MPs Auma, Okae donate Shs 2.4mln to six VSLAs in Kwania district
KWANIA, March 17, 2025 – At least 300 members from six Village Savings and Loan Associations [VSLAs] in Agwa Parish, Akali Sub County, Kwania District, have received seed capital of Shs 2.4 million, thanks to Kwania District Woman Member of Parliament, Kenny Auma Lapat, and her counterpart, Bob Okae, the Member of Parliament for Kwania North County.
On Sunday, the two MPs each donated Shs 1.2 million to support the VSLAs as part of their ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering groups within their constituencies.
The beneficiary groups include: the Good Savings Women’s Group from Barocao A Village, Bedimar VSLA from Barocao B Village, Bediworo Mixed Group from Agwa Village, Note Ber Catering Services from Atonga Estate Village, Kica Arwot Catering Services from Olio, and Bedaber VSLA from Apidyang Village, all in Agwa Parish. Each group received a cash donation of Shs 400,000.
Speaking to the beneficiaries at Agwa Primary School, MP Auma explained that the donation is part of their manifesto commitment to empower their constituents and help eradicate poverty at the grassroots level.
“During our campaigns, we made a commitment to empower both women and men at the grassroots, and the money we are giving you today is part of that promise. I urge you to make good use of it. Borrow money and pay it back on time to help develop the group and improve your household income,” she said.
Concerns over savings practices
Auma expressed concern about the practice of sharing savings at the end of the year and the unfortunate behaviour of some leaders in savings groups who disappear with members’ savings. She urged group treasurers to refrain from the habit of keeping money under pillows and mattresses.
“It is no longer news that some leaders of savings groups run off with members’ savings. That’s why it’s crucial for members to begin depositing their savings in the bank and reconsider the practice of sharing savings at the end of the year,” she added.
MP Okae’s encouragement
On his part, Bob Okae, the Member of Parliament for Kwania North, encouraged members of the various savings groups to borrow money for their children’s education and to invest in vibrant projects that could improve their livelihoods.
“I was born into a family of 19 children, and I was number 17. Abandoned by our father, my mother supported and paid for my schooling, which is why I deeply value the role of women. I encourage you to borrow money from these groups, invest in projects, and use the funds to pay for your children’s education,” he said.
He added, “As the 2026 general elections approach, it’s essential to hold those in elective offices accountable. For example, we managed to procure two ambulances, each worth Shs 300 million, among other key development projects in our area.”
Beneficiaries’ reactions
Nixon Akwanga, the Chairperson of Bedimar VSLA, shared that his group started in 2017 with just 25 members. According to Akwanga, the group has grown to 53 members, with a loan portfolio of Shs 33 million.
“Our group was established in 2017 with 25 members, and that year we managed to save Shs 11 million. By December 2024, we had raised Shs 20 million, and our interest increased to Shs 12 million, bringing our loan portfolio to Shs 33 million. I want to thank Hon. Okae and Hon. Auma for the financial support that will boost our savings,” he said.
Middy Angina, the Chairperson of Kica Arwot VSLA, expressed her excitement about the donation. Angina, whose group currently has total savings of Shs 2 million, is optimistic that the donation will significantly enhance their savings and improve their household incomes.
https://thecooperator.news/mp-auma-offers-seed-capital-to-10-vslas-in-kwania-district/
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