MP Atukwase launches VSLA project to get women out of poverty

MBARARA – Mbarara City Woman Member of Parliament, Rita Atukwase has rolled out a village saving and loans association [VSLA] project to help get women in her constituency get out of poverty.

According to Atukwase, the women’s VSLA project aims to mobilise individuals and communities to embrace the culture of saving and provide access to micro and small loans for women entrepreneurs.

“This initiative is an essential component of our ongoing efforts to empower women and promote economic growth in our city,” she said.

While rolling out the project on Monday, Atukwase said it will complement the existing government poverty eradication programmes such as Parish Development Model [PDM], Emyooga, Programme, Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme [UWEP], and Youth Livelihood Programme [YLP].

She said her VSLA project will ensure a comprehensive approach toward addressing the needs of women, youth, and people living with disabilities [PWDs].

The project kick-started in three wards of Kishasha, Nyakinengo, and Rwakishakizi but it will be rolled out in 186 cells across Mbarara City whereby each ward will receive a seed fund to boost income-generating activities of various groups.

“So far we have started with Kishasha ward in Mbarara City North which comprises 8 cells. Each village has been given Shs 500,000 but I will able to add them more money to make it one million if this programme is to become a success,” said Atukwase.

The legislator said she would lobby for more money from Growth and Economic Opportunities for Women [GROW] Project funded by the World Bank’s International Development Agency [IDA] to support financing for women’s projects.

The MP urged the beneficiaries of her VSLA project to use the received money in productive activities. Do not eat the seed capital. Use the money to produce together so that we can create opportunities for women to thrive and contribute to the growth of our city,” she said.

Robert Kanusu, the resident city commissioner Mbarara City North pledged total support for the women’s VSLA project.

“Most of the time when you go to a cell, there are many groups and sometimes it becomes hard for the leaders to support. But if they are united and the number is big, then it becomes easy for the government to support,” he said.

Kanusu commended MP Atukwase for always supporting the city’s residents.

Previously Atukwase has donated; 800 wheelchairs to PWDs, 300 tailoring machines, salon start-up kits, bakery and sports equipment, and 40 hospital beds among others.

Mbarara City comprises Mbarara City North and Mbarara City South constituencies, 186 villages, 24 wards, and six divisions of Biharwe, Nyakayojo, Nyamitanga, Kakoba, Kakika, and Kamukuzi, all estimated to have a total of 500,000 residents.

https://thecooperator.news/seven-wards-in-mbarara-city-miss-out-on-pdm-funds/

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