Muslims urged on fostering saving culture as Teso-Karamoja Muslim women’s SACCOs launched

KUMI - Members of the North Eastern (Teso-Karamoja) Muslim regional women’s savings and credit co-operative organisations (SACCOs) have been encouraged to adopt a saving culture to enhance their lives.

The call was made during the official launch of the SACCOS at the Kumi Main Mosque grounds on December 31, 2025, under the theme: Empowering Women for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation.

Special presidential assistant in charge of press and mobilisation, also deputy spokesperson Hajji Faruk Kirunda, represented senior presidential advisor for political mobilisation Moses Byaruhanga as the chief guest.

Recently, the Government, led by President Yoweri Museveni, fulfilled a commitment of a shillings two billion grant to Muslim Women SACCOs across the country.

Kirunda urged the region to register more SACCOs to access part of this funding.

He also encouraged Muslim women to combat poverty by participating in various government initiatives, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which has already injected approximately sh400 million per parish nationwide.

Kirunda mentioned that the Government plans to provide each of the 19 Muslim districts with shillings 200 million for Imam SACCOs and that motorcycles will be donated for the Imams, although this will not happen during the current campaign period.

Regarding requests for tractors to boost commercial agriculture, Kirunda assured that the Government will supply some tractors to the Muslim districts of Teso, Kumi, and Kotido.

We need more funding

Aisha Neumbe Among, a member of the UMSC General Assembly, said President Museveni had fulfilled his commitment of shillings two billion for Muslim women in the country, with funds deposited into the national account at Salaam Bank around September 2025.

Kirunda interacts with Aisha Neumbe Among, a member of the UMSC General Assembly, during the launch. (Credit: Delux Emmy Alomu)

Among noted that the Kumi Muslim district, which includes Kumi, Bukedea, and Ngora local governments, received a shillings 10 million grant, while Teso and Kotido Muslim districts are yet to receive funds due to challenges with registering their SACCOs and opening bank accounts.

She added that the funds, although helpful, are insufficient given the poverty levels in the northeastern region and urged for an increase.

Many women are eager to utilise the support received for farming, poultry rearing, and business ventures.

The Muslim leaders present at the meeting also requested motorcycles for the county sheikhs to facilitate easier mobility for their leadership.

Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan, the regional assistant mufti for the Teso-Karamoja Muslim region, emphasised that the two billion is a modest sum, yet serves as an initial step to inspire action toward improving welfare, rather than solely focusing on spiritual matters.

He highlighted that the President aims to mobilise the community to save for their well-being and urged that this financial support should unite, not divide, the Muslim community.

Seek more opportunities

Sheikh Obilan encouraged Muslims to seek additional opportunities, such as accessing more interest-free loans from the Microfinance Support Centre.

He continued to pray for government support aimed at empowering Muslim women, who often face domestic violence and are frequently left to care for children alone.

Karim Osuje, a member of the UMSC General Assembly, advised the Muslim community in Teso to collaborate with the government instead of opposing it.

Kumi Resident District Commissioner John Bosco Mubito reassured Muslim women that there would be more financial assistance available, and encouraged Imams and Amirats to register two SACCOs in each Muslim district.

“The president aims to make money and capital accessible to all industrious Ugandans; all you need to do is register your SACCO and earn the government's trust. Just like that, financial support is within reach,” Mubito said.

He also reaffirmed the Government's commitment to continue working alongside the people to improve the nation, ensuring no one is left behind.

Margaret Grace Amorioit Kedi, an independent candidate for MP in Kumi Municipality, said the Government acknowledges women’s empowerment and equality in various forms, but urged women to take advantage of these opportunities respectfully, without undermining their partners.

The launch of this initiative also marked 111 years since the introduction of Islam to what was then Teso District before 1914.