The use of rat poison for beans and grain preservation has caught the attention of individuals, health workers, and government agencies to food quality and safety in the Ankole sub-region.
The population in the sub-region is worried that consuming the beans and grains preserved using the rat poison could lead to cumulative health burdens on them.
For long, cereal and grain farmers across the country have used rat poison and the application of red dry peppers as ways to preserve their products.
Mr. Herbert Aryaija, a dealer in cereals, in Mbarara Municipality, told theCooperator that the application of rat poison is effective in dealing with insects and rats and helps them check losses that result from prolonged storage.
He argues that the application process is safe since they wrap the poison in a piece of cloth before it is put in the cereals.
However, Ronald Rwabutwagu the LCV councilor for the Bushenyi Central Division who also doubles as a member of the District Production Committee said the authorities in the area have already received complaints from consumers about the practice.
Samuel Agaba, a resident Katete village, in Mbabara narrated that his family members fell sick after consuming beans laced with rat poison. “My family members developed a complication in the abdomen as well as itchy skins. We did not know that rat poison had been used to treat the beans until a doctor told us so,” said Agaba.
Bean weevils are common pests that attack beans. The weevils and other pests including rats also attack the grains while in-store. Farmers and traders say this leads to huge post-harvest losses. To mitigate this, the majority of farmers and grain traders employ various insect control measures, including the use of rat poison not minding the consequences of their actions.
Elly Muhwezi, the program coordinator for Uganda Citizens Alliance told theCooperartor that the practice is growing and requires immediate action from the authorities. He faults the authorities for failing to take action as the locals continue to feed on cereals that are unfit for human consumption.
The Ntungamo District Agricultural officer Esther Atwiine said her office has received information that grain and cereal traders were using rat poison to preserve beans and other cereals.
Ms. Atwiine said officials from her officer and agriculture extension workers have embarked on a move to sensitise the locals on the dangers of using rat poison to preserve cereals.
Authorities in the Ankole sub-region have called on the farmers and business community to instead use preservatives meant for human consumption.
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A new coffee farmers’ cooperative society has been launched in Masindi district, to provide technical skills and find a market for farmers.
Bwijanga Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Society will also provide modern agricultural services and financial assistance to its members at affordable prices.
The cooperative society is mainly focusing on coffee growing. So far, it has 100 members.
“As a cooperative, we believe that we shall now have bargaining power and we shall not embrace the services of middlemen,” said Benedicto Ssensaga, the chairperson of the cooperative society.
The coffee farmers point to the presence of middlemen as one of the biggest hurdles to getting reasonable prices for coffee and achieving quality. The middlemen offer low prices to farmers and mix dried berries with unripe and poorly dried berries.
According to Ssensaga, Bwijanga Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Society long term plan is to own a processing plant, which will help them add value to their coffee.
While launching the cooperative society, the State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs Ernest Kiiza urged farmers to focus on commercial agriculture in order to improve their household income.
“The government is encouraging coffee farming because it has a high demand for the international market. The government target is to export 20 million bags of coffee annually in a few years to come, therefore, take advantage of this opportunity,” Kiiza said.
Bwijanga Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Society was registered in August.
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Leaders of boda-boda cooperatives within Kampala and neighboring areas have called for routine training of cooperatives and their members in cooperative-best practices to enable the long-term survival of cooperative societies.
At the second meeting of Chairpersons of cooperatives held at Jeremy gardens in Kampala last month, Amir Sekulima, the Chairperson of the Kampala Boda- Boda Industry – an association of bodaboda operators across Kampala’s 5 divisions and the treasurer of Kampala Civic Centre boda-boda Transporters Cooperative(KCCBT), noted that KCCBT was offering its best to train other cooperatives about how cooperatives should be run, having themselves benefited from training by the Uhuru Institute for Social Development.
The Uhuru Institute for Social Development is a social enterprise that supports cooperatives across the country by offering regular training and offering other social support interventions like affordable loans.
Now, Amir says they’re determined to pass on the same knowledge acquired to other boda-bodas within Kampala, most of whom belong to cooperatives.
“We need to help cooperatives in bad shape to gain certain managerial skills like we did, so as to grow together,” he said. He noted that sustained growth by their cooperatives would foster the formation of a strong union capable of qualifying for government aid since the government prefers to deal with more organized unions.
Of particular concern, Amir noted that most bodaboda cooperatives don’t keep a record of their operations, which makes it almost impossible to track the progress of their cooperatives let alone following guidelines concerning the number of Executive members, and their specific roles as stipulated in the Cooperatives Act.
Testimonies from members of several cooperatives revealed that in most cooperatives, single members were micro-managing the affairs of their cooperatives, which goes against one of the key cooperative principles- democratic member control, and threatens their long-term survival.
It was also discovered that most members neither appreciated nor adhered to the formal structure of cooperatives, removing any incentive for accountability on the part of cooperatives’ leaders.
Amir told the chairpersons that a good cooperative must stand on the four pillars of Teaming, Democracy, Strategic Leadership and Accountable Empowerment if it is to be successful.
Consequently, members resolved to hold regular meetings to help one another grow as they aim towards forming a strong union.
The meeting was attended by at least 10 chairpersons of different boda-boda cooperatives from within Kampala and its neighborhood.
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Youth in Masindi district have been advised to embrace cash crop growing as a faster and more efficient way of improving their household incomes.
The youth were on Saturday touring Sunrise Inspirational Farm – an over 20-acre enterprise of bananas, rice, poultry goat-rearing and horticulture belonging to a one Ramadhan Atuhura located in Kijumbura village, Pakanyi sub-county, about 20kms from Masindi town.
Atuhura is a member of Farmers Talk Uganda(FTU) – a loose association of over 140 farmers across the country formed two years ago. The farmers routinely visit each other’s farms to share knowledge and best practices on how to improve production, become better farmers and reach for bigger markets.
Speaking at Atuhura’s farm on Saturday, Charles Rwebembera, the chairperson of FTU, advised the visiting youths to interest themselves in crops and enterprises whose value has limited depreciation.
“If you decide to venture in crops like bananas for commercial production, make research and invest in improved varieties that will give you value for the money invested. Make sure your piece of land is optimally utilized because land is scarce,” Rwebembera said.
Frederick Isingoma, another FTU member dealing in coffee and banana farming called upon the youth to resist the allure of quick gains in farming, noting that the more sustainable returns lie in consistency. “Some youth opt for crops with quick yields such as maize but they also suffer from very low prices in return. A kilogram of coffee, on the other hand, is always above Shs.4000. And most of our parents supported us in school using proceeds from coffee,” he argued.
Isingoma advised farmers to apply modern farming methods such as applying manure to cash crops, so as to get better yields.
Stanley Wandera, a farmer and chairperson of Gukwatamanzi cooperative society one of the SACCOs in the district cautioned the youth against the undermining farming, and to get beyond the stereotypes associated with the trade:
“Some graduates have ancestral land which is lying idle in their villages but do not think of investing in agriculture, preferring instead to beg from their parents. You should avoid that mentality,” Wandera said.
Ronald Tumuhaise, one of the visiting youth, said most times many youths are discouraged because of the intensive time needed to invest in agriculture and some opt for enterprises that require less attention.
Meanwhile, Atuhura told his visitors that he was now turning to value addition: “I have mobilized and created a cluster of farmers who are now growing bananas. I sell to them suckers at a reduced price of Shs.1500 instead of Shs.2000 and also train them in good agronomic practices. I’m sure that those farmers will contribute towards my wine production with supplies as they also uplift themselves,” Atuhura said.
Youth in Masindi have toured Sunrise Inspirational farm which in Kijumbura village, Pakanyi sub county, about 20kms from Masindi town. The farm, which sits on approximately 20 acres, belongs to 30 year old Ramadhan Atuhura who deals majorly in bananas, coffee, rice, poultry, goat rearing and horticulture.
Atuhura is a member of an association dubbed “Farmers Talk Uganda” (FTU) which comprises over 140 farmers countrywide. FTU was formed about two years ago.
The farmers frequently visit each other’s farms to share knowledge and guidance on how to improve their yields and become better farmers who can target bigger markets.
While visiting Atuhura’s farm, Charles Rwebembera, the chairperson and proprietor of FTU advised the youth to interest themselves in crops and enterprises whose value does not diminish.
“If you decide to venture in crops like bananas for commercial production, carry out research and invest in improved varieties that will give you value for the money invested. Do land economics and ensure it is utilized fully because land is scarce,” Rwebembera said.
Frederick Isingoma, a member of FTU who deals in coffee and banana growing said, “A kilogram of coffee is always above shs 4000. Some youth opt for crops with quick yields such as maize but they also suffer from very low prices in return. Most of our parents supported us in school using proceeds from coffee.”
Ramadhan Atuhura cleans his nursery bed as other farmers look on. Atuhura practices mixed farming including bananas, horticulture, poultry and grazing. Photo by Priscillar Nyamahunge
Isingoma advised farmers to apply modern farming techniques such as applying manure to cash crops so as to get better yields.
Stanley Wandera, a farmer and chairperson of Gukwatamanzi Cooperative Society, said most youth undermine farming equating it to an enterprise practiced by illiterates.
“Some graduates have ancestral land which is lying idle in their villages but they do not think of investing in agriculture. Some only depend on begging from their parents. Such a mentality should be fought against,” Wandera said.
Ronald Tumuhaise, who was part of the visiting youth said most times many youth are discouraged because of the intensive time needed to invest in agriculture and some opt for enterprises that require less attention.
James Wamani said most youth lack financial literacy and lack basic knowledge about the advantages of investing in cash crop production.
Meanwhile, Atuhura said he plans to invest in value addition with a focus on wine production which will help him tap more income.
“I have mobilised and created a cluster of farmers who are now growing bananas. I sell to them suckers at a reduced price of sh1500 instead of sh2000 and also train them in good agronomic practices. I am sure that those farmers will contribute towards my wine production with supplies as they also uplift themselves,” Atuhura said.
In Eastern Uganda, Bugisu sub region, where literacy remains a substantial barrier to development, radio can reach a large number of poor people because it is affordable and consumes little electricity.
On 9th October 2019, another new Frequency Modulation (FM) radio went on air in Bugisu. Programmes, which are majorly broadcast in Lumasaba (the local dialect) could be heard in two thirds of the Eastern Central areas including Masabaland’s households. There were few programs running in Luganda and English.
The new radio station, BCU Radio, is what the legendary Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) farmers have been waiting for, for years.
Broadcasting on FM 100.6, BCU Radio is located on Naboa Road, adjacent to Shine On Hotel and Bank Of Uganda (Mbale branch). The radio station is owned and managed by BCU.
Established in July 1954, BCU is a Ugandan agricultural cooperative union, privately owned by coffee farmers from Bugisu subregion. Based in Mbale town, Eastern Uganda, the cooperative union was started by a group of coffee farmers led by the late EV. Samson Kitutu.
Over time, the union has thrived, uniting the region and marketing produce on behalf of the coffee farmers in Bugisu.
BCU is led by Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi who also doubles as a Member of Parliament representing Budadiri West in Sironko district.
“The radio is now going to be the ultimate vehicle of delivery and mobilization for the union’s farmers because this is their own,” Hon. Mafabi said during an interview.
The BCU boss is confident that the already strong union is only going to grow even stronger, with the establishment of their own mass media station.
Mr. John Musila, who deputizes Hon. Mafabi said the establishment of BCU radio had been a long time desire of the farmers.
“The decision to come into existence is to avail farmers in Bugisu and our neighbours with an agricultural, informative and farmer educative broadcast,” the visibly delightful Musila told theCooperator.
“We want them (farmers and business fraternity) to know that this is their radio which basically means any form of support in form of adverts, announcements and paying for commercial talk shows by them will make BCU radio even stronger,” Mr. Musila added.
Mr. Musila, who doubles as Manafwa district Local Council 5 chairman, said that although the region already has over 15 radio stations, BCU Radio will be distinguished by principles, among which include: farmer community ownership and management, and farmer community participation.
Enhancing effective extension, education and communication services amongst its members are some of the key benefits the union expects from their new broadcast project, for: sustaining agricultural growth, strengthening food security and combating hunger and malnutrition in the area.
A BCU board member in charge of the radio operations, Mr. James Kutosi alluded to the fact that the radio project is seen as a lifetime blessing by both farmers and the board.
“We have been spending a lot of money on other commercial radios, in mobilization and educational activities but now that we have our own, we will not have to continue spending a colossal sum of money, contracting over 10 radios to pass the same massage to our farmers,” the overjoyed Mr. Kutosi stated while wearing an irresistible smile.
Mr. Kutosi continued: “It will be a requirement for our farmers to always listen to BCU Radio for all official communications of the Union, unlike in the past where everyone listened to the radio of their preference.”
Inyukha Hasi show presenters Muduwa wo Bbaaba and Joe Emmah during their show.
According to Mr. Kutosi, BCU was spending approximately 150 million shillings annually on local radios, newspapers and television stations, for mobilization activities, an amount he says will now be minimized by the existence of BCU Radio.
Mr. Julius Musungu, a farmer in Manafwa district says they expect the radio to be the voice of farmers, which will also inspire farmers to observe weather patterns.
According to Mr. Musungu, farmer education through radio programmes will be another key aspect for quality coffee production.
“I suppose the radio will provide employment opportunities for some of our children who end up doing journalism and mass communication at university or institutional level,” Mr. Musungu said.
The majority of BCU farmers have profoundly welcomed their newly established radio with hope that it will provide a proactive and a farmer dedicated voice to the community, many of whom are rural coffee growers and dealers.
Listenership is already building up for BCU radio, which has also managed to attract majority of Bugisu’s eminent radio personalities.
The newsiest radio station has recruited over 15 staff members including a support team and experienced presenters among whom are: Mr. John Kennedy Wasikye alias John K and Mr. Richard Welishe alias Brigadier Ragga Chief who formerly worked with Step FM and Big FM in Mbale town, respectively.
Other presenters at BCU Radio are: former Elgon FM sports presenter, SK Godfrey Kakungulu; former Step TV news anchor, Imam Saudi Masalu; Vinikhet Manana formerly with IUIU FM; former Rock Mambo’s Racheal Namarome; and former Open Gate FM English news anchor, Emma Namonyo alias Joe Emmah.
Despite being just weeks old in a town which has got over 15 locally based radio stations, BCU Radio’s Wasikye is optimistic that they will be at the top of the sub region’s airwaves very soon.
“Our recruitment has been very good, so far. We have the experienced and most followed radio presenters in town, coupled with talented and promising journalists,” the enthusiastic Ragga Chief said.
The Ragga Chief emphasized that BCU Radio has something new in the programming content which communities near and far.
The broadcasting content of BCU Radio is increasingly becoming popular to a local audience because the kind of content had been overlooked by the predominant commercial broadcasters.
“It is a truly people’s radio that perceives listeners not only as receivers and consumers, but also as active citizens and creative producers of media content. The listeners determine what should be on air,” John K, one of the senior staff members explained.
The radio’s most listened shows thus far are: the Inyukha Hasi show – the morning show hosted by Joe Emmah, John K and Muduwa Wo Bbaaba, the Coffee Tree which is presented by the former Mbale Municipality MP aspirant and veteran radio presenter, John Kennedy Wasikye alias John K, and the Bira Mbire show, hosted by another veteran presenter Ragga Chief along with Racheal Namarome.
The other shows include Imbago Y’omulimi loosely translating as the hoe of the farmer hosted by Vinikhet Manana, and Manyama Busilamu presented by Soudi Muhamadi Masalu and, the Golden Medal sports show, among others.
Programming is locally focused, using indigenous knowledge to build on local cultural and agro-ecological diversity, blending with technology and scientific innovation.
On their official Facebook page their pioneer fans have commended the radio management for a great service.
“Great programming coupled with professional presenters is what has been missing on radio!” commented a one Moses Masuba on the BCU Radio 100.6 FM Facebook wall.
BCU Radio is the first ever mass media and commercial radio station to be owned by a farmer-based cooperative in Uganda.
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A police investigation is underway after some members of the Bukwo-based Nyalit Cooperative Society raised a red flag over alleged embezzlement of the cooperative’s funds.
The said money, UGX 69 million, is a compensation from the Uganda National Roads Authority – UNRA for the demolition of the Nyalit Cooperative building in Bukwo district, Sipi subregion. The building in question had been constructed within a road reserve and had been in existence for 3 years.
In 2018, members of the cooperative reached an agreement with officials from UNRA to have the road reserve area (in which the cooperative’s building was housed) freed, in exchange for compensation of UGX 69 million.
A source who asked not to be named in this story for security reasons confirmed to theCooperator magazine that the UGX 69 million was released by UNRA in August 2019.
The source alleges that the money was misused by four of the cooperative’s leaders: the Chairman – Mr. Wilson Cheptoek, his vice-chairman, the treasurer, and the secretary, whom members accuse of selfishly sharing the 69 million shillings without their consent and later claiming that UNRA was yet to effect the payment.
“I called the police because we (members) were getting sick and tired of being treated like fools by our own leaders. We cannot allow anyone to ruin our cooperative which has taken years to build,” the source said.
Grains which were abandoned under the rain at the Cooperative yesterday evening.
At the time our reporter visited the offices of the cooperative on 22 October 2019, the cooperative was close to being non-operational owing to the ongoing dispute. Nyalit Cooperative is now renting office space in Bukwo town Council, after the demolition of their previous premises.
The Sipi subregion Police Spokesperson, Mr. Rogers Taitika confirmed that in the last few days, at least four suspects have been apprehended to help in the ongoing investigations.
“It’s true we have started the investigation into this matter and there is some progress we are making but of course I cannot reveal much at the moment since we are still gathering information,” Taitika said, at his Kapchorwa town office.
Asked to detail the current arrests, the police regional spokesman remained adamant reasoning that revealing such information would jeopardize their ongoing investigation.
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Mwalimu National Sacco members in Western Kenya have threatened to stop their monthly contributions to the Sacco.
The members claim that the Sacco has been making unauthorised deductions from their salaries.On Monday, they stormed the Sacco’s Kisumu branch, demanding the ouster of the branch leadership.
Motorcycle loans
According to some of those who were interviewed by The Standard, the Sacco introduced a loan product where members could purchase motorcycles.But since repayments for the loans began, the SACCO has been making larger deductions from members’ salaries than what was initially agreed on, the members said.John Jagongo, who spoke on behalf of some of the affected members, said many were shocked when they visited their accounts to find there was no money, despite salaries and dividends having been deposited.
“The agreement was that members would take motorcycles from specific shops and they would pay for them through Sacco loans. A few months after the purchases were made, these shops closed,” Mr Jagongo explained.“
As a result, there was nowhere to access spare parts for the motorcycles from, and when we asked the Sacco about it, the managers simply said we will have to keep paying off the loans even if the bikes are grounded due to a lack of spares.”
Jagongo said some of the teachers had taken up to 15 motorcycles, which were being sold at Sh103,000 each.He said the loans still have to be serviced even if the bikes are grounded.“It is sad that the Sacco belongs to us teachers, yet the people we employ to manage it treat us with contempt,” said Jagongo.
Another member, Evans Obuya, said Kisumu branch, with more than 40,000 members, is the most vibrant across the country, serving teachers in Nyanza and Western regions.“Failing to address our grievances could lead to the crumbling of the entire institution,” he said.
“Most teachers in other parts of the country receive their salaries through accounts in commercial banks, while most teachers in Kisumu receive their salaries through the SACCO. That is why we feel betrayed.”
Asset base
Jagongo further said that: “The Sacco has been claiming to have a huge asset base and a committed membership, but it does not reward members with a proper dividend.” In its last financial year, the Sacco declared a dividend of nine per cent.Kisumu Sacco Branch Manager Sam Njoroge refused to comment on the allegations raised by the members when journalists approached him at the institution’s Kisumu offices.
A man who introduced himself as his deputy said he had instructions not to allow anybody into the manager’s office.When The Standard tried to contact the Sacco’s main offices in Nairobi, calls and text messages to managers went unanswered.
Yesterday, members were attempting to rally each other to paralyse operations at the Kisumu branch through social media.
The Uganda National Students Association(UNSA) has added its voice to the chorus of condemnation towards security agencies for the highhandedness and brutality with which they have handled demonstrating students at Makerere University.
In a letter addressed to the Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeyi, out-going UNSA President Jothan Yamurebire Burobuto expressed dismay at Police’s use of excessive force to brutalize students involved in a largely peaceful protest, urging the Police chief to call on deployed officers to proceed with restraint and caution.
On the night of 24th October 2019, security agencies raided Lumumba Hall – one of the male halls of residence at Makerere in search of suspected ring-leaders of the student demonstration that has been raging at the University since October 22nd and allegedly break into student rooms, indiscriminately beat up students, and injured others. A day before, in a video that went viral on social media platforms, police officers were seen whipping and frog-marching a group of demonstrating students, scenes which have been roundly condemned by several Human Rights and Civil Society groups.
The students are protesting a 15% increment of University tuition, a move by the University Management to enact stricter regulations to govern the process through which students elect their leaders, and the suspension of their colleagues without due process. They’re also calling for the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, accusing him of highhandedness.
Chronology of events
As the strike ensued, the University Council on 29th October 2019 held an emergency session and met student representatives including the Guild President and his Vice, the Guild Speaker and his Deputy, and other representatives of the Students’ Guild Representative Council and Cabinet to resolve the stalemate.
In a communique released later that evening, the University Council resolved to among others revise the contested 15% increment on University fees to apply to only tuition. Previously, the increment was applied to both tuition and Functional fees. The Council also resolved to refer the cases of 4 suspended students to the University Disciplinary committee for hearing within two weeks, but allow them to sit exams while their cases remained under consideration.
Additionally, the University Council resolved to set up a sub-committee to investigate allegations of threatening and battering of students involving some members of University Management. The committee is to be led by the University Council Vice Chairperson and former Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly Dan Kidega.
However, hardly a day after the resolutions of the University Council, the University Management moved to suspend 9 other students and warn 26 others, in a move analysts argued was against the spirit of dialogue necessary to resolve the stalemate.
Following the development, students moved to seek the intervention of Parliament. In a petition signed by at least 693 students and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, students demanded for among others the immediate resignation of the University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe together with his Personal Assistant Gordon Mulangira and Prof. Elia Hisali for being “at the center of all torture suffered by students at Makerere.” Students also demanded for the halting of “any further implementation of the 15% tuition increment,” saying the policy was inconsiderate of students and their parents’ financial standing.
On Thursday last week, Parliament debated the petition by students, resolving among others that Makerere University halt the implementation of the contested 15% tuition increment until the Parliamentary Committee on Education reviews the Policy and guides Parliament on whether the University warrants a supplementary budget to meet its funding deficit.
In a reversal of the University Management’s decision, Parliament also resolved that suspended students be unconditionally reinstated at the university saying that they had been involved in a “legal and peaceful protest.” MPs also resolved that the military immediately vacate all student units of accommodation and University facilities.
Way Forward
Following near-unanimous condemnation, theCooperator has learned that the military has since been withdrawn from the university premises and replaced by Police. On Friday, the UPDF Spokesperson Brig. Richard Karemire announced that a one Capt. Ronald Rubeera who commanded the violent operation at Makerere had been arrested and detained at Makindye and a commission of inquiry led by Lt. Col. Richard Ochen set up to investigate the conduct of the entire operation.
But it remains to be seen whether the stalemate at the University will be resolved in time for students to sit their end of semester examinations smoothly. The exams are set to begin on November 18th, and on Thursday last week, Nawangwe told journalists that they would go on as planned and that the University was not considering an extension to the semester despite the current stalemate.
Following a University Management Meeting on Wednesday 30th October 2019, the University resolved to request for security enhancement at the University to allow lecturers to proceed in spite of the ongoing protest. Nawangwe said that the University would deploy about 2000 police officers to guard its over 1000 lecture rooms to allow students who wish to continue attending lecturers to proceed.
In the meantime, the students’ Guild leadership has called for a Students’ General Assembly today to resolve the students’ next course of action. In a communique co-signed by Nalukwago
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Community Health Workers (CHW), through their cooperatives, have accumulated Rwf11.2 billion in immovable assets, and Rwf3.5 billion in cash deposited in banks, figures from the Ministry of Health show.
Their assets are mainly commercial buildings, farms, forests, and vehicles, Dr. Diane Gashumba, Minister of Health told Sunday Times.
She said the ministry was working with Rwanda Cooperative Agency and BDF to build the capacity of CHWs cooperatives for them to run viable and profitable businesses.
“We have collaboration with BDF, so they are helping us to assess any project CHW cooperatives want to invest in to make sure that it is viable, and to even provide guarantee whenever needed,” she said.
Minister for Health, Dr Diane Gashumba dances with Community Health workers of Busegera. / Sam Ngendahimana
The community health worker initiative started in 1995 as a pilot programme with 12,000 members but because of good results and impact, it was scaled up to over 58,445 CHWs currently.
They are grouped in 488 cooperatives and women make up 65 percent.
Patience Mazimpaka, the president of Community Health Workers in Karongi District which constructed a commercial building called Agaciro Legacy Mall in 2017 told Sunday Times that the building is considered a reflection on the role of the community health worker.
She said that the building is worth over Rwf350 million and it is estimated it will generate about Rwf1.2 million revenues from rent per month.
It is the property of 22 CHW cooperatives in Karongiwith over 1,600 members,.
In Musanze District, more than 1,290 Community Health Workers grouped in 15 cooperatives so far have Rwf161 million on their bank account.
Mathias Nkiranya, the President of their cooperative said they want to request aRwf850 million loan from Development Bank of Rwanda (BRDto set up a livestock processing factory.
“Because we do not have a modern slaughter house in Musanze District, there is a ready market of people who will be bringing livestock that they want slaughtered for meat and they will be paying for such service,” he said.
Talking of the implications of community health workers working in cooperatives, Gashumba said that it helps them to be economically stable so they can take care of their families because they spend a lot of time giving care to the communities.
“It is also a retention mechanism in the scheme. It’s good that they have been volunteering for many years, but the government found a solution to support them [through cooperative model],” she observed. (Source / The New Times)
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