When Basenya Uwabera arrived in Kyaka II Settlement, sustaining her family was a daily struggle. With limited access to farming inputs, small plots of land allocated by Office of the Prime Minister (Uganda), and minimal knowledge of improved agricultural practices, her farming efforts yielded little. She also lacked financial literacy skills and had no alternative source of income to support her household.
In October 2025, Basenya joined the Tusonge Mbele group and began working with ADRA Uganda. Since then, her livelihood has significantly transformed.
Through ADRA’s support, Basenya and her group received improved seeds, farming tools, and continuous training in modern agronomic practices such as raised bed gardening, mulching, and soil conservation. Each group member now maintains a kitchen garden at home, growing a variety of vegetables that have improved household nutrition while reducing food expenses.
Mrs Asira Musabimana
In addition, financial literacy training empowered the group to establish a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA). Through this initiative, Basenya accessed a loan of Ugx 300,000, which she invested in purchasing a sewing machine creating a new source of income for her family. Another group member, Asira Musabimana, also acquired a sewing machine through the same scheme, further demonstrating the ripple effect of economic empowerment within the group.
To strengthen collective production, ADRA facilitated access to 2 acres of land where the group is currently cultivating eggplant, beetroot, green pepper, maize, and beans using project-provided seeds. The crops are performing well, supported by regular monitoring and supervision, as well as provision of tools such as spray pumps.
“Life has changed. We can now grow our own food, save money, and even invest in small businesses,” Basenya shares.
Despite these gains, challenges persist. Inadequate rainfall threatens crop productivity, highlighting the need for irrigation support. The group also faces crop destruction by stray animals and requires fencing for their garden. Additionally, transporting produce over a distance of 500 meters remains difficult, especially for women and elderly members, and there is a need for more tools such as watering cans.
Basenya expresses heartfelt gratitude to ADRA for restoring hope and dignity to her family and community, and prays for continued support to sustain and expand these achievements.