Our Obumwe Support Programme helps small community projects during the growing season via training and loans of between one and two million Ugandan Shillings UGS (approx. 230 – 400 GBP).
Designed in collaboration with local recipient groups, and managed by Alongside Africa Uganda (AAU), the programme supports marginalised and disadvantaged women-led groups – many of whom are AIDS widows – in Rubanda District, south-western Uganda. Funded projects include potato growing, goat and poultry rearing, and bee-keeping. Since it was established in 2014, the programme has supported more than 100 groups.
‘Obumwe’ means ‘unity’ in the local Bakiga – pronounced bachiga – language, and was chosen by AAU colleagues to reflect the programme’s guiding principles of oneness, mutual good will, transparency, and pooling of resources and ideas.
Groups use the financial support and repay it after 6 months, which coincides with the length of a growing season in the region. Subsequent financial support is only given once the original amount is repaid. This results in reliable repayments, enables the recipient groups to become self-sufficient, and means that the same funds can be used time and time again.
A nominal interest rate is applied to the loans for a duration of four months, and is used solely for administrative and transport expenses.
A donation of £250 will empower two women-led projects each year, helping us to expand this vital programme