Business leaders from Lango and Busoga sub-regions have thrown their weight behind a new national campaign to fight financial illiteracy, in a partnership between Agak Entrepreneurship Academy and The Financial Literacy Awareness Foundation USA.
The initiative announced in Jinja, Kampala and Lira seeks to equip Ugandans with practical money management skills, with Lango and Busoga being the first regions to mobilize thousands of traders, SACCOS, youth and women groups.
“It is now clear that the lack of financial literacy is choking the growth of Uganda. Most people in business do not know how to manage money, save, or plan. That must change if we are to develop,” said Dr. Okello Ejedio, Chairman of Agak Entrepreneurship Academy.
The Financial Literacy Movement will deliver training through workshops, conferences and online platforms to reach communities across the country. The focus will be on groups that drive Uganda’s informal economy including boda boda associations, mobile money dealers, cooperatives, and small businesses.
The campaign has gained immediate traction. The Uganda National Chamber of Commerce – Lango Sub Region has committed to train its members across all nine districts of Lango and Lira City.
“For too long our people have worked hard but remained poor because we were never taught how to handle money so this partnership with Agak and the US Foundation is timely. We in Lango are ready to lead this change so that our traders, farmers and youth and women can build wealth that lasts Dr Moriss Chris Ongom remarks.
Dr Chris Ongom is the chairman Chamber of Commerce Lango chapter and also the CEO GLOFORD Institute of Innovation Ltd.
On her part, Mrs. Gloria Alele the Business Development Manager says financial literacy is the foundation of every successful business and as we roll out this training, our goal is to ensure that every member from market vendors to SACCOs understands budgeting, saving, investment and responsible borrowing.
Over the weekend, Dr. Okello met business community heads in Jinja City where Busoga leaders endorsed the program and pledged to roll it out to markets and associations. The meeting came days after talks with Lango Chamber leaders Dr. Chris Ongom and Gloria Alele.
Banks, insurance companies, telecoms, government authorities, and media houses have also expressed interest in supporting the rollout.
“Lango and Busoga have come on board first because we understand the pain. When people understand money, businesses grow, families are stable, and communities develop,” a business leader in Jinja said.
Organizers say the movement will benefit families by promoting saving and debt-free living, employers through more productive workers, financial institutions through informed clients, and government through reduced strain on social services.
The public has been called to support the campaign by hosting community seminars, publishing financial content, and participating in national webinars during April and October.
About Agak Entrepreneurship Academy.
Agak Entrepreneurship Academy promotes entrepreneurship, financial literacy and sustainable development through education and partnerships across Africa.
About The Financial Literacy Awareness Foundation USA
The Foundation works to combat financial illiteracy by providing education and advocacy to help individuals and communities achieve financial security.
Media Contact:
Dr. Okello Ejedio
Chairman, Agak Entrepreneurship Academy
Plot 12 Gabular Road, P.O Box 912 Jinja
Tel: +256 772 306888 | Email: okelloejedio@gmail.com | agakea.com
