Awelo community applauds Dr Agness Atim Apea’s savings initiatives

15 April 2025, 9:48 am

By Sarah Ejang

In a heartwarming display of gratitude and recognition, the community of Awelo has applauded Dr Agness Atim Apea, the esteemed Woman Member of Parliament for Amolatar, for her unwavering commitment to strengthening local economic resilience through seed capital initiatives and savings groups.

Despite facing health challenges, Dr Apea has remained dedicated to fulfilling her promises to her constituents, inspiring many with her resilience and devotion.

During her recent visit, Dr Apea expressed deep appreciation for the 650 village savings groups she has supported by providing them with savings boxes.

She singled out the Abagi Savings Group for praise, recognising their outstanding achievements in promoting a culture of saving.

Underscoring her continued efforts, she also noted that she had extended support to 11 additional savings groups in Odyedo by providing them with seed capital, thereby further empowering the communities to strengthen their financial independence and stability.

However, Dr Apea candidly expressed her concerns over the mismanagement of some resources channelled to the district, emphasising the need for accountability and prudent management among the beneficiaries.

This transparency is vital to ensuring that the benefits of her initiatives are fully realised.

Richard Ajuta, Chairperson of the Abagi Village Group in Odyedo parish, echoed Dr Apea’s sentiments by encouraging other groups to emulate the success of the Abagi Savings Group.

With an impressive total of 4,453,000 shillings saved and accrued interest amounting to 1,811,000 shillings, the group’s accomplishments serve as a source of inspiration for others who are lagging behind in their savings efforts.

In a strategic move aimed at promoting sustainability, the group collectively decided to purchase goats for all 44 members, which has boosted their savings by an additional 1,877,000 shillings.

Community members have expressed strong support and appreciation for Dr Apea’s substantial contributions.

Akena Oyari Kenneth remarked that she truly deserves additional terms in office, reflecting the widespread gratitude for her unwavering commitment and support.

Another community member, Okuju Yona, expressed his gratitude for the provision of savings boxes, which he credited with helping them save effectively and improve their resource development.

Dr Apea’s impact is evident not only in the area of savings but also through her extensive philanthropic efforts.

In 2024, she generously donated over 350 million shillings to 685 savings villages, with plans to extend her support to the remaining sub-counties of Acii, Namasale Town Council, and Abeja in the near future.

Furthermore, she has demonstrated her support for local entrepreneurs by donating 30 rolls of Kitenge fabric to a tailoring group in Odyedo and contributing over one million shillings towards the completion of the dormitory at Adwala Primary School.

As the community of Awelo continues to rally behind Dr Agness Atim Apea, her vision and commitment to improving the economic landscape of her constituency resonate deeply, signalling a hopeful path towards sustainable development and community empowerment.