By ALEX PITHUA

Lawrence Songa Biyika, the Ora County Member of Parliament in Zombo District, is finalizing a strategic initiative to bolster Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) through his “Songa Community Foundation” (SCF).

In an exclusive interview, Biyika announced that 1,200 women-led VSLAs have been on boarded to receive a seed capital injection of UGX 400 million.

This initiative aligns with government programs like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model, designed to enhance household income and foster economic resilience.

Each VSLA is set to receive UGX 200,000, complemented by financial literacy and entrepreneurship training to optimize capital management and drive sustainable growth.

“I promised these mothers during the campaign period that I would support them and that they should form village saving groups. At first, I provided them with UGX 100,000, and now I am offering each group UGX 200,000 to empower their small income-generating activities”,” Biyika stated during community engagement.

One of the Women VSLA group in Juloka Parish, Warr Town council, receive the seed capital support of shillings 200,000 from MP Songa Biyika Lawrence.Photo/ Alex Pithua

Over the weekend, Biyika met with VSLAs in Ndara, Gamba, and Juloka parishes across Alangi Sub-county and Warr Town Council, urging collaborative efforts between women and their spouses to combat poverty.

He also highlighted complementary government initiatives, including Emyooga, the Parish Development Model, and infrastructure projects like roads and water systems.

These empowered VSLAs is continuing to serve as an effective vehicle for economic justice and long-term resilience.

VSLAs in parishes such as Ndara, Paduba, Ugusi, Umua, Kigezi, Zeu Lorr Central, Ayaka, Angol, Gamba and Anyola amongst others have already benefited from these funds.

Maureen Giramia (Anyola village), Bruna Nyakidi (Kampala village), Beatrice Akumu (Gamba parish), and members of the Marpamungu Women’s VSLA praised the initiative for its transformative impact. They noted that localized borrowing fosters financial discipline, promotes a savings culture, and enhances decision-making autonomy within groups.

Mothers under their VSLA listen to speech from MP Songa, about Savings.Photos/ Alex Pithua

Beneficiaries from 2023 and 2024 reported significant growth in agricultural ventures and small-scale businesses in local markets.

Jesca Angoya, Chairperson of Amurupii Village VSLA in Atiak Sub-county, expressed confidence that the funding will scale her silverfish and cassava flour enterprise.

Similarly, Agness Nyakidi of Awara Village VSLA in Atyak Sub-county lauded Biyika’s support for empowering women and driving economic upliftment, positioning the initiative as a catalyst for poverty alleviation.

Alex Pithua is news editor at zoomer Africa