Noella Nyirahabimana is a 32-year-old Congolese refugee living in the Kyaka 2 refugee settlement. She is also a single mother of 4 children and is a member of the Maendeloe savings and credit association. Noella and her children survive on cash rations and daily transactions she makes in a market in Kakoni village. She buys small produce from wholesalers in the market and resells it to meet the daily needs of her household.
When the VSLA group secured a second loan of 5 million shillings from Equity Bank in July 2024, Noella borrowed 200,000 shillings. She stated that this support came at a critical time, as her house’s roof had been blown away during a heavy downpour. Using the borrowed money, she purchased a plot of land for 200,000 shillings to make a fresh start. Additionally, through her group savings, Noella was able to acquire a tarpaulin for 100,000 shillings, which she used to put a temporary roof over her home.
In August 2024, Noella used her savings of 100,000 shillings to start a small business to supplement her income. With this money, she purchased one bag of dry cassava for 50,000 shillings to produce and sell flour. She also spent 20,000 shillings to buy fresh cassava, which she used to prepare Kwanga, a popular Congolese delicacy.
“I now earn a profit of 15,000 to 20,000 shillings per week. This is a significant improvement for me because, previously, the income I made from buying and reselling farm produce was entirely spent on meeting daily household needs like food,” emphasised Noella.
“This loan has enabled me to start a business and rebuild my home. I can pay the monthly loan installment of 20,000 shillings, but I believe seasonal loans would be more manageable, as paying monthly can be challenging. If I can secure another loan, I plan to expand my farming activities to improve my life.
“I am deeply grateful to KRC-Uganda for their linkages, which have been instrumental in transforming my life for the better, noted Noella”
By: Edlyne Kakibogo
Project Assistant
Young Africa Works-Kyegegwa District
