholders highlighted that women face numerous challenges, including cultural barriers, restricted movement, and unfavourable legal and regulatory policies, all of which hinder their access to formal finance and other services.

Medina Akello, Women’s Leader for the Greater Apac Muslim Districts, emphasised that a special empowerment grant for Muslim women would help them participate in different economic activities, thus improving the livelihoods of their families.

“When it comes to SACCOs, Muslim women are being left out. Therefore, it is our appeal to the government that we need a special empowerment grant to improve our economic status,” she added.

Muslim women losing properties to money lenders

Tino Sarifa, Chairperson for Women’s Affairs in the Greater Apac Muslim Districts, revealed that many Muslim women in the region, which includes Apac, Kwania, Lira, and Oyam districts, are losing their properties to money lenders who charge exorbitant interest rates on loans.

Sheikh Abass Etwop, the Supreme Khadi for the Greater Apac Muslim Districts, supported the Muslim women’s demand for financial help, saying that when women are given resources, they can actively participate in the economy, generate household income, and contribute to national development.

However, Etwop pointed out that Greater Apac lacks adequate schools and healthcare centres for Muslims. “There is a lack of schools and healthcare facilities for our Muslim sisters and brothers in the region. There is also a shortage of bursaries for our children, and above all, our women are suffering. A special grant is necessary for them to improve their economic situation,” he said. He also added that there is a need to construct more mosques in the Greater Apac districts.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Ntanda, the 1st Deputy Supreme Mufti under the Kibuli Muslim Administration, advised Muslim women leaders to submit their concerns in writing for easier follow-up. “I have heard your concerns, but I encourage you to put them in writing so that we can channel them to the relevant authorities,” he said, while also urging parents to send their children to school to secure a better future.

In his speech on 8th October 2024 at the inaugural Muslim Women’s Leaders’ Conference at Old Kampala SS, President Yoweri Museveni announced a donation of Shs 2 billion to their Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs]. However, the President has yet to fulfil this important pledge to the Muslim women.

https://thecooperator.news/museveni-contributes-shs-2bln-to-muslim-women-saccos/

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