MASINDI, August 29, 2024: Dr. Emmanuel Aliba Kiiza, Chairperson of the Microfinance Support Centre [MSC] Board, has lauded the Hoima Catholic Diocese Women SACCO for its impressive performance, highlighting the rapid growth of the microfinance entity.
Dr. Kiiza made these remarks recently while speaking at the Hoima Diocese Catholic Women Apostolate Annual Conference and Exhibition held at Kabalega Secondary School in Masindi town recently. Over 500 women from across the Bunyoro Subregion participated in the conference and received training in various areas.
The skills development programme, launched by State Minister for Gender Peace Regis Mutuuzo, was held under the theme: “Promoting Skills Development Among Women in Hoima Catholic Diocese.”
Dr. Kiiza noted that MSC initially provided the SACCO, which was formed in 2022, with Shs 50 million. This amount has since grown to Shs 200mln, with an additional Shs 50mln recently allocated. He encouraged the SACCO leadership to establish more associations in different parishes within the diocese so that each can be supported with Shs 50mln.
“We are undertaking similar initiatives with the Mothers Union, Muslims, and Seventh Day Adventists, among others,” he added.
Mary Aliba Kyaterekera, Women’s Coordinator for the Hoima Catholic Diocese, reported that women were trained in various topics, including responsible parenting, financial literacy, health and nutrition, exhibitions, entrepreneurship, and project sustainability.
The conference/ training was attended by notable figures such as Jacky Amongin, Uganda’s representative to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA); Rosemary Sseninde, Director of Mobilisation at the NRM Secretariat; Kabakumba Labwoni Matsiko, Chairperson of NRM Masindi District; Noeline Kisembo Basemera, Woman Member of Parliament for Kibaale District; and Florence Asiimwe, Woman Member of Parliament for Masindi District.
MP Asiimwe praised the Hoima Catholic Diocese for its commitment to women’s empowerment and skill-building. “An empowered woman is key to establishing a good home. As leaders, we will continue to support such initiatives. I encourage women to organize themselves into groups, as there is significant government funding available for organized communities,” she said.
Minister Mutuuzo emphasised that empowering women socially and economically helps reduce poverty, crime, and gender-based violence, while also improving parenting and household income. “Empowerment is crucial for reducing poverty and wasteful spending. We must remain consistent in our efforts,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ronald Businge Kyomuhendo, Mayor of Masindi Municipality, highlighted the importance of also empowering men, noting that many men have become irresponsible due to a lack of education on gender issues, business, and entrepreneurship.
On her part, Sseninde encouraged women to overcome self-doubt and share their newly acquired knowledge with others. “Empowered women are capable of achieving great things and creating more jobs. A strong home foundation contributes to a thriving church, and nation. We must guide, counsel, and educate our children to prevent the issues we see with youth today,” she said.
https://thecooperator.news/masindi-village-chairpersons-want-to-benefit-from-pdm/
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