By Mike Rwothomio 

Zombo Rural Development Network Association (ZORUDENA) has officially launched its Promic Micro-Credit Programme in Alangi Sub-County, extending structured financial solutions to underserved rural populations.

The initiative, formally known as the Promotion of Micro-Enterprises (Promic) programme, provides affordable micro-loans with competitive and revised interest rates. It primarily targets women engaged in small-scale businesses, aiming to drive poverty alleviation, promote entrepreneurship, and accelerate financial inclusion across the district.

The programme was formally launched on Monday, June 22, at Alpha Hall in Alangi Trading Centre.

The event drew a strong turnout of local council leaders, community representatives, sub-county officials, and the Speaker of Kebhu Rigangi Kingdom.

According to Maroline Awekunimungu, Project Coordinator, beneficiaries will access funds after forming groups of five and completing comprehensive training on effective loan utilisation and business management.

ZORUDENA Programme Manager Irine Kayomirwoth emphasised the programme’s focus on sustainable livelihood improvement. She advised female participants to ensure full spousal awareness before taking loans, noting that transparency helps prevent domestic conflicts.

“To all of you women who would wish to get loans from us, ensure that your spouses know about it to avoid future misunderstandings,” she stated.

Jackson Ocama, a ZORUDENA Board Member, called for rigorous beneficiary selection and prudent fund utilisation. He urged Local Council chairpersons to identify trustworthy individuals with sound financial reputations to safeguard the programme’s integrity and revolving fund mechanism.

In her remarks, Alice Biryema, Vice Chairperson LCIII Alangi Sub-County, commended ZORUDENA for its ongoing interventions, including youth skills development, while cautioning women against using loans in ways that could destabilise family structures.

Pride Berocan, Community Development Officer for Alangi Sub-County, welcomed the initiative and called for " intensified financial literacy training and community sensitisation" to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

Mengu Celestino, Speaker of Kebhu Rigangi Kingdom and Clan Chief of Kebhu Ondhikuru, praised the organisation for bringing financial services closer to rural constituents. He encouraged local leaders to recommend only reliable beneficiaries capable of responsibly utilising the facilities.

ZORUDENA, established in 2019, operates with core objectives centred on bridging socio-economic gaps through human capital development, skills enhancement, and institutional strengthening.

The organisation focuses on improving the physical, social, and economic welfare of vulnerable groups, including children, widows, and persons with disabilities. Its current micro-credit activities are supported by a Swiss NGO partner.

The organisation has previously delivered significant impact in Paidha Town Council and Paidha Sub-County through human development and capacity-building programmes.

To date, ZORUDENA has empowered over 100 children, supported more than 500 families, and positively impacted approximately 12,000 lives.

This launch aligns with broader national trends in financial inclusion. According to the 2023 FinScope Uganda survey, Saving and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) remain a cornerstone of rural finance, with 16 percent of adult Ugandans approximately 3.9 million people, accessing credit through SACCOs, matching the reach of mobile money services.

ZORUDENA staff during the launch at Alpha Hall in Alangi on Monday

ZORUDENA program Director Irine Kayomirwoth

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Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub for African news trends and updates.