Widows, orphans and other destitute persons from Nambale Sub-county, Busia County have registered a Community-Based Organisation (CBO) to spearhead their interests and change their livelihoods.
Dubbed Orphans, Widows and other Destitute persons (OWIDE) the organisation is meant to reach out to all special cases that have been neglected by other stakeholders within Nambale and Busia County.
Speaking to this writer, OWIDE Director, Anne Flora Bwibo said the region has many needy cases, especially orphans and widows who are struggling to raise school fees and other basic needs as the majority are neglected.
“Our leaders are very corrupt and nepotism is at an advanced stage and only those close to power can benefit or get help. The major reason that pushed us to register this entity is that we wanted to empower ourselves economically and in all aspects of life,” said Mrs Bwibo.
According to her, there are many registered organisations but they take advantage of the people and many of the promises they give never come true. To better themselves, they saw it good to come up with something that is specifically for themselves.
The organisation has so far 50 members and some are still joining this prestigious organisation.
“It is hardly a year since Owide was registered but the number of those interested in joining us growing each day. We are ready to have everyone on board but we have various challenges affecting our service delivery but hope for the best,” she said.
Too many needy cases, over expectations and a lack of sponsors, are among the challenges that are affecting the organisation.
“Many of our members have challenges with school fees, food and shelter and it becomes a serious issue to handle such cases due to our weak finances,” she said.
And added, “As an organisation, we raise resources through table banking, self-finance, charity and humanitarian aid which is not enough.”
She said they have approached several leaders around to support them but a majority of them have not been there for us save for Nambale Township MCA Kennedy Rupia who has given them three (3) bursary forms for a bursary and are optimistic that, at least three needy cases will have bursary funds.
“As much as we are struggling, we are not going to give up as we believe that Our God in heaven listens to widows and orphans. In the Holy Book, God assures that: ‘I’ll not leave you as orphans, I’ll come to you.’ Father to the fatherless and a defender to widows is God in His holy dwelling,” she said.
She added, “It pains me to see politicians making empty promises at funerals and when the dust settles, the widows and orphans are left on their own. This conviction is what has pushed us to register something that will help us empower ourselves.
We humbly ask well-wishers to join us and improve the livelihoods of this special group and our Lord in heaven will bless them,” the director appealed.
