By
Kenneth Wamatoyi
To promote skills development and socio-economic transformation, the Women Integrated Empowerment Development Group in Buwenda and Roho Uganda, Jinja City, has received a substantial donation of equipment from the Turkish embassy. The donation, valued at $650,000, was presented on September 3rd to support the group’s business initiatives and enhance their socio-economic status within the community.
Dr. Abubakar Byangu from the Turkish Embassy and Coordination Agency said the equipment, worth over US$650,000, includes machines for button-making, pauper-making, pad-making, stamping, and soap production. The button-making machine, for example, can produce 1,000 buttons per hour.
Judith Talitwala, the 73-year-old proprietor of the Women Integrated Empowerment Development Group, shared that the initiative began with training in the Uganda Pulp and Paper Industry. Despite submitting proposals to politicians and companies, the group faced challenges. Judith’s friends in America eventually provided funds to purchase the machines from Kampala, as local support had been limited.
The group produces various products, including key holders, buttons, and plastic materials, but struggles with marketing its finished goods. Judith appealed to the government and other stakeholders for assistance in securing markets for their products.
Currently, due to financial constraints, the group has reduced its training program from 30 to 7 participants and had to sell their truck to cover debts and rent. They have since acquired a permanent location, purchasing a 50ft by 100ft plot in Buwenda.
Talitwala expressed gratitude to the first Deputy Prime Minister, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, and Minister Hellen Namutamba for their efforts in marketing the group’s products across various regions. Minister Hellen Namutamba stated that the machines, acquired through the Turkish Embassy and Coordination Agency, will significantly improve the production of items such as buttons and horns.
The initiative, which started with the Busoga Kingdom and Hon. Kadaga, aims to address early prevalence issues, transform lives economically, and improve living conditions, especially for those affected by HIV/AIDS and school dropouts.
The donated equipment includes a full set of button-making machines, paper-making machines, soap-making machines, and pads for mothers and girls. These products will be distributed through outreach programs in schools and communities to address prevalent issues. Minister Namutamba thanked Kadaga and the Busoga Kingdom for their contributions and urged the community to engage actively and acquire new skills.
