More than 400 women from Kasangati and surrounding areas have received hands-on financial literacy training aimed at boosting economic empowerment, improving livelihoods, and fostering social harmony.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Bulindo and Rotary Club of Kitukutwe, in partnership with Old Mutual Uganda and Centenary Bank, and held at Kasangati Health Centre IV.
The training targeted women who had recently given birth, those receiving antenatal care, and expectant mothers, equipping them with vital skills in budgeting, saving, financial goal setting, debt and credit management, understanding loans and interest, investing, retirement planning, planning for emergencies, insurance, and smart money habits.
Paul Percy Lubega, President of the Rotary Club of Bulindo, emphasized the transformative power of economic empowerment:
"Today we are here engaging women, these women that have given birth in this hospital in Kasangati Health Centre IV. As a Rotary Club, we feel like economic empowerment is very important, and if we empower these women, they will be able to empower their families," he said.
Lubega highlighted the particular challenges faced by single mothers, noting that empowering them has a ripple effect across communities:
"Many of these women, although they are mothers, are single mothers. Some of them were abandoned when they were made pregnant. We need to help them economically because this is the only thing that can enable them and their families to live decent lives. When we empower a woman, we empower a whole community, a whole family."
He shared inspiring stories of women who started with minimal resources and grew successful businesses:
"I was thrilled by a couple of ladies that shared that they started a business with 10,000 shillings and they are now running businesses worth 100 million shillings. These stories show that even with a small investment, you can have an opportunity of doing big business. If you insist on saving and practice discipline, you can achieve your goals and become economically independent."
The beneficiaries were enthusiastic about the training and the practical insights it provided. Esther Nakanjako, one of the women who attended, said the training changed her perspective on saving:
"I'm impressed with the knowledge shared on how we should save to boost our finances. All along I thought I was saving, but with the knowledge gotten from here, I've realized I’ve not been saving smart. I thank Rotary Club of Bulindo for this opportunity and I ask them to come back for more trainings."
Jennifer Asiimwe, a local businesswoman, highlighted how the training would help her manage her small business better:
"This financial literacy is good for us women, especially those of us that deal in businesses where we collect from as low as 100 shillings. Managing money has not been easy, but experts have shown us an easy way, especially on budgeting. Financial planning is also crucial but most of us have not been taking it seriously. With the knowledge I’ve got, I am now going to put more emphasis on saving so I can invest for a better future for my children and myself."
Through this initiative, the Rotary Clubs and their partners are not only equipping women with financial skills but also laying the foundation for sustainable livelihoods, economic independence, and stronger communities in Kasangati and beyond.