Kyaka II and Rwamwanja Refugees Adopt Savings Culture to Build Self-Reliance

Refugees and host communities residing in the Kyaka II and Rwamwanja settlements are increasingly embracing collective savings, entrepreneurship, and strategic investments to improve their household incomes and reduce financial dependence.

These economic empowerment efforts are being championed under the From Savings to Sustainability (S2S) Project. The initiative is actively implemented by ADRA Uganda in partnership with ADRA Denmark, focusing heavily on enhancing grassroots financial inclusion.

To further these goals, the project recently hosted a peer exchange event that gathered community leaders, government officials, development partners, and savings group representatives. Discussions centered on strengthening Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), establishing formalised VSLF federations, and eventually transforming these community groups into broader cooperatives.

Christopher Angualia, the Assistant Commandant of Kyaka II, praised ADRA for establishing vital market linkages between farmers, local sellers, and bulk buyers. However, he also advised savings groups to formalize their operations through official constitutions and proper registration, while cautioning members against careless lending that could trigger loan defaults.

Agricultural activities and livestock farming have emerged as core income generators within the project. Dairy goats, for instance, are providing notable economic and nutritional benefits. Milk from these goats is supplied to support patients at the ADRA hospital to help combat malnutrition, while goat manure is utilized to enhance soil fertility and boost local crop yields.

Beyond tangible economic gains, participants highlighted that the savings culture is actively fostering peaceful coexistence. By working together in financial groups, refugees and host community members are building mutual trust, strengthening social cohesion, and taking greater ownership of their economic futures.

Read the original story on Nile Post.