In a region marked by challenges and adversity, the South Sudanese Refugee Association is making remarkable strides towards enhancing the economic empowerment of both refugee and host communities.
Under the banner of the "Enhancing Community Resilience Through Gender Responsiveness, Economic Empowerment for Psycho-Social Wellbeing of Refugees and Host Communities, and Migrants" project, the association is collaborating with the financial backing of Cities Alliance and the Migration Global Programme, financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
This innovative project, launched on April 1st, 2023, is set to continue until March 31st, 2026, and it's already making waves in the regions of Arua and Koboko in West Nile.
Central to the project's success is its focus on economic empowerment. By offering support, training, and opportunities for financial growth, the project aims to uplift a total of 560 groups. The initial stage has seen the establishment of 25 Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups, with nine groups in Koboko and 16 groups in Arua.
One of the cornerstones of this initiative is the collaboration with Equity Bank, a vital consortium member. The bank has played a crucial role in training these VSLA groups, equipping them with essential financial literacy skills and the tools necessary to manage their associations effectively. Through these efforts, 20 groups have already completed their training, enabling them to manage their funds prudently and navigate the complex landscape of financial decision-making.
Tangible Successes
By August 12th, 2023, the Ngunu Kata group stood as a shining example of the project's impact. This group managed to distribute their accumulated savings with remarkable efficiency, totaling an impressive 22,396,000 South Sudanese pounds. Within this amount, their savings reached 16,646,000 South Sudanese pounds, the social fund stood at 3,460,000 South Sudanese pounds, and the accrued interest reached 2,290,000 South Sudanese pounds. Notably, the highest individual share amounted to 1,163,000 South Sudanese pounds, demonstrating the substantial financial growth achieved through their collective efforts.
Community Support: A Key Catalyst
A pivotal factor in the project's success is the support of local councils. Their willingness to endorse the VSLA groups has streamlined the account-opening process. These recommendations have been instrumental in fostering trust and confidence, allowing groups to access crucial financial services more readily.
Conclusion
The South Sudanese Refugee Association Uganda (SSURA) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2014 by South Sudanese refugees living in Uganda. The organization's mission is to promote the welfare and rights of South Sudanese refugees in Uganda and facilitate their integration into the host community.
SSURA has a number of programs and services, including:
SSURA is a registered organization with the Ugandan government and a member of the Uganda National Network of NGOs working with Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (UNNRA). The organization is funded by a variety of donors, including UNHCR, Oxfam, and the Danish Refugee Council.
The current multi-billion project is Under the banner of the "Enhancing Community Resilience Through Gender Responsiveness, Economic Empowerment for Psycho-Social Wellbeing of Refugees and Host Communities, and Migrants" project, the association is collaborating with the financial backing of Cities Alliance and the Migration Global Programme, financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
SSURA is headquartered in Koboko, Uganda, but it has offices in other refugee settlements in the country as well as Arua City.
The South Sudanese Refugee Association's project stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the challenging environments of Arua and Koboko. With the joint efforts of the Cities Alliance, the Migration Global Programme, and the dedication of the association, tangible strides towards economic empowerment have already been achieved. By fostering financial literacy, establishing VSLA groups, and garnering local support, the project is laying the groundwork for lasting economic resilience and growth among refugee and host communities alike. As the project continues to unfold, it holds the promise of transforming countless lives and inspiring further initiatives for positive change.
