Pader women praise 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 not only strengthens households financially but also brings communities together in unique ways.

For the first time since Pader became a district, women took part in a food-cooking competition organised 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 the 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 showcase their talent and also learn how to improve their cooking skills,” she said. “I am also proud of the financial support they provide to different women’s groups to grow their businesses. This is truly life-changing, and I am one of the direct beneficiaries.”

Another beneficiary, Ayoo Julet Akal, expressed her gratitude, noting that the bank’s services have provided her with stability in both business and at home.

“ACEN Food Bank Limited is exceptional because they always provide funds on time, and it is very easy to access,” she said. “Since I started receiving their support, my business has grown, and paying school fees has never been a problem. I encourage other groups to also seek support from ACEN Food Bank.”

Pader Town Council III Chairperson, Kilama Fearless Wodacholi, praised the initiative, saying it equips women with skills that hold 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 among the most expensive foods in major hotels,” he said.

Kilama also appealed to ACEN Food Bank Limited to continue supporting women and urged 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 funding for self-help groups, provision of 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, Public Relations Officer for both Alikin Hotel and ACEN Food Bank Limited, said the collaboration was intentional to demonstrate the importance of nutrition in supporting mental well-being.

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

The initiative has been met with enthusiasm, with women’s groups pledging to continue working with ACEN Food Bank to improve household incomes and promote food security.

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