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 you testimonies from people of Kyegegwa as they narrate how KYAPS has unlocked Kyegegwa’s potential;
Byagageire Jonan-Matooke/banana vendor
I am businessman selling Matooke from Kitemba village, Kazinga sub-county Kyegegwa district. I started my business vending matooke on a bicycle to Ahamuti market.
When KYAPS opened up its gates by opening up a branch in Biguli town, I joined in July 2023 and later acquired a loan to build a house and when I finished paying this loan, I got another loan of Motorcycle for improvement of my matooke business.
With a motorcycle loan I acquired from KYAPS, it has enabled me to extend my business beyond my village where I have been operating from. I now supply the bigger markets of Rwamanja and Kyegegwa market using the motorcycle.
On top of having means of transport which has eased my business, I am also able to pay school fees for my children plus a commercial building house which I have put up for commercial use.
Before KYAPS extended its services to Kyegegwa, hearing about access to credit from a SACCO was like a dream to many of us. The only option to access a credit was to approach the ‘exorbitant’ moneylenders or Kafuna.
Because of the high interest rates that the money lenders were charging, many people had lost their properties after failing to pay back. We are extremely happy that KYAPS intervened and block the chains of money lenders.
Community benefits
KYAPS started a burial contribution of Sh5million to every member and this has saved many families from losing their property especially land which many have been seeing as the only option to dispose off to clear schools fees, medical and funeral expenses.
Furthermore, the Sacco has promotions where members have won a lot of prizes like heifers, Boda bodas, and home materials among others.
Caption: Byagageire Jonan at his transformed home.
Many youth got jobs in boda-boda transport industry where KYAPS has empowered them through its boda-boda loan products. This has eased transport unlike in the past where there were like 3motorcycles in our town.
In the next 5years with the financial and literacy support from KYAPS, I believe my children will study up to the university, have a bigger and good house than what I have now and buy a car to further expand my business beyond Kyegegwa.
I urge all people of Kyegegwa to join KYAPS and experience a positive change in their lives, develop their businesses and educate their children.
Muhereza Arinaitwe Buryahika a member also narrates how KYAPS has changed her life plus growing/expanding her timber business.
I am from Kazinga town where I run my business of selling timber. I joined KYAPS-Biguli branch in July 2022 and I was the 73th member to open up an account in this SACCO.
The SACCO has done a lot for us in this area and as a woman I am now able to do business with ease because of the credit that KYAPS gives us inform of a loan.
Caption: Muhereza Buryahika Arinaitwe in her timber business.
Before KYAPS came, it was very difficult for women to access credit/loan because of the issue of lack of security and as a result we were only housekeepers.
There was no where we could start from or think about any business idea but that came to an end when KYAPS opened its doors in Biguli. We have been sensitized and empowered through the trainings which KYAPS gives us before a loan is approved and given out.
Ever since I joined KYAPS, my business has expanded. Together with my husband, we are building a house and paying school fees for our children. I therefore urge everyone to join KYAPS and witness positive change in their families/ communities. I wish to see KYAPS developing to greater heights and open more branches in Rwenzori region so that people can access financial services. I commend the Board, the management of KYAPS for extending services to Biguli/Kitagwenda. End.
