It was jubilation for 19 members of Busidibu Self Help Group and Obwabani Women Group in Nambale sub county after each member received a dairy cow from the Busidibu CBO management to help improve their livelihood and boost their economic status.
Speaking during the Group Annual General meeting held at Busidibu Village in Nambale that comprise 700 members, the area Senior chief Mariline Oundo who graced the occasion urged women and youth to take the initiatives to enrol for grants and loan from the government due to their low interest rates.
Oundo however, called on members to have a clear objective before getting the loans and grants. She added that there is a need for education and training on proper investment strategies and saving culture.
“I want to challenge you to seek information about grants and loans before you go for one. Loans are good if you have a clear objective why you are acquiring one,” said Oundo.
Her sentiment was echoed by Nambale Subcounty Women Enterprise Fund coordinator Sharon Odada, who called on women and youths to apply for funds that are available and friendly to invest and pay later.
Since the interception of Women Enterprise funds in Nambale Sub County, at least Sh 59 million have been issued to over 300 groups who have applied and benefitted. From the 300 groups that benefited from the fund, 75 per cent were women while 20 per cent were youth.
“I salute the women of Nambale for the urgency in taking loans and grants. Men are yet to embrace the culture of borrowing and investment, therefore there is need for training and adequate sensitization to the society at large,” noted Odada.
Siekunya Women Focus chairlady Carmelita Okumu lauded the success witnessed by the group since it was formed in 2016 where they have been able to acquire 5 tents, catering equipment and public address system.
“We started this group with 65 members with table banking of Sh.20 weekly, the amount helped us get our first loan where we acquired 2 tents and catering equipment. Through this we have managed to employ more women and youths thus reducing crime rate in the area,” said Carmelita.
According to Busidibu CBO patron Amos Munyanya Okumu, the groups have continued to attract more members since they conceived the concept of working together for a common goal back in 2014 thanks to interception by the current area MP Geoffrey Mulanya.
“We are much better than when we started, we have over 25 tents, 2000 plastic chairs, a car, and today we have issued 19 dairy cows to our members,” said Amos Munyanya.
By Absalom Namwalo
