By Alfred Opio
Women in Kibale County, Pallisa District, have been urged to adopt a strong saving culture as a sustainable strategy for reducing poverty and improving household livelihoods.
The call was made by Constantine Okwi, Member of Parliament-elect for Kibale County, during a meeting held at Opusai Cell, Otamirio Ward in Kibale Town Council.
The meeting brought together chairpersons of various women’s savings groups that Okwi initiated before his election to Parliament, aimed at strengthening grassroots financial empowerment.
Addressing the women, Okwi emphasized that consistent saving remains one of the most effective tools for increasing household incomes, promoting independence, and reducing financial vulnerability among families.
“Regular saving builds stability at home and gives women the power to make decisions that improve their families’ lives,” he said.
He thanked women across Kibale County for their trust and support during the election period and pledged to continue championing development initiatives focused on improving their livelihoods.
Okwi also promised to ensure that all savings groups established under his guidance are formally registered, explaining that registration would enable them to access government programs, grants, and other development opportunities.
“Once registered, these groups will be better positioned to benefit from government support and grow into stronger economic units,” he noted.
The meeting also served as a preparatory session for an election victory thanksgiving ceremony scheduled to take place at Opusai Cell, Otamirio Ward, at the home of the MP-elect. During the event, several initiatives, including the launch of women’s Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), are expected to be unveiled.
Women leaders at the meeting commended Okwi for what they described as development-oriented leadership.
Stella Amoding, chairperson of Apapero Savings Group in Ogulia Village, Opwateta Sub-county, said Okwi has prioritized community transformation since Kibale attained county status, unlike previous leaders whom she accused of focusing on personal interests.
Beatrice Ikilai, chairperson of Opwateta Women Savings Group, shared how saving has already improved her life. She said her contributions last year helped her pay school fees for her children and start a small business.
“The savings have helped me solve many family challenges,” she said.
Anna Abeja, another savings group chairperson from Omukulai in Kibale Town Council, observed that if the saving initiative is fully embraced, women in Kibale could become a model for economic empowerment across the district. However, she urged the MP-elect to introduce additional programs that would benefit more community members.
The renewed push for savings groups is widely seen as a strategic move to strengthen grassroots economic resilience and promote long-term financial independence among women in Kibale County.
