The Lolachat Women Merry-Go-Round and Peace Building Group recently held its annual celebration after successfully saving Shs 13.08 million in 2024.
The vibrant event, marked by song, dance, and feasting, brought together members from both the Pokot and Pian Karamojong communities, strengthening the group’s ongoing peace-building efforts.
Since its founding in 2014, the group has expanded its activities beyond savings and loans, venturing into livestock keeping, crop farming, cereal banking, and peace-building initiatives.
Group chairperson Joyce Achia expressed pride in their progress over the years.
“We have made huge progress over the years, and our initiatives continue to transform the lives of our members,” she said.
The group, which currently consists of 18 members, includes both youth and elderly individuals.
Secretary Gloria Modo mentioned their openness to new members.
“In 2024, we saved 13.08 million shillings, and we are hopeful that in 2025, we will save even more,” she said.
The celebration was filled with energy, as the Pokot team wore green t-shirts, skirts with African designs, white linen wraps, and colorful beads around their waists, necks, and heads.
The Pian team dressed similarly, with yellow t-shirts.
Both groups danced through the night, singing traditional songs.
Group director Christine Anyakun shared an exciting development—the gradual integration of men into the group.
“Although we initially formed this group for women, we are slowly bringing men on board, especially those who support women’s empowerment,” she explained.
The group’s success serves as an inspiration to other community-based savings initiatives in Karamoja, demonstrating the importance of financial discipline, unity, and economic self-reliance.