Reaping the Rewards

Predominantly made up of women whose lips were cut by the Lord’s Resistance Army during the war in northern Uganda, group Rubanga Tek (God is strong) is a Village Saving and Loan Associations group in Lamwo District. The group was initiated last year with support from Invisible Children Uganda’s regional office, and so far has saved over $1000.

Working hard to make ends meet, the group members are using money from their association to support their families and carry out income generating activities. Last year Invisible Children gave the group 24 bulls, and recently donated ox plows to assist them when working on their farmland.

One member, Evelyn Okwang, supports her four children and six orphans through the business she started selling food items like fish and cassava. She believes that with togetherness their saving group will become stronger.

“Before the group was formed it was hard for me to save any money because we have no banks here,” she said. “Because of the association I am now saving something.”

Richard Oroma, the secretary of the group, says he has a plan of buying more bulls and ox plows for his farm.

“Presently I have a retail shop at the town center,” he said. “Joining the Village Saving and Loan Association has changed my life, I am now able to buy food and clothes for myself.”

The Village Savings and Loan Associations program is improving the quality of life for LRA-affected communities in northern Uganda thanks to the support of our monthly donors who are members of The Fourth Estate. Find out how you can be a member HERE.