Women Urged to Embrace Saving Culture to Avoid Multiple Loans

Rukungiri: The Country Director for Women Save organization Amon Ariyo Tusingwire, has urged women to prioritize saving for emergencies instead of relying on multiple loans, which have caused disruptions in many families. 

Tusingwire made this call on March 7, on behalf of Executive Director Marie Muntalucci from California while delivering a speech during the 5th-anniversary celebrations of Women Save at New Palm Hotel in Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality. The event brought together women from Rukungiri and Kanungu districts. 

Women Save is an international project that started in 2020 to empower women with financial knowledge and provide safer saving options to help them overcome financial challenges. The organization operates in all sub-counties of Rukungiri, except Nyakishenyi, and in Kanungu, where they have covered 11 out of 18 sub-counties. 

Tusingwire explained that women were targeted because they are often left out of financial matters. Many lack collateral to secure loans, have lower education levels compared to men, and despite working hard, they struggle with financial literacy. Additionally, many women fear the paperwork involved in acquiring loans. To address these challenges, Women Save is promoting the use of mobile banking and MO CASH, allowing women to save money conveniently without the need to travel long distances to banks.  

He noted that many women do not own smartphones, which limits their ability to use digital banking services. As a solution, the organization is training women on how to save using MO CASH, enabling them to access their savings anytime without extra charges.

Tusingwire emphasized that Women Save does not charge its members but instead educates them on financial management to help them plan for a brighter future. He encouraged the public to seek financial advice from their staff, who can be identified by their branded T-shirts in various villages. 

CUE IN….TUSINGWIRE//RR

Several project beneficiaries, including Covenant Nowamaani, Racheal Katushabe, Kiconco Darlen, Rosette Tusirwire, Peace Tushabe, Annet Kyasimire, and Daphine Namusima, shared success stories. They praised Women Save for empowering them to pay school fees, acquire land, and improve their household standards of living. 

The Rukungiri Municipal Community Development Officer (CDO) Dickson Tibigambwa, commended Women Save for its long-term impact. He noted that unlike many organizations that come and go, Women Save has successfully equipped women with financial skills rather than providing temporary handouts. 

The Senior Community Development Officer for Rukungiri District John Bosco Twesigomwe, condemned the practice of multiple borrowing, saying it has led to devastating consequences, including family breakdowns and financial ruin. 

Women Save, funded by Marie Muntalucci from California, USA, is committed to transforming women’s lives through financial literacy, savings culture, and digital banking innovations. Currently, the organization has over 2,640 women members in Rukungiri and Kanungu districts. According to reports from members, they have collectively saved over UGX 940 million, enabling them to buy animals, purchase land, build homes, and pay school fees, among other financial achievements.