To the glory of God, Ankole Diocese Women Investment Association (ADWIA) held her 3rd general meeting on 30th March 2023 at St James Cathedral Ruharo.
The General Meeting was graced by the Bishop of Ankole Diocese Rt. Rev. Dr. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa and over 200 women and men attended.
Ankole Diocese Women Investment Association (ADWIA) which was started by Mama Dr Alice Mwesigwa brings all women and girls of 18 years and above in the Anglican Church of Ankole Diocese together to save some money. Each member saves 4000shs per month, which becomes 48000 shs per year and thus 240,000shs for 5 years.
The Bishop in his keynote speech asked the people who attended to try by all means to promote unity and avoid divisionism. He Said that if we could achieve unity and oneness, we could develop and do great exploits, referring to Luke 8:1-3.
He thanked God for the ADWIA group and he believes that when the women get united, they can grow this group into something bigger.
Mr.Herbert Mugumya who was the guest speaker said that there is power in numbers because when they are united and consistent, determined to fulfill the same goal, they can do a lot. He asked the people who attended to mobilize people to join this association. He appreciated the Bishop and even more Mama Dr Alice who got this dream and went ahead to see it fulfilled. He also thanked the women that have supported this vision to see it grow. He asked members to challenge themselves always to see this association grow and not to fear risks for that helps in growth
Dr Alice thanked the Bishop, staff of St. James cathedral, the committee, men that subscribe to ADWIA as associates and the ladies who are saving this money. She said the initial plan was to have all women and girls in the diocese to join and pay fully. The strength of ADWIA is in big membership. This money would enable the women meet some of their needs, for their families and the entire church of Christ such as Education for our children, health services of our members and improving household incomes and general standards of living in our homes. She informed members that the Association has secured an asset of one acre of land (four plots of 100×100) worth 100m as one of their achievements.
She said that the challenge ADWIA is facing are members with incomplete payments and less members. This has hindered the association from meeting the targeted objectives.
She informed members that even Men can also join this association by being associate members. She then encouraged members who have incomplete documentation such as passbooks, ledgers, and photos to purpose to get them for proper record keeping.
It was resolved that in case one wishes to join, they can do so in the next 3 months (pay all the money by 30th June 2023.
Members who haven’t completed the expected payment of 240.000shs in 5 years are urged to do so in 3 months and new members who want to join can pay 240.000shs in next 3 months using any airtel number through SACCO ID 1169006 by indicating surname and Christian name, parish and archdeaconry.
To God be the Glory.
Asasira Joanita Nancy
Diocesan Information and Communication Officer and Ag. East African Revival Museum Curator , Ankole Diocese