The Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) has disbursed a Shs 40 million grant to two groups of former sex workers in Mbale City as part of a government-backed effort to help vulnerable women leave the streets and transition into dignified, income-generating activities.
Each of the two groups—Namakwekwe B Association and Paradise Women Development Association—comprised of 30 members, received Shs 20 million, deposited directly into their SACCO accounts.
The handover ceremony brought together government officials, political leaders, cultural leaders, and beneficiaries. Annet Namugobe Mudoma, the Queen Mother of Bugisu Kingdom, represented the Umukuka and delivered an emotional message encouraging the women to embrace discipline, savings culture, and a renewed sense of self-worth.
“As you are there, command the future and improve your life. If you don’t save and you fall sick, who will support you?” she told them, urging them not to despise small beginnings.
“Even if it is 500, it is enough. You can begin something.”
Mudoma emphasized that economic independence can restore dignity:
“You are capable of transforming, and you deserve to live a life of dignity and respect.”
NRM’s Mbale City Woman MP aspirant Lydia Wanyoto applauded the intervention, calling it a fresh start for women who have long faced marginalization.
“This money from government is going to help them reintegrate themselves with their dignity and redirect their energies to earn a living—but with dignity,” she said.
Wanyoto noted the entrepreneurial ambition already visible among the groups, including saloon services, tailoring, and textile businesses. She pledged continued support.
MSC Eastern Regional Manager Francis Elwoku acknowledged that identifying genuine beneficiaries was challenging but necessary to reach the most vulnerable.
“We are giving a grant to the sex workers to make sure that we get these women out of the streets because the major issue was they don’t have income-generating activities.”
He said the funds would revolve among members to ensure long-term sustainability.
MSC Products and Marketing Officer Justin Khalayi highlighted the women’s transformation and urged society to acknowledge their new identities:
“The word ‘sex workers’ should be removed and replaced with ‘former sex workers’ because your activities have transformed.”
A beneficiary who preferred anonymity expressed relief and hope, saying the grant filled a longstanding gap between training and practical support.
“I’ve now realized it’s real, and the government really cares for us,” she said, adding that she plans to start a jewelry business.
Mbale City RCC George William Wapuko urged the women to use the money wisely and encouraged others still in the trade to join the transformation journey.
“We thank President Museveni and Microfinance Support Centre for not abandoning these people,” he said.
