Nwoya women rallied to unlock economic potential through cooperatives

NWOYA - Trade, industry, and cooperatives state minister Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi has called on women in Nwoya district to join cooperative groups as a pathway to unlocking their economic potential.

His message was delivered on March 31, 2026, by Maj. Gen. Paul Muwonge, deputy commander of the 4th Infantry Division, during the belated 2026 International Women’s Day celebrations held at Koch-Goma town council.

The event was held under the theme: “Scaling Up Investment to Accelerate Justice for All Women and Girls in Uganda.”

Mbadi emphasised that cooperatives play a crucial role in empowering women by enabling them to collectively meet their economic, social, and cultural needs.

He explained that, unlike traditional profit-driven businesses, cooperatives focus on serving their members through shared ownership, improved access to goods and services, and better marketing opportunities.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, noting that several supportive policies have been enacted to boost women’s participation in economic activities.

He encouraged women to actively engage in business ventures to achieve self-reliance and support their families.

Currently, many women in Nwoya rely on village savings and loan associations (VSLAs) to improve their livelihoods.

Under this model, members save regularly and can access small loans for business purposes, with funds typically distributed at the end of an annual cycle.

However, some economists have criticised the model, arguing that limited financial literacy can lead to misuse of funds on non-productive expenses.

Christine Lanyero Larem, the Nwoya district woman Member of Parliament-elect, called on the Ministry of Trade to provide financial literacy training to women in the district.

She noted that while many women are eager to participate in the money economy, they face challenges due to limited knowledge, technology, and innovation.

Larem highlighted the district’s untapped opportunities, including fertile agricultural land and supply contracts linked to ongoing oil refinery development projects.

She stressed that many women miss out on these opportunities due to inadequate capacity building.

She also challenged cultural norms that deny women inheritance rights, urging cultural institutions in Acholi to promote change.

Grace Kipwola, chairperson of the Nwoya District Women’s Council, applauded government initiatives such as GROW, UWEP, Emyooga, the Parish Development Model, and the Youth Livelihood Project for supporting women.

However, she raised concerns about low loan repayment rates among beneficiaries and urged accountability to ensure the sustainability of the programmes.

Meanwhile, Mary Adokorach, NRM chairperson for Nwoya district, commended women for their strong political support for Museveni but encouraged them to maintain family unity, respect their spouses, and work collaboratively in raising their children while pursuing economic independence.