By Chris Mugasha
Recently, Kyamuhunga People’s SACCO (KYAPS) one of the leading SACCO in the Country celebrated its 25th Anniversary since inception.
During the celebrations, different beneficiaries gave their testimonies on how KYAPS has since impacted on their lives and on communities.
Western Focus Magazine will run a series of testimonies from the different beneficiaries.
In this report, we bring out how KYAPS has empowered women.
Visiting Mrs. Cledius Buhumure at her home in Bweza Kashenshero sub county in Mitooma district, you realise how its hard to engage her in any talk apart from her matooke trading business. As she sits to attend to you, Buhumure’s mobile phone keeps busy ringing as she continues to coordinate her business.
Had it not been the benefits she has tapped from KYAPS, one may fail to engage Buhumure in any discussion.
“My husband died in 2004 and left me with 3children whom I had to take care of, the situation was hard because everything was always provided by my husband,” she recalls.
“After his death I started taking on hard labour jobs like digging in the gardens of the rich people in order to get food for my family and also get school fees for my children,” she narrates.
As she was almost getting stranded, KYAPS opened up its branch in Kashenshero. “KYAP’s coming was my starting point. I acquired a loan which I used to start my small business of selling Matooke in Kashenshero and started getting some profits that could buy me food and other home essentials.” She started small but later KYAPS boosted her with some capital.
“I got another loan which I injected in my business because I had realized how the demand for Matooke was high,” Buhumure says.
So far, Buhumure’s market has expanded beyond Kashenshero to Kanungu. She now receives orders of Matooke from Kanungu.
“Because I have been financially empowered by KYAPS, my children have been able to complete some levels of education,” she says.
Buhumure is now building a new house using the profits she gets from Matooke. “There is a big difference between the time when my husband died and now.”
Buhumure thanks KYAPS for extending its services to Kashenshero.
“I am looking forward to complete the construction of my house and I believe with KYAPS I will. They have assured me of their continue support,” Buhumure notes.
She also plans to buy her own car/lorry which she says it will save her from hiring costs
End.
