Pader women commend ACEN food bank limited for timely support

1 September 2025, 13:13

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Women in Pader District have warmly welcomed the support of the Acholi Community Empowerment Network (ACEN) Food Bank Limited, describing it as a life-changing initiative that is not only strengthening households financially but also bringing communities together in unique ways.

For the first time since Pader became a district, the women participated in a food cooking competition organized in partnership with the Miss Pader Beauty Pageant.

The contest, which showcased traditional Acholi dishes, was designed to highlight the role of good nutrition in promoting both physical and mental well-being.

Mego Aryemo Scovia, who was crowned winner of the competition, thanked ACEN Food Bank Limited for empowering women through both financial and social support.

“We are happy that ACEN Food Bank Limited is supporting women to show their talent and also learn how to improve their cooking skills,” she said. “I am also proud of the financial support they give to different women groups to grow their businesses. This is truly life-changing, and I am one of the direct beneficiaries.”

Another beneficiary, Ayoo Julet Akal, shared her gratitude, noting that the bank’s services have given her stability in business and at home.

“ACEN Food Bank Limited is more than good because they always give money on time, and it is very easy to access it,” she said. “Since I started receiving their support, my business has grown, and paying school fees have never been a problem. I call on other groups to also seek refuge in ACEN Food Bank.”

Pader Urban Council III Chairperson, Kilama Fearless Wodacholi, praised the initiative, saying it equips women with skills that have both cultural and economic value.

“I thank ACEN Food Bank Limited together with the Miss Pader Beauty Pageant for introducing this initiative that helps mothers improve their cooking of local dishes. These meals are highly marketable and are among the most expensive foods in big hotels,” he said.

Kilama also appealed to ACEN Food Bank Limited to continue supporting women and called on NGOs and well-wishers to join in empowering communities in Pader.

The Acholi Community Empowerment Network (ACEN) Food Bank Limited has been at the forefront of supporting women and vulnerable groups in Northern Uganda through financial services, seed money support to self help groups, agricultural inputs, and psychosocial support.

Community members say this holistic approach is helping them cope with the daily challenges of poverty, hunger, and mental health struggles.

Hope Ojera Oroma, the Public Relations Officer for both Alikin Hotel and ACEN Food Bank Limited, said the collaboration was deliberate to demonstrate the importance of nutrition in mental well-being.

“The cooking competition not only celebrated women’s skills but also emphasized how proper diet strengthens both body and mind. This complements the financial and social support ACEN Food Bank continues to offer to households in Pader and beyond,” he said.

The initiative has been received with excitement, with women groups pledging to continue working with ACEN Food Bank to improve household incomes and promote food security.

Organizers said the food cooking contest will now become an annual feature, giving women a platform to showcase their talents while benefiting from the wider services of ACEN Food Bank Limited.