Emyooga initiative boosts financial independence for women in Tooro

In Tooro region, previously women faced socio-economic challenges, such as limited access to financial resources and growth opportunities.

However, through the Emyooga initiative, these have gained the tools and support needed to lead and sustain their own businesses.

This empowerment has enabled them to break free from traditional roles and emerge as key breadwinners in their households.

Sofiya Namukasa, chairperson of the Kibale East Vendors Emyooga Sacco, stated that since the introduction of Emyooga, women have stopped depending on their husbands for financial support and now have the means to earn their own money.

"Before this program, women were suffering in their families, they were beggars. They used to beg everything from their husbands, because they didn't have the capacity to save for themselves, they didn't have capacity to work, but when Emyooga program came in, they started businesses and now they are working, they save. They  can buy each and everything they want,"Namukasa said.

she explains that their Sacco is predominantly composed of women, highlighting that women have a better understanding of the Emyooga program compared to men, which has provided them with greater opportunities for financial growth.

"Our Sacco started with 46 associations from different Sub-counties. We have 761 beneficiaries out of which 585 are female and only 176 are male." She added.

She added that when the Microfinance Support Centre educated them on the importance of saving that women took  seriously and has significantly contributed to their development.

"We were taught that saving is essential for financial development, and many women in our Saccos have benefited greatly from it. Some have purchased plots, while others have been able to pay school fees for their children, all this is as a result of commitment to saving."

Elizabeth Tusiime, the chairperson of the Kyaka Market Vendors Sacco in Kyegegwa District, noted that women in this market have successfully started their own businesses using Emyooga funds, which has granted them financial independence.

"Women no longer rely on money lenders because they have daily income, they earn everyday and this is due to the money they got from Emyooga."

Tusiime added that  many women have their own  plots of land and are now able to pay school fees for their children because of the seed capital they received from Emyooga.

She encouraged other Saccos to actively involve women, stating that a Sacco with women members is unlikely to perform poorly, as women are known for their strong saving habits and reliability in meeting their obligations.

"I encourage you to directly involve women in your Saccos and also in the sacco leadership because women tend to save more effectively than men and are less likely to misuse money."

The Microfinance Support Centre organized exchange visits to allow emerging Emyooga Saccos from the Kampala Rural zone to learn from the established and successful mainstream Saccos in the Tooro region.