Keep politics out of savings groups, former MP urges Kwania VSLAs

Okae urged members to protect their group from political interference and religious divisions, warning that such differences could cause disagreements and undermine the group’s objectives.

“You need to see yourselves as part of the group and set aside tribal, political and religious differences so that it can grow. If you allow these divisions to influence the group, it will eventually collapse,” he said.

“When the group collapses, it is you, the members, who will suffer. Therefore, try to maintain good relations with your neighbours. Anything can happen, and your immediate neighbour may be the person who needs to help you.

“It is even worse when you stop speaking to your neighbour because of political differences. In the end, when you die, you may still be buried in the same place.”

Okae also called on group leaders to treat all members equally in order to strengthen the association.

“Do not exclude people from your groups because of their abilities or circumstances. Instead, help the group grow from where it is now to greater heights,” he said.

He warned that a group begins to decline when poorer members are undermined or looked down upon.

“If some people claim that their contributions are more important while yours are small, you should understand that the group may be heading towards collapse,” Okae said.

He, however, said members were justified in raising concerns about those who were genuinely uncooperative, but urged leaders to find ways of bringing such members on board rather than driving away poorer members.

Kwania District Woman Member of Parliament Kenny Auma encouraged women in the group to work hard and support their husbands in developing their families.

“I believe women should support men in providing for the children. After all, these are your children too,” she said.

Auma said government programmes were available to support different groups, including women, men and children, and urged residents to embrace hard work to promote the development of Kwania district.

The two leaders donated 188 new T-shirts to the group members, valued at more than five million shillings. They also donated iron sheets to support the construction of the group’s warehouse.

The group’s chairperson, Ambrose Ebonga, and vice-chairperson, Lilian Odongo, thanked Auma and Okae for their support.

The Note Ican Ber Disaster Preparedness Group was formed in 2012 with six members. It now has 188 members from 94 households.