KWANIA, August 1, 2025 – Nine Village Savings and Loan Associations [VSLAs] in Chawente Sub-county, Kwania district, have received seed capital of Shs 2 million each, courtesy of Kwania district Woman Member of Parliament [MP] Kenny Auma.
This financial support, channelled through local village SACCOs, is part of Hon. Auma’s personal initiative launched four years ago to economically empower grassroots women.
The funds, which benefitted savings groups in Atule Parish and two disaster preparedness groups in Ajar Parish, were officially handed over by the MP during a visit on Wednesday.
Each VSLA received Shs 200,000, while the two disaster preparedness groups were given Shs 300,000 each.
Beneficiary groups include: Obanga Angeo VSLA [Agwa A]; Note En Tek VSLA [Boda]; Direct VSLA [Atule]; Obanga Omaro Wa VSLA [Boda]; Abei Fishing VSLA [Abei]; Orib Cing VSLA [Anamodumo]; and Nywal Yelowa VSLA [Agwa B].
The disaster preparedness groups are Dwong Pe iTuku [Adera village] and Too Pe Yeng Disaster Group pAwila village], both in Ajar Parish, Chawente Sub-county.
In addition to the cash support, MP Auma pledged to purchase two sets of saucepans for the disaster preparedness groups. She also made a further donation of Shs 500,000 to support St Peter’s Church of Uganda, Adera, located in Olelpek Parish, Diocese of West Lango.
While addressing VSLA members, Auma urged beneficiaries to make prudent use of the funds to enhance household incomes.
“I have extended financial support across 447 villages in the district to empower women,” she said. “I urge you to use this money to grow your savings, borrow and repay with minimal interest, and lift your families out of poverty.”
She added that the initiative is her personal effort to help women live independently and reduce overdependence on their spouses.
VSLA support is transforming lives
Beneficiaries praised MP Auma’s initiative, noting its positive impact on both group savings and individual livelihoods.
Okello Chemist, the Uganda People’s Congress [UPC] Chairperson for Abapiri Parish, said the financial injection has significantly strengthened their SACCOs.
“I’m a direct beneficiary. My wife borrowed Shs 500,000 from her group and started a fishmongering business. Today, she’s able to support the family and pay school fees for our children,” he said.
Okello added that Auma’s commitment to grassroots development has earned her admiration from local UPC leaders.
Milly Odur, Chairperson of Note En Tek VSLA, described the Shs 200,000 grant as a major boost.
“We began in 2000 with just five members. Now we’re 30 strong. This contribution raises our savings from Shs 2.8 million to Shs 3 million. We are truly grateful; it will take us from point A to point B.”
Another member, Keren Odongo, emphasised the long-term impact of the support on household welfare and called on constituents to support Auma Kenny in the upcoming general election.
https://thecooperator.news/mps-auma-okae-donate-shs-2-4mln-to-six-vslas-in-kwania-district/
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