By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
MBARARA
In a bold stride toward economic empowerment, women from Nyamitanga Catholic parish in Mbarara and Kibona Catholic parish in Isingiro District were trained on August 22 in the production of soap, Vaseline, and cooking briquettes. The initiative, spearheaded by the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA), aims to uplift women by equipping them with practical skills to boost household income and foster self-reliance.
Jesica Ndyanabo, a representative from AMDA, emphasized that economic empowerment is one of the organization’s seven pillars. She revealed that AMDA plans to train 200 women from Kibona and Nyamitanga parishes this year. Due to the large number of participants, the training focused on association leaders who will cascade the knowledge to others in their communities. Ndyanabo urged the trainees to share their skills generously, discouraging jealousy and promoting unity.
The training comes ahead of AMDA’s highly anticipated annual caravan, which kicks off on August 29 at Kibona Parish. The caravan will feature a range of activities including educational sessions, legal aid, counseling services and a medical camp scheduled for August 30th at Maryhill High School. The camp will offer screenings for cancer, tuberculosis, and minor surgeries and treatment. The caravan will conclude on August 3st with a Mass celebrated by His Grace Lambert Beinomugisha, Archbishop of Mbarara.
Trainer Ngarinda Andrew Amooti, a social worker, inspired attendees with his personal journey. “It’s not my degree that feeds me, but the skills I’ve acquired,” he said, citing his expertise in making household essentials such as laundry soap, shampoo, candles, and vaseline. He urged participants to aim for uniqueness in their products, adding, “A youth without a skill is like a vehicle without an engine.”
The impact of the training was immediately felt among participants. Generous Mugisha Kagaaga noted that the skills would help reduce school-related expenses and potentially curb domestic violence by lessening financial dependency on husbands. Gaude Byaruhanga of the Mbarara Catholic Women Apostolate welcomed the briquette-making training, highlighting its environmental benefits amid dwindling firewood and charcoal supplies.
Kanoel Jane Tumusiime echoed the sentiment, stressing that the knowledge gained would elevate women’s status and reduce overdependence on spouses. “It’s empowering to know you can sustain yourself,” she said.
Father Kihembo Crysanthus, parish priest of Kibona, praised AMDA for its commitment to community development. He expressed hope that the initiative would reduce domestic violence and school dropouts, noting that many families suffer when men neglect their responsibilities. He also lauded the use of locally available materials, which he said would ensure profitability for women who apply their new skills.
Originally focused on medical outreach, AMDA has expanded its scope to include environmental conservation, promoting tree planting and the use of briquettes as alternatives to charcoal and firewood.
With the caravan set to roll out in just days, AMDA’s efforts stand as a testament to the power of grassroots empowerment, skill-building, and community transformation.
