Don’t be afraid to start

Every Wednesday afternoon, members of a savings group gather together in a small community in northern Uganda sharing more than laughs and stories. The group, which was formed in 2019, shared a common goal to save and build a better future for their families. They do this every week diligently. However, they know that what they save is not enough to support all members of the group. They needed capital and their dream was heard.

In 2023, VisionFund, the financial inclusion arm of World Vision, visited the village and invited the group to join the Finance Accelerating Savings Group Transformation (FAST) programme. Through this, the savings group was lent capital to grow their businesses and livelihoods, opening doors they had never imagined.

Today, the group has grown to 60 members and manages three thriving business ventures: a poultry business, a produce store, and a livestock project. One of them is Josephine, who serves as the chairperson of the savings group. Beyond leading the group, she is a dedicated mother of six. She says her children are her greatest motivation. “Before we joined VisionFund Uganda, my children had to work on other people’s farms just to get by,” she shares. “I also spent long days working in gardens, earning only a little to support the family.”

In those days, Josephine would spend long hours under the sun, tilling someone else’s land for meager pay. In the evenings, she sold tomatoes at the roadside. “I would bring home only about UGX 3,000($0.83),” she says. “That money was just enough to buy a bit of meat or meet small needs at home.” Her turning point came when a friend encouraged her to join the savings group. “At first, I was afraid,” she admits. “I didn’t think I could manage. But I decided to try.” That decision changed everything. When the group elected her as chairperson, Josephine took it as more than just a leadership role; it was a chance to challenge societal norms. “I wanted to show that women can stand up, lead, and make a difference,” she says with quiet conviction. Her main responsibility is to guide members, but she sees her role as much deeper than that. It’s about inspiring other women to believe in their abilities.

With the support of VisionFund Uganda, Josephine began to rebuild her family’s future. She invested her loans wisely, buying five acres of land where she now grows maize, cassava, and sweet potatoes. She also keeps six chickens, twenty rabbits, four goats, and one cow. “Now, my children no longer work in other people’s gardens,” she says with pride. “They go to school.” Every loan she took out from VisionFund Uganda is carefully planned. Her first loan of UGX 400,000 ($110) went to school fees. The second loan of UGX 700,000 ($193) went to farming, UGX 1 million ($276) to her produce store, and UGX 500,000 ($138) to buy a bull. Her store, stocked with beans, maize, and millet, generates about UGX 10.5 million ($2,893) in weekly sales.

The steady income has brought her peace of mind and nutritious meals for her family. “We eat a balanced diet now—meat, posho (maize flour), vegetables,” she says. Her husband has also noticed the change. “He appreciates me and is proud of what I’ve achieved,” she smiles. “Before, I depended on him for everything. Now, I contribute, and we plan together.” Through VisionFund’s financial literacy and Empowered Worldview trainings, Josephine has learned to manage money, plan for the future, and dream bigger. Her next goal is to build a permanent house and continue expanding her business. Josephine’s vision extends also to her group. As chairperson, she often reminds them about the importance of unity and hardwork.

Today, they are now reaping the fruits of their labour. Their poultry project has started to supply chickens to a local hotel. The steady demand keeps the group’s income flowing. ? Inspired by what she has achieved and seen in her group, her message to other women is simple: "Don’t be afraid to start. Everyone is welcome."