Mothers Union exhibition opens at Namirembe Cathedral

Mar 17, 2016

The exhibition is meant to create networks and open up opportunities for the members

At least 150 women had by Thursday pitched camp at the Namirembe Cathedral gardens in Kampala for their inaugural ‘Mothers Union Women In Business' exhibition to last three days.

Organized by Mothers Union of Namirembe diocese, the exhibition is to showcase the different business ventures women are undertaking to improve household incomes.

On display are confectionaries, agricultural products, iquid soap, art and craft products, service companies such as decorations, catering among others.

As explained by the chairperson Josephine Kasaato, the exhibition is meant to create networks and open up opportunities for the members. But also help them share experiences.

  lady displays some of the mushrooms during the exhibition hoto by ennedy ryema A lady displays some of the mushrooms during the exhibition. Photo by Kennedy Oryema

 

Market, capital, lack of collateral to access loans and the prolonged loan processing procedures as expressed by the different exhibitors remain their major challenges.

"After the trainings, we all go back and pick on the same things. In one parish there could be like 10 members producing liquid soap and targeting the same market," said Janat Kimbugwe from Katwe martyrs church.

Kimbugwe a mother of four and a stay home mum, makes liquid soap and maize snacks which she supplies to the mothers union offices at Namirembe.

From St Apollo Church in Maganjo, a group of 76 mothers union members offer decoration services, confectionary and make craft pieces such as bags and jewelry.

  woman buys millet flour from the iving oods stall at the exhibition hoto by ennedy ryema A woman buys millet flour from the Living Goods stall at the exhibition. Photo by Kennedy Oryema

 

According to their chairperson, Catherine Kiganda these projects help their members become self-sustaining but also supportive to their husbands.

"We do not intend to make mothers independent from their husbands but rather partners supporting each other," said Kiganda.

A dealer in confectionaries, Jessica Mugalula aged about 60 years said the major obstacles to women success in business is self-pity and lack of determination.

"A woman in business has to wake up at least an hour earlier or sleep an hour later than everyone else in the family. This helps you juggle family and business without straining the othe," she said.

But most importantly she added, a married woman cannot have her ‘own' money, advising that the husband must be the financial partner.

 eal atural emedies and osmetics nne ibirige r and a worker display some of the natural herbs for healing asthma hoto by ennedy ryema Heal Natural Remedies and Cosmetics' Anne Kibirige (r) and a worker display some of the natural herbs for healing asthma. Photo by Kennedy Oryema

 

"I have been able to succeed in my business because I confide in my husband earning me his support. He knows my profits and losses," she said.

The women are quite enthusiastic that by the end of the three days, they will have been able to learn new skills of doing business but also built networks for new markets.

This is in line with this year's local theme for the International Women's day, ‘Economic empowerment: a vehicle to sustainable development'.

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga is expected to grace the exhibition on Friday, its second day 

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