Impact

My name is Hellen Kyokali.

For years, I battled financial hardship while raising six children as a single mother. My journey started as a KCCA street cleaner, waking up at 3 AM every day to grace the dusty streets of Kampala hustling for my daily bread. Eventually, I transitioned to selling sweet bananas and avocados at Freedom Market, but managing my small capital was a constant struggle.

I sell sweet bananas the big, small, and avocado in freedom market Kalerwe. Before I attended the training, I had few customers at my stall, didn’t care much about either my personal or business outlook. Since IST team trained us, my life and business management skills changed for the better especially the increase in sales and profits. Additionally, my customer care skills and respect improved as IST showed us that customers were a crucial block in our business… I didn’t know how to handle or grow it well. I was part of a savings group, contributing between 1,000 to 2,000 UGX, but I wasn’t actively involved in saving.

When IST stepped in, they taught us the importance of working and coming together and having a single voice as a collective, and the benefits of proper financial management. Now, I have mastered the art of handling my finances, keeping records and no one does it better than me!

I started my business with selling only small sweet bananas and avocado with a stall that I made with my bare hands. But when IST came in, I was trained that it is a good idea to sell more than one product so that I have more than one income streams. I added big sweet bananas.

Being a single mother and the sole provider for a household of six has not been easy. Everyone in my family depends entirely on me.

Before joining the market, I worked as a cleaner for KCCA, waking up as early as 3 AM to sweep the streets. Eventually, I transitioned to market work, where I began a new chapter in my life. Through the training and support from IST, I learned how to manage my finances, which enabled me to save and invest money.

With the savings and determination, I was able to purchase a plot of land, and build my own home in Lugazi. You can’t imagine that a former street cleaner now, after a long day at work has a  a place to return to and rest with my family With this achievement, my mother, family and workmates are proud and I serve as an inspiration to those around me.

When it comes to leadership, they told us, we tend to think every position should be held by men and hold ourselves back. This was my eye opener and believed that it was possible to take up those positions. I actively participated in IST competitions and was selected to hold the position of the women vice chairperson in this market after the IST training. I then later left the vice chairperson role when I vied for leadership as the women councilor LC 3 Makerere 3. I lost because I did not have enough money to win the race but I appreciated the experience. 

But, now we as leaders in the market, we can now talk to these people without fear and solve whatever is bothering us (I think we should mention here what they’re advocating for and also specifically mention their standing up to the leadership dominated by men).

IST helped boost our confidence as women. Our cooperation as women in the market and friendship has improved more than before. Also, I personally had a smart phone which I would use to only take pictures and chatting with my friends. I did not know I can use a phone to get customers online. After that training on phone usage, I use my phone to promote my business. My customers have increased and I make more sales.

My request to IST is to take these trainings to other markets so that other women also get the skills. More so, IST and Korea Hope Foundation should help us in identifying markets for our products especially in outside countries and support us with a machine that makes Avocado oil.

Namuddu Carol, the group chairperson

My name is Namuddu Carol, and I have the honour of leading Tusubira Women’s Group, a name that symbolises the hope we carry as women working together like a family in Kasubi Market. In just two months since our formation, we have already made remarkable progress. We are currently finalizing our bylaws as part of our registration process, laying a strong foundation for our future.

Our group has grown to 45 members, each joining by contributing a membership fee of UGX 10,000, and we aspire to reach over 60 members soon. Every Monday at 11 a.m., we come together not only to save but also to contribute a welfare fee of UGX 1,000 per meeting. In this short time, we are proud to have saved approximately UGX 2,000,000 which is a true testament to our commitment and financial discipline as women.

One of the most impactful developments for us has been the adult literacy classes introduced by the Institute for Social Transformation (IST). Many of our members, who previously struggled with basic literacy, can now write numbers, construct simple sentences, and even read signposts. The training didn’t stop at literacy; we also learned essential business management skills.  These included how to improve product quality, maintain sanitation at our stalls, enhance customer care, and most importantly, keeping proper records.

However, as with any new initiative, we face challenges. Some women struggle to attend meetings consistently, as they are not yet fully convinced of the importance of collective action. Additionally, not all members share the same level of commitment, which sometimes leads to misunderstandings and disrespect.

Looking ahead, we have several recommendations for IST and our partners at KHF. We hope for continued adult literacy classes, with additional lessons in English and technology—especially computer and smartphone usage. Beyond saving, we need skilling programs that can empower us to generate additional income, which will not only improve our livelihoods but also boost our group’s financial stability. Moreover, we request more health-focused trainings and medical camps tailored for women and youth in the market.

Our vision is clear: to strengthen our group, expand our lending portfolio, and create opportunities that uplift every member. One of our ideas is to venture into bookmaking, which could serve as both a business and a learning tool for women in Tusubira Women’s Group.

Building a Stronger Foundation – A Secretary’s Perspective

Latifah Nakagwe, Group and Market Secretary

Being part of the early formation of this group has been an eye-opening experience. While we now have more than 38 members, a key challenge I’ve observed is that many women were accustomed to government handouts and expected quick financial support from the group. Adjusting to a savings culture has been a slow but steady process.

Additionally, most of these women bear heavy financial responsibilities with minimal capital. Imagine a woman selling onions with just UGX 1,0000 as capital. How can she consistently save while also paying rent, feeding her children, and covering market dues? This reality makes loan repayments difficult, with some members taking an entire year to pay back UGX 200,000 despite working daily. More empowerment programs are necessary to uplift their financial situations.

Despite these hurdles, there is hope. The training they have received is making a difference, and more women are beginning to see the value of saving. Today, the group has over UGX 3,000,000 in savings—a clear sign that change is happening.

To further strengthen the group, I recommend that IST supports them in drafting their regulations as they prepare for official registration. Additionally, considering that most members are single mothers with growing financial pressures, finding sponsors who can offer half bursaries for their children’s education would be life-changing. Lastly, as we plan for another round of adult literacy classes, we need a thorough needs assessment to place women at the right learning levels, ensuring everyone benefits fully.

Moving Forward with Determination

Tusubira Women’s Group is an inspiration of resilience and ambition in Kasubi Market. With the right support, training, and resources, these women have the potential to transform their lives and communities. Their journey has just begun, and with continued mentorship and empowerment, their dreams of financial independence and sustainable livelihoods will soon become a reality.

My name is Kapel Joel, a 28-year-old from Maaru Sub-County in Kotido District. I am married, and together with my wife we are blessed with two children, expecting our third this year. I am a group member of the Kiteteunag group.

Before attending IST trainings, my life was very different. I was known in the village as a heavy drunkard, and my family life was not good. I left all responsibilities to my wife and never even referred to her as my wife, but simply “that woman.” I spent most of my time with a bad group of friends, and at home, I believed I was the sole decision-maker what I said was final, and no one could challenge me.

I was not involved in farming at all my daily life revolved around spending time with friends, drinking from morning until evening. But I thank WFP and IST for the unbelievable work they have done in my life since July 2024. I can see my life is getting bright. Something I had never imagined.  With the support I received, I was able to access PDM funds, and for the first time, I sat down with my wife to plan what we could achieve together through farming.

Right now, we together with my wife cultivated 8 acres of sorghum, 1 acre of cassava, an acre of sweet potatoes and 2 acres of millet and half acre of ground nuts. This is what we proudly own as a family. Thanks to WFP and IST, I am now confident that my household will always have enough food, and I will also be able to sell part of the harvest to earn money and take care of my family’s needs.

Because of WFP and IST, I was inspired to open a bank account, and now as a family we save our money there. So far, we have managed to save 350,000 UGX (USD 100), and our plan is to buy an ox-plough to support our farming and increase production, just as we had envisioned in our family vision journey.

Today, my family is a happy family, and many people wonder how we are managing to do it. In Karamoja, it is common for women to be left to do most of the hard work during harvests especially with millet but in my family, things have changed.

As a trained TOT, my dream is to see this same change spread to other families in Maaru. I have already started talking to my fellow men those I used to drink with 6 families showing them that when a man and a woman work together, even the children are happier. They are beginning to believe in me because I am living as an example.

In Karamoja, men are often known for avoiding household and farming responsibilities and that’s how we end up dying of hunger.  I am determined to change that mindset through using GALS Tools.

My name is Kiyonga Betty. I live in Maaru Sub-County, Kotido District, and I’ve been married to Achuka Abraham, aged 23, for three years. Together, we have one son. I’m a farmer I grow sorghum, green grams, groundnuts, sim sim, cowpeas, and watermelon for both sale and home consumption.

When I got married, I never imagined that I could have a say in household decisions. My husband made all the plans. I was not allowed to speak about money or express my views. And even when I was beaten, I stayed silent. I told no one. That was my life for years silent, fearful, and isolated.

Things began to shift when I attended a training organized by the Institute for Social Transformation (IST) in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP). We were taught that women have the power of voice to speak up, influence decisions, and negotiate within the household. That message touched me deeply. For the first time, I felt seen.

“Before, I was silent. Now, I am a partner. I have a voice in our home and on our land. We plan together. We plant together. And I believe we are building a better future not just for ourselves, but for our son too.” Betty

Soon after that training, I received a transport refund of 120,000shs (USD 34.28) for attending the four-day sessions. My husband demanded I hand it over, saying only he plans for money. I refused and he beat me. The stress and pain were too much. I fell ill and sought refuge at my parents’ home in Rutoum village.

While there, I finally opened up about what I had been going through. For the first time, I broke the silence. We were guided through counseling, and eventually my husband came to join me so we could go through the counselling together.

I found my voice and I decided not to lose it again.After the second training, I reached out to Joel, one of the GALS-trained facilitators (TOT). He agreed to speak with my husband, and in February, they had that conversation. Just a few weeks later, I began to see change.

My husband started helping with housework. He began coming to the garden. Where I used to plant one acre of sorghum alone, this season we’ve planted five acres together.

Later, when he received UGX 1 million from the Parish Development Model (PDM) fund, he shared it with me. I proposed that we use part of the money to buy an ox-plough to improve our farming. He agreed. He even added his own idea to hire laborers to help me with weeding, since he’s currently in school preparing for Senior Four and can’t always be in the garden. This change may sound small, but for me, it is everything.

Before joining the WFP and IST trainings, my family life was filled with violence and unrest. We were known in our community for drunkenness. My husband would often sell our family cows and spend all the money at local breweries. When he returned home, he would demand food, leaving nothing to support the household. Every time I told him there was no food, it would lead to fights. Our family was falling apart, and there was no understanding or peace in our home.

When we attended the couples’ training, we both learned about the struggles women face, and my husband began to realize that his actions were wrong. After returning home, I finally found the courage to share with him what I had held in my heart for more than five years. I opened up completely, and to my relief, he listened. Today, whenever he sells a cow, he informs me first, and we discuss together how to use the money as a couple. Our decisions are now shared, and we work together as partners.

As a family, we began holding joint family planning meetings with our children, ensuring that everyone’s voice was heard and decisions were made together. The second training I attended was a leadership training for women. At 58 years old, I had never believed that women could be leaders. I never imagined that I could have a voice or the confidence to take on a leadership role, thinking that leadership was only for men.

After the training, everything changed. I gained the courage to contest for the position of Parish Councilor of Kokoria, running against five men under the NRM flag. I won the election, and I credit WFP and IST for giving me the confidence to believe in myself and step into leadership.

Nakidon Martina actively engaging in a drawing exercise during a women’s leadership training.

I am requesting the offices of IST and WFP to continue supporting women like me, helping them overcome shyness and believe in their potential. I never imagined that at the age of 58, I could step into a leadership role but with their guidance, I realized that women too can lead and make a difference.

Nancy and 50 other market women in the cooperative share their stories of pain, triumph and success from the cooperative. The Cooperative started in 2018 as a CBO but has over the years grown into a cooperative with an agenda to support the group members economically, socially, emotionally and in all other spheres of life.

Elected in 2019, the leadership of the cooperative has been the pillar for its growth. It is made up of 9 women leaders who have been in charge of the growth and development of the cooperative. Through the strong leadership, the group members have managed to keep collecting up to 2,000,000 shillings monthly in group savings.

“Through the group lending and borrowing model of the cooperative, I was able to borrow money which has supported my business to grow after COVID-19,” – Nancy Aloyo, the Vice Chairperson of Gulu Main Market Saving and Credit Cooperative Group.

However, the cooperative has not only saved but also created a social fund for the group members where each member contributes 2,000 shillings weekly for any other social issues like parties, bereavement support, and health fund for its members.

Josephine Abwono confessed to have been a beneficiary of the fund saying, “When the lockdown was lifted, I returned to the market but my health was not good as I was in and out of the hospital. This affected my business but our cooperative gave me 200,000 shillings for medical bills which is interest free.”

The cooperative has also benefited from a Revolving Fund given by the Institute for Social Transformation (IST) with support from UN Women and Korea Hope Foundation. This is a fund that was given to the group to help them in revamping their businesses as well as for the group to achieve their goals and objectives at an affordable interest rate. Whereas the Revolving Fund is given at a very low interest rate, the group gives out loans to its members at only 3% which is lower than any commercial bank or money lending institution.

Jennifer Makeba, the treasurer alluded that the goal of the cooperative is to see their members succeeding in business and other spheres of life that is why they opted for a low interest rate. She said, “When you go to the bank, they will ask you for so many things in order to give you a loan. Besides having high rates of up to 15%, the bank requires you to have proper documentation and collateral. In fact, sometimes, the bank asks for evidence of spousal consent.” According to Jennifer, this hinders the ability of women to secure loans for their business there by making hindering their progress.

Nancy Aloyo is one of the members who acquired a loan from the cooperative and this is her story, “When we received the fund, I applied for a loan because my stall was almost empty and dry without produce. I sell Irish potatoes, onions, rice and beans. I was able to purchase sacks of rice, Irish and onions yet I was previously buying in basins. When you purchase in bulk, you get a higher profit margin compared to when you buy in small quantities. I have been able to grow and expand my business but I am also able to support my family and pay school fees for my son who is in Senior 3.”

Although Nancy has achieved immense success from securing the loan, she said that there are members who borrow money for business purposes but end up using it for other expenses like school fees and clearing debts from other groups. She explained that several women are carrying a heavy financial burden and the survival of their families is on their shoulders. Nancy therefore called upon IST to conduct more financial literacy trainings and financial management at individual levels to help the group members who have failed to balance their finances.

Tasked to explain what happens to the group loan defaulters, Makeba the treasurer said that the reason why the cooperative is based in the market is because the members know themselves and have been working with each other for a long time so they are patient with one another, “Helping each other to grow as a group is our aim. We understand that some people may not always clear their loans on time. There is a small fine which is charged for all the defaulters but nothing extreme.”

The leadership of the cooperative recognises the fact that they are saving tirelessly but need more help in terms of money and any other resources. The leaders said that they applied for the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme but have been on the waiting list for 2 years now and have not received feedback from the district although they met all the requirements.

With a strong leadership, the hope of the cooperative lies in implementing group projects. Betty Atoo one of the leaders said that their cooperative is planning to venture into outside catering, growing and selling of cereals where they will conduct joint marketing and make money to improve their livelihood. They also aspire to transfer the skills they have to other women in the markets while encouraging them to join the cooperative.

Okumu Ronald, a respected member of the local council and a lead farmer of ACE Cooperative in his community, shares how his family has undergone a remarkable transformation:

“We weren’t working together as a family before. I didn’t involve my wife in decision-making, and our household lacked unity. But through the training programs of IST and WE Effect I attended, everything changed. Today, we work as a team, and I’ve learned to respect her and include her in important decisions. Our family feels like a real partnership now.

“In our leisure time, we plan together and dream of a better future. One of our goals is to buy a plot of land in town. We’ve already made the first payment, and we’re eagerly waiting to harvest our crops in January to complete the final installment. The trainings have not only helped me grow as a person but also shaped me into a role model within our community. I now speak out on family matters and seek counseling when needed. Because of this, the causes of gender-based violence in our household have significantly reduced. Decision-making is now inclusive, and our family vision is stronger than ever.”

Brenda, his wife, adds:

“Before, my husband used to spend a lot of time gambling, which caused strain in our family. However, after he received training and applied what he learned, he changed completely. People in our community now come to us for advice on how to handle family matters. We’ve become a trusted source of guidance for others.”

The couple working together to dry the maize.