In Butiti Village, Rakai District, a group of 32 learners - 23 of them women - formed Toggwamu Ssuubi (“Do not lose hope”) through the ICOLEW program under Unbound Kampala. What began as a literacy initiative in 2023 evolved into a vibrant Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) by 2024, with members saving purposefully to achieve personal financial goals. Through disciplined saving and interest-free loans, 87% of members have started income-generating projects like poultry, piggery, and goat keeping, significantly improving their livelihoods. Despite challenges such as late loan repayments and absenteeism, the group’s dedicated loans committee promotes accountability through respectful engagement, loan eligibility based on repayment history, and penalties for missed meetings. Toggwamu Ssuubi now stands as a beacon of community empowerment and financial transformation.

In the rural heart of Butiti Village, Rakai District, a remarkable transformation has taken root, led by a group of 32 determined learners, 23 of whom are women, united under the name Toggwamu Ssuubi, meaning “Do not lose hope. In 2023, these community members joined the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) program through Unbound Kampala. What started as a basic literacy initiative has since grown into a powerful pathway to financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.

In 2024, these learners were introduced to a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) model. What set their approach apart was the emphasis on “saving with a purpose.” Each member established personal financial goals, such as improving housing, paying school fees, and acquiring business capital, and started making weekly contributions to a communal fund, saving between UGX 2,000 and UGX 20,000 (€0.50 to €5.00 approximately).

Before joining ICOLEW, I was saving with no purpose, little did I know that through saving with a goal can cause change in life. I have now established a daily earning poultry business. I can now buy all necessities at home. (Maria Namwanga, group member)

For six months, they saved diligently without borrowing. Then, with a strong financial base, the group started issuing loans without the burden of collateral or high interest. Their goal was to diversify income sources. Members invested in piggery, goat keeping, and poultry farming ventures carefully chosen for their low startup costs and high potential returns in their local setting.

The group demonstrated a strong saving culture by continuing to save and loan even after the share-out in October 2024 to pursue their goals. They maintain a group bank account where they make weekly deposits. They have accumulated total savings of UGX 9,486,000 (€2,280), of which UGX 4,600,000 (€1,100) is allocated for loans in the new cycle that began in November 2024 and will conclude in October 2025.

Additionally, they have borrowed funds to enhance the shelters for their animals and birds, ensuring better management and increased yields. In the future, they plan to market their produce collectively, enabling them to fetch better prices and maximize profits. Out of the 32 members, 28 (87%) have successfully established income-generating projects: 8 in poultry, 5 in piggery, and 15 in goat keeping.

Among those in poultry, each learner keeps 100 layers and collects at least 2 trays of eggs (60 eggs) daily. With a tray selling at UGX 11,000 (€0.26), each earns at least UGX 22,000 (€5.30) per day. The group plans to sell off-laying birds in December after eight months of production and has also begun rearing broilers, with each member starting with 20 birds to be sold every two months. Those engaged in piggery and goat rearing are preparing to sell at least two animals each during the festive season in December, a strategy to tap into high market demand

Every coin I save brings me closer to building a permanent house for my family. That’s the hope Toggwamussuubi has given me. (Rose Namukwaya, group member)

Overcoming Challenges

Despite their progress, the group faces a few challenges. Late loan repayments are one of the major concerns, often disrupting the group’s financial cycle and causing tension among members. These delays can undermine trust and affect the overall harmony of the group.

Another recurring challenge is absenteeism during the weekly meetings. Regular attendance is key to transparency and accountability, so when members miss meetings, it affects group cohesion.

To tackle these challenges, the group guided by its dedicated loans committee, has adopted a calm and solution-focused approach. Members who delay loan repayments are approached with empathy, allowing for open dialogue to understand their circumstances and identify workable solutions. To promote accountability, loans are now issued based on a member’s previous repayment history. Additionally, members who miss meetings without valid reasons face fines as a way to discourage absenteeism and reinforce commitment.

Through this initiative, Toggwamu Ssuubi has shown the true meaning of empowerment: literacy unlocking knowledge, saving, building resilience, and purpose-driven lending transforming livelihoods.