Savings and development in Uganda

From Global development | The Guardian Mon Nov 26 2012, 00:01:19

The local Village Savings and Loans Association is turning the residents of Soroti, in eastern Uganda, into savers and entrepreneurs who no longer have to rely on the support of outside organisations

"Why should I again begin begging for support from the outside?" asks Phoebe Ageo, throwing her hands up dismissively, as she sits up straight in the middle of her farm compound in Soroti, eastern Uganda. "I don't believe in asking for money. The best word for this is 'begging'."

Although Ageo lives in one of the poorest districts of the country, in the past few years her situation has improved considerably. Chickens and goats wander in the fields, and the circular expanse of red earth with the thatched houses belonging to Ageo's extended family is surrounded by lush banana and mango trees. In the distance, flanked by weighty corn stalks, harvested seeds are drying in the sun, ready to be taken to the market.

Like most of her neighbours, Ageo started taking part in the local Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) four years ago. The scheme was initiated by CARE International and implemented in Soroti by the NGO, Uganda Women's Effort to Save Orphans (Uweso). Instead of relying on handouts and loans from outside organisations, villagers are trained to become savers and entrepreneurs.

[view whole blog post ]
 See More    |     Report Abuse


You might also be interested in the following news stories:

Kenya:  Families in Nairobi Call for Killings to Stop as Anti-Govt Protests Claim 31 Lives (news)
Capital FM
9 July 2025

Families of those killed in the ‘Saba Saba’ anti-government protests have demanded an end to the violence, as outrage over police brutality intensifies and calls for President William ... [read more]

Kenya:  Why #WeAreAllKikuyus Hashtag Is Top Trending (news)
Capital FM
9 July 2025

NAIROBI, Kenya - July 9 - A powerful show of unity is sweeping across social media in Kenya under the trending hashtag #WeAreAllKikuyus, as thousands of Kenyans on X (formerly Twitter) change their ... [read more]

Africa:  Startups With Female CEOs Struggle to Raise Funds, Report Reveals (news)
Capital FM
8 July 2025

Start-ups in Africa that are led by women continue to face major challenges in raising capital, particularly as they seek later-stage funding, according to new data from Africa: The Big Deal, a ... [read more]



blogAfrica is allAfrica.com's platform to help you keep an ear on the African blogosphere. We draw diverse voices from around the world who post regularly and insightfully about African issues. Bloggers, submit your blog's rss-feed!