Save to invest in future: Christian women in Bunyoro Kitara Diocese urged to embrace saving culture
HOIMA, October 18, 2024 — Christian women in the Bunyoro Kitara Diocese have been encouraged to adopt a culture of saving as a means to invest in the future and contribute to the socio-economic development of Uganda.
Bunyoro Kitara Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. Jacob Ateirweho, emphasised the importance of saving during the annual general meeting [AGM] for the Bunyoro Kitara Diocese Mothers’ Union Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation [SACCO] held at the Union’s offices in Duhanga Cell, Hoima East division, Hoima City.
He highlighted that by saving, women can access loans from their SACCOs, which will help combat household poverty and enhance family development. The Bishop praised the formation of the SACCO, noting that if managed effectively, it can pave the way for future investments.
“I will spread the message of forming and joining SACCOs throughout the diocese, encouraging more Christians to embrace a saving culture,” Ateirweho stated. “This initiative is vital, and we will support you with training. Men in the diocese should also be inspired by these efforts because financial empowerment for both men and women will lead to the Church’s growth.”
On her part, Easter Wamara, Chairperson of the SACCO, reported that the organisation, established last year, has over 30 members who have collectively saved over Shs 10 million. She explained that the SACCO was created to provide financial support for women facing household poverty, a challenge often linked to domestic violence.
“We recognised that Christian women needed better access to finance in their fight against poverty, which motivated us to start this SACCO,” Wamara said.
David Muhumuza, Hoima City Commercial Officer, urged SACCO members to take advantage of government programmes such as the Parish Development Model [PDM] and Emyooga to secure funds for income-generating activities.
He also cautioned leaders and members against mismanagement of SACCO funds and stressed the importance of repaying loans, as failure to do so has led to the collapse of many SACCOs in the country.
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