Faced with financial hardships and denied basic needs by their partners, a group of women in Mubuku Town Council, Kasese District, have come together to forge a path toward financial independence.
Through their registered initiative, Mubuku Full Gospel Women’s Group, the 40-member collective is empowering women by engaging in brick-making, a trade traditionally dominated by men.
The group produces over 20,000 bricks per month, selling each at shs150 .
Their efforts not only provide a stable income but also reduce their dependency on men, thereby mitigating domestic violence linked to financial struggles.
For many members, joining the group has been a transformative experience.
Janet Birungi Abwooli, a 20-year-old member, recalls how an early pregnancy forced her into a difficult marriage, which she later abandoned due to hardships.
“I was in school when I got a man who lured me into sex and later got me pregnant. But life was never easy in marriage, so I decided to return home. I joined church services, where I found this group of women making bricks,” Birungi shared.
Similarly, Sarah Alinaitwe, another member, faced dire circumstances after her husband abandoned her with five children in an unfamiliar town. With no source of income, she struggled until she joined the group.
“My situation was too bad after my husband divorced me, leaving me to fend for my five children with no income. This forced me to join the women-led group, which has helped me a bunch,” Alinaitwe narrated.
The venture has not only sustained their families but has also enabled them to invest in savings and other income-generating activities like basket weaving.
“Since I joined this venture, we save, and at times we borrow loans whenever in need from the same savings,” Birungi added.
Proscovia Iragwa, the group’s secretary, highlighted the importance of empowering women in professions traditionally seen as male-dominated, such as bricklaying, welding, and carpentry.
“Women have the capability to engage in various professions, including bricklaying. It’s time we challenge the notion that some jobs are meant only for men,” Iragwa emphasized.
Despite their progress, the group faces challenges, including water shortages, a lack of storage tanks, and high land rental costs for their operations.
Local leaders have acknowledged the impact of the initiative.
Joseph Nyamutale, the LC3 Chairperson of Mubuku Town Council, commended the women’s efforts and called on the government to provide special grants for women-based groups.
As Mubuku Full Gospel Women’s Group continues to expand, its members hope for increased support to overcome challenges and grow their businesses.
Their story is a testament to the resilience of women striving for financial independence and gender equality in economic opportunities.
