Update from BHW Uganda Partnership Facilitator

Unfortunately, I was not able to travel to Uganda in 2024 and this has left something of a gap in the understanding of what is going on in the Emmanuel Mission fund (EM Fund). In previous visits we have been introduced to beneficiaries of the fund and have also visited various farms and seen some of the entrepreneurial activities which have been undertaken.  Our partner Justus is definitely an entrepreneur in his own right, and someone with whom we have developed a strong and enduring relationship, even though this has had some difficulties at various times.

Recent Events (Provided by Justus)

Greetings to you in Jesus Mighty Name. Once again, it is another opportunity for me to write to you in regard to what has been happening here with Emmanuel Mission Fund.

First and foremost, I am very delighted to write to you on the above program after a while. It has remained a progressive microloan program here in Rukungiri despite the setbacks it has often met.

This loan program has a significant number of believers it has impacted within the Emmanuel Mission ministry. Its growth and development has been steady with a reasonable amount of money that keeps running within the program.

It has benefited many, but of course when it comes to business, and money is involved, it is not an easy task. You have got to learn new methods of maintaining the business.

Right now, the program has approximately 30 members with an average loan ranging from US$150-$250. Some individuals have not paid their loan back due to the current challenges our borrowers have. The repayment has not been quite as good because of the economic hardships we have had in our country since COVID-19.

We currently have close to US$7,500 within the program. This year alone we managed to maintain the program running but we never made much progress. This was attributed to the general financial crisis that hit our economy. This year has been marked by total financial breakdown compared to the previous years.

However, we do believe that next year will be different and many people will pay off their loans and more people will have opportunity to access funding to support their businesses. 

Prayer/ Praise Points:
We praise God that despite the hard and difficult times we went through, God has remained faithful in preserving our life.
Pray for EM Fund to grow strong in the coming year.
Pray for more funds that more people will be able to access funds for their businesses.

Partnership's Influence within the Community

The financial downturn in all of Uganda has meant that there are problems in all of our lending programs with consistent repayment. It is not possible at this time and particularly given the extreme circumstances that some people are facing, to update the outcomes here. 
 

Prayer and Praise Points

1) The program is continuing. That in itself is a positive statement.
2) Even though some parts of the program, the Congolese farmers and possibly the goat project at Ntoroko, may have not continued as part of the EM Fund, it is unlikely that they will have failed completely. As the partnership facilitator, and somebody who is very aware that I do not always hear the whole story, I am grateful that these people have been exposed to relevant teaching, training and resource to start or continue with their own small businesses.
3) Elias continues to be a strength in the community and now runs a business solely focused on the installation of underground tanks.
4) For blessings on Christopher, Hilder and their family.
5) Most importantly that Justus, and to a lesser degree Reuben, are able to continue to press on and that the EM Fund will continue to grow from within and flourish.
6) For the economy to stabilise as apparently it is in a very poor state.

Comments

As reported previously in 2023, there had been some changes to the EM Fund. In particular, the Congolese farmers who were being supported through the program and the church networks had pulled away and joined a French speaking organisation. The funds that were put into that part of the partnership were effectively lost. We can only hope and pray that the farmers have been able to survive what have been extraordinarily tough times with economic downturn, crop failures and shortage of rain. Our experience would suggest that, in times of difficulty, those who have had training in the basics of business management, and have also specifically involved themselves in farming, seem to do better than others. We wish them well.

The photos are from Christopher and Hilder Agaba in Kihihi. They have picked up and run with the teaching on Foundations for Farming, have wholeheartedly embraced it for themselves, and also have successfully spent time teaching others in the community, particularly young people. Hilder particularly has a heart for young people. When we met her a few years ago in Kihikihi, she was also running youth outreach projects and supporting large numbers of youth into work and vocational training. I have found them to be an admirable and godly couple.

Justus and Reuben have continued on with their ministry and businesses. Over the years my respect for Justus and his perseverance has grown immensely. I really cannot wait to meet with him in person later this year. My plan is to travel to Rukungiri, possibly with a few other people, to spend maybe two days reviewing what is going on there and report more fully then. In the meantime, I do find his report very encouraging as it is clear that, even though hard times have hit with a vengeance, the fund is continuing, albeit with a lower level of funds available.