In a heartwarming gesture of community support, UGAFODE Microfinance Ltd reached out to the refugee community in Kisenyi, focusing on single mothers, during the holy month of Ramadan.
Over 100 refugees, mostly from the Somali community, benefited from the initiative, receiving food items to sustain them during the fasting season.
Florence Mutonerwa, head of product development, research, and marketing at UGAFODE, said the initiative is part of the institution’s ongoing efforts to give back to communities that have supported them.
She emphasized that refugees, especially single mothers, have been loyal customers, using UGAFODE’s financial services such as loans and savings accounts with minimal documentation required.
“We truly appreciate the refugee community for their trust in our services, and this is a small token of gratitude for their continued support,” Mutonerwa said.
“By providing food items, we hope to ease their daily struggles and let them know that we are here to support them, especially during this blessed season of Ramadan.”
The gesture aligns with UGAFODE’s broader mission to empower refugees financially. Many women in the community run small businesses, including selling jewelry, handicrafts, and clothes, and UGAFODE provides tailored financial products to meet their unique needs.
In addition to food assistance, UGAFODE offers financial products at minimal cost, including a “Smart Save” account designed for refugees, featuring low fees for deposits and withdrawals.
These services help refugees build financial resilience while supporting their families and small enterprises.
Jacques Musoda, UGAFODE’s Marketing Manager, elaborated on the company’s focus.
“We are here today to give back to the community and show our support to the Muslim refugees, especially those from the Somali community. We understand that Ramadan is a challenging time, and this small gesture is meant to ease their fasting and provide relief for them and their families,” he said.
Musoda added that while many Muslim communities across Uganda observe Ramadan, UGAFODE specifically chose to support the refugee community this year.
“We wanted to make a direct impact on the lives of those who are often overlooked. The Somali refugee community, many of whom are newly arrived and single mothers, need support, and we are proud to be there for them,” he stated.
The impact of UGAFODE’s support extends beyond material relief. By engaging with the refugee community, the institution fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation among those who may feel marginalized.
“As a financial institution, we are not only here to conduct business but also to show that we care about the people we serve,” Musoda added.
UGAFODE hopes its Ramadan gesture will inspire other businesses and organizations to extend a helping hand to refugees.
The initiative underscores the company’s values of social responsibility and community development, demonstrating that compassion and people-centered service are at the core of its operations.
This Ramadan, UGAFODE has shown that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference, ensuring the spirit of compassion and unity thrives within communities in need.