New anti-poverty project gives Bulambuli residents hope

“We used the profits to purchase two additional motorcycles and also bought cows that were given to members to keep and benefit communally,” Ms Beatrice Nandutu, a mother of seven and a member of the group, said during an interview with Monitor last Saturday.

Currently, the group has nine cows and they also have continued to save with the village saving scheme. This, they said, has helped to improve household income and food security.  The seed grants are given to community groups by Spark MicroGrants, a non-government organisation supporting communities that face poverty, to drive their own economic and civic development.

Through the Spark’s Facilitated Collective Action, the communities are led through weekly meetings and training to organise, conceptualise and implement their chosen project and receive micro-grants to fund it.

Mr Timothy Wetaka, a resident of Bujesoli Village, Nabongo Parish in Bulambuli District, said ever since he was given a cow by the group members, his life has not remained the same.
“Last year in October, I was given a cow and now I have two of them. I have been able to sell the milk I get and take care of my family. Before, I used to grow crops but I wasn’t harvesting much,” he said.

Ms Florence Nabugunzi, also a resident of Nabongo Parish, said they used to receive grants in form of two cows that have now multiplied to 30.

“Our children in the community now have access to milk and farmers use manure on their farms to improve production as we continue to save profits from the community project,” she said, adding that they were able to purchase more than 45 goats for each of the members of the group.

The project is currently operational in 21 of 23 sub-counties and three town councils. Some of the sub-counties include Bukhalu, Bwikonje, Bunabutye, Nabbongo, Masira, Bufumbo, Lusha, Namisuni and Muyembe, among others.

Ms Sarah Amolo, a farmer and beneficiary, said she has been able to expand her business using the revolving fund she acquired.

“I had a small produce business but when I was later given support, I was able to expand it. I now also have some animals and birds that I am rearing,” Ms Amolo said.

Benefits

Ms Agnes Namutosi, the district community development officer, said the project is alleviating poverty in the communities.

“The locals have also benefited in items of knowledge, skills and access to funds. The projects implemented have helped them to get food and income,” she said.

Mr Charles Gidoi, the assistant secretary to the chief administrative officer, said the intervention is creating a positive impact on the communities.

“The local government leadership will support, monitor and make sure the project is not misused because it is helping our people to get out of poverty,” Mr Gidoi said.

Ms Allen Makabayi, the Spark MicroGrants country director, said they plan to scale up the project from the current 23 to more than 50 villages.

“For a group with 50 to 66 households, we give them about Shs29m. A group with 67 to 83 households gets Shs36m, while a group with 84 to 100 households gets Shs43m, and the community groups with 101 and above households get Shs54m as a seed grant,” she said. 

She added: “With the groups deciding which projects to start, including building a school, planting crops and initiating a local business, or anything else the community feels best serves their needs, we are ready to support them.”