Lango Cluster: Digitizing Savings, Strengthening Village Saving Groups in Lira District and Lira City

By Okidi Patrick
Lango Cluster: Digitizing Savings, Strengthening Village Saving Groups in Lira District and Lira City.

LIRA, UGANDA-April 2, 2026 : Lango Cluster has intensified efforts to modernise grassroots financial systems with the rollout of a digital savings initiative targeting Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) across Lira City and Lira district.
The campaign, which began with a pre-training mobilisation and orientation meeting held on April 1st, 2026 at Oketkwer village in Aromo sub-county, Lira District, attracted more than 120 participants from 36 VSLA groups plus Safe space adolescent groups. Each group was represented by its leadership, including chairpersons, secretaries and treasurers.
The initiative seeks to address persistent challenges associated with traditional savings models, including poor record-keeping, fraud and mistrust among members.
Ocen Tony, a community-based facilitator with Lango Cluster, said digitisation would streamline savings management and reduce conflicts often linked to financial opacity.
“Once these groups transition to digital platforms, issues like embezzlement, misinformation and weak record systems will significantly reduce,” he said, urging members to adopt smartphone-based tools to track their savings.
The programme is being implemented under Lango Cluster—a consortium comprising SOHURA Foundation, FIDRA Development Initiative and Lango Resilience Foundation (LAREF)—with a broader focus on youth empowerment and community resilience.
According to Kamaro Ivan Kenneth, the cluster’s programmes officer, the intervention goes beyond financial inclusion to incorporate social protection and development goals.
“We are leveraging digital tools to improve not only savings culture but also safety, education and economic opportunities for young people,” he said.
The project, titled Empowering Youth through Data and Community Development (EYDCD), integrates two key interventions: Prevention of Violence Against Children (PVAC) and the Adolescent Girl Power Project (AGPP). Both programmes are designed to strengthen community structures through digital engagement, peer mentorship and improved access to services.
Brenda Adeka, a community-based facilitator, said adolescent groups participating in safe spaces had demonstrated ambition in areas of business and personal development. She encouraged them to remain focused and embrace digital solutions as a pathway to economic independence.
Local leaders in Aromo including the Community Development officer( CDO) welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and transformative.
Olupo Francis, the officer in charge of Aromo Police Station, advised VSLA members to maintain transparency within households, particularly when mobilising resources for savings, to minimise domestic disputes.
Aromo sub-county LCIII chairperson Ojok Jasper commended the programme for introducing modern financial practices at community level.
“This approach will strengthen accountability and improve livelihoods compared to the traditional VSLA model,” he said.
The initiative targets the digitalisation of more than 30 VSLA groups involved in PVAC activities, as well as six adolescent groups operating as safe spaces. It is currently being implemented across Aromo, Agweng and Ayami sub-counties, as well as Lira City.
Ziegler Bobson Ojede of Lango Cluster said the strong turnout at the Aromo meeting reflects growing community interest in digital transformation.
“This is not just about technology—it is about building resilient communities. When young people are empowered with skills and safe environments, they can drive social and economic change,” he said.
He also acknowledged support from development partners, including gnuGrid and CRVPF, for financing and facilitating the programme.