Kasaka, UG – Basooka VICOBA group registers to assist FAITH gardening, earning, and health – Oct 2024

This month villagers in Kasaka-Gomba achieved an important step toward better lives for their families by registering Basooka VICOBA (Village Community Bank). In the last year, Wamukisa started operating in Kasaka village by first registering families who wanted FAITH gardens. We registered 20 families by mid-2024. These families each have opened 3-bed gardens where they grow organic vegetables. Later Wamukisa realized that if this village could have a registered community group it would help these families. Now the members meet every week to share experience and stories, to save together, and to discuss opportunities for investment.

By registering its group savings and credit, farming, animal husbandry, and other income generating activities with Kanoni Town Council’s Community Development Department, Basooka becomes eligible for government services and possible loan funding. By planning and doing sustainable small steps, the group hopes to live up to its full name Basooka Kwavula which means, “Even great people start from crawling.” Wamukisa can now start programs and projects with a recognized group in Kasaka. Families in the group now know that they are monitored which will positively influence their productivity thus improving the quality of life among children in Kasaka village.

Families in rural parts of Uganda like Kasaka are typically more economically challenged than those who live closer to the capital Kampala. Their fewer economic resources limit their access to savings, credit, and investment capital as well as access to quality education and training in nutrition and health care. Wamukisa hopes to start training in this group and also lobby government programs from the district. A VICOBA can be much more than only a bank.