Excessive alcohol consumption in families is undermining household incomes and slowing development in Kisoro District, the Executive Director of Eden Mission, Kenneth Rwego Gahuriro, has warned.
Rwego said alcoholism was draining family resources that could otherwise be invested in businesses, education and other income-generating activities.
He was speaking on Friday during the launch of Shs61.79 million in start-up capital for two Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) in Chahafi Town Council.
The funds, handed over at St Peter’s Rwabara Church of Uganda in Rwabara Cell, will benefit Mupaka Amago Meza SACCO, which received Shs32.56 million, and Rwabara Amagomeza SACCO, which received Shs29.23 million.
Rwego said the money will be advanced to members at an interest rate of one per cent per month to enable them to invest in income-generating activities, improve household incomes and contribute to community development.
He added that Eden Mission will return half of the interest earned to the SACCOs as an incentive for good performance.
“Strong families are the foundation of prosperous communities,” Rwego said, urging couples to embrace reconciliation and forgiveness, shun alcoholism and serve as role models for their children.
The beneficiaries had completed a 12-month Family Empowerment Programme that covered Christian values, healthy marriages, positive parenting, personal finance, business skills and physical health.
Eden Mission Fund Manager Grace Akampurira Mutabazi urged the beneficiaries to invest the money wisely and remain accountable in managing the funds.
She cited Luke 16:10, which emphasises faithfulness in handling small responsibilities, and encouraged members to use the loans to grow sustainable businesses.
Eden Mission Support Coordinator Keith Dukuze said the two SACCOs had met the required conditions, including registration, opening bank accounts and maintaining regular savings.
He urged members to support their SACCO leaders and adhere to agreed guidelines to ensure the cooperatives remain sustainable.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Rwabara Amagomeza SACCO secretary general Gerald Niyomucyamanza said the family empowerment training had improved relationships among members and equipped them with skills to expand their businesses.
Edward Twahirwa, a member of Mupaka Amago Meza SACCO, said beneficiaries were already applying lessons from the programme, resulting in positive changes in their families and communities.
Robina Ntezimana said the training had taught women discipline and respect in their families, while Annacitanzia Ntakazarimara said the programme had helped her rebuild her life following the death of her husband.
Ntakazarimara said she was now able to raise her children, construct her own house and rear livestock.
Eden Mission is a Christian faith-based non-profit organisation that works to strengthen families, promote the Christian faith and support community and economic empowerment initiatives across East and Central Africa.
