My name is Ibwala Robert, a 38-year-old resident of Agurgur Village, Katakwi Parish, Katakwi Sub County. I am married to my wife, Nabwire Magret, and together we are blessed with seven children, three boys and four girls.
My journey toward financial stability began in 2015 when I started saving. However, despite my efforts, I did not see meaningful progress at first. Everything changed in 2017 when I received financial literacy and savings training from SOCADIDO. The training opened my eyes to better saving practices and income-generating opportunities. With determination and commitment, I managed to save UGX 240,000 by 2018.
In 2018, I was given an opportunity to travel to Jinja for an agricultural show. This exposure greatly inspired me and broadened my thinking about agriculture as a business. Motivated to improve my family’s livelihood, I began vegetable production. I started with eggplants, earning UGX 300,000 in 2018.
In 2019, I joined a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), which strengthened my financial discipline and access to small loans. Through my savings, I purchased a heifer worth UGX 450,000, investing in livestock as an additional source of income. That same year, I planted green pepper and earned UGX 280,000. I was also able to consistently pay school fees for my children, ensuring their education continued without interruption.
In 2020, I expanded my vegetable farming. I planted eggplants again and earned UGX 200,000, and tomatoes which brought in UGX 500,000. With the combined income from my farming activities and savings, I purchased 50 bags of cement. Using burnt bricks, I had prepared myself, I started constructing a permanent house. Currently, I am at the ring beam level, a major milestone for my family.
The availability of an underground water source on my land has ensured continuous production throughout the seasons, giving me confidence in sustaining and expanding my farming activities.
Today, my family’s standard of living has greatly improved. We have better food security, stable income, ongoing house construction, livestock, and uninterrupted education for our children. What once seemed impossible has become achievable through saving, training, hard work, and determination.
My story is proof that with knowledge, persistence, and proper financial discipline, transformation is possible.
