Women farmers under the Mityana Women Maize Farmers Cooperative have appealed to Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to strengthen laws that protect women’s financial independence, saying some husbands often take or misuse money saved through their cooperative groups.
The appeal was made during a meeting of the cooperative held at the headquarters of Ssekanyonyi Sub-county in Mityana District.
Members explained that many women who save and invest through cooperative groups sometimes lose their earnings when family members, particularly spouses, take control of funds intended for development projects.
The cooperative brings together women from several sub-counties, including Ssekanyonyi and Namungo, who joined forces to improve their livelihoods through agriculture and collective savings.
The group mainly focuses on maize farming but members are also involved in poultry keeping, production of organic fertilizers, marketing agricultural produce, and providing small loans to fellow members.
Members say the cooperative has helped many women improve their household incomes and strengthen their economic independence.
“Since we formed this cooperative, many women have managed to improve their livelihoods and support their families through farming and savings,” one member said during the gathering.
However, the women noted that the cooperative continues to face several challenges affecting its growth. These include limited markets for maize, some members failing to repay loans borrowed from the group, and insufficient capital to expand their activities.
Jenifer Nakisenyi, the chairperson of the cooperative, said interference by some men in women’s financial decisions remains one of the biggest concerns raised by members.
“Some women work hard to save money through the cooperative, but their spouses sometimes take the money or misuse it. We are appealing to the government to put stronger measures in place to protect women’s savings,” Nakisenyi said.
She added that the situation has pushed the group to seek partnerships with organizations that can help train women in financial management and savings practices.
Despite receiving support from development partners, cooperative leaders say they still need additional financial resources to strengthen their operations and support more women in the district.
The women have therefore appealed to the government, through its financial support programs, to increase funding directed toward women’s groups so they can expand their economic activities.
Among the organizations supporting women in the area is Finn Church Aid, which has been providing training on financial literacy and economic empowerment.
According to Samuel Kibanga, a representative from Finn Church Aid, women should remain committed to collective initiatives that strengthen their economic independence.
“Women should not lose hope. When they continue working together through cooperatives, they can transform their communities and improve their livelihoods,” Kibanga said.
During the meeting, members of the cooperative also elected new leaders who will guide the organization’s activities and strengthen efforts aimed at improving the economic wellbeing of women farmers in the district.
