(UGANDA) Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) are not only contributing significantly to the economic improvement of communities in northern Uganda, they have also proved to be a great community support system that is helping to rebuild community life.

Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) are not only contributing significantly to the economic improvement of communities in northern Uganda, they have also proved to be a great community support system that is helping to rebuild community life.

“Each week, I look forward to getting together as a group to share, laugh, counsel, and learn from one another: it is usually a great time,” says Nighty Olweny, one of the women’s group members. “It has traditionally not been possible for us women to have a social life with other community members and outside of our homes.”

“Each week, I look forward to getting together as a (VSL) group to share, laugh, counsel, and learn from one another: it is usually a great time."

In Uganda, World Renew has supported the establishment and growth of hundreds of community groups like Olweny’s through Christian partner groups in the Northern and Teso regions. The war in northern Uganda weakened the traditional family and community support network, and community members who were displaced throughout the country for decades are now coming back to resettle as strangers in their own land.

Each VSLA group also has an emergency fund. Members contribute to the fund every week and use the money to help members who have an crisis situation like a death or illness in the family. “When my daughter broke her leg, the group helped me quickly with money that I used to pay hospital bills,” says Otim GeoGery. “I later repaid the loan in full, which was interest free.”

The St. Barnabas group has thirty members from the same village. Most of them started as adult literacy learners and are now one of six groups in the Paloga community of Lamwo District, bordering South Sudan.

Prayers:
  • For safety and health as I travel in the region to support our partners. 
  • Pray for the resources we need to support the partners who serve in the communities.
  • Pray for health and safety for Milly, David, Benjamin, and Jesse. 
Cheers: 
  • Thank God for His provision towards the work here so far. 
  • Thank God for keeping us safe and healthy.

Edward and Milly Okiror

Program Consultant
World Renew Uganda