Kwania VSLA leaders urged to bank members’ savings
KWANIA, November 5, 2026 – Leaders of Village Savings and Loan Associations [VSLAs] in Kwania district have been urged to stop keeping members’ savings in their homes, particularly under mattresses and pillows, and instead deposit the money in banks to safeguard it against theft, loss and mismanagement.
Aculawic Cooperative Society Chairperson Thomas Obongi issued the warning recently while addressing 13 VSLAs in Aculawic Parish, Ayabi Subcounty, Kwania district.
Obongi said keeping large sums of money at home exposed members’ savings to security risks, particularly during end-of-year payouts when groups handle substantial amounts of cash.
“Gone are the days when people kept money under pillows and mattresses. It is high time we kept members’ savings in banks to avoid mismanagement and cases where treasurers burn their houses, claiming they have lost the money,” he said.
More than 20 VSLAs registered in Ayabi
More than 20 VSLAs are registered in Aculawic Parish, according to the Kwania District Commercial Department.
Under the scheme, groups of about 30 members meet regularly to pool their savings and lend money to one another at affordable interest rates.
The initiative is helping improve household incomes and livelihoods in Ayabi Subcounty, particularly among residents engaged in small-scale businesses.
Christine Alal, chairperson of Acut-Teibu VSLA and a resident of Acwao A village, said membership had enabled her to save money, access credit and invest in a vegetable business.
“When I joined the group, I was able to save Shs 1.2 million and borrow Shs 800,000. I later invested the money in a vegetable business. I can now feed my family and pay my children’s school fees from the business,” she said.
Grace Atala, chairperson of Yesu-En-Yoo Women’s Group, said she joined the association in 2013 and had since used loans from the group to expand her business.
“The loans I borrowed from the group helped me grow my business, while members’ savings have steadily increased,” she said.
MP donates Shs 1.8mln to savings groups
Kwania District Woman MP Kenny Auma donated Shs1.8 million to the 13 VSLAs in Aculawic Parish to support their activities.
Auma urged members to use the money to expand their sources of income and invest in additional businesses rather than sharing it among themselves.
“The money I am giving you today should help you venture into other businesses. Please use it to grow your businesses; do not share it among yourselves. Borrow it among yourselves, because I will follow up on how it is used,” she said.
Kwania District Commercial Officer and VSLA Supervisor Patrick Bura said the savings scheme had gained popularity among rural communities and was increasingly being embraced in some urban centres.
VSLAs are widely recognised as a community-based approach to improving financial inclusion and reducing poverty, particularly among people with limited access to formal banking services.
However, many rural Ugandans continue to face challenges accessing secure savings facilities and affordable credit, making community savings groups an important source of financial support.
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
