Serere - The Serere county MP Patrick Okabe through his foundation body called Patrick Okabe foundation that was launched in July this year with an intention of supporting village saving groups in all parishes in the county with the seed capital of 1m ugx that saw through more that 100 villages in different parishes benefiting thus transforming and empowering the livelihoods of the residents.

Okabe who was attending the annual general meeting of some of the groups in Omagara parish,Kateta sub county in Serere county, Serere district that were dividing money was left surprised with the rate at which the groups developed through their savings. 

"We need the Spirit of togetherness in the district of Serere just likes it's done in other countries that I have visited before so that we over come poverty via community led development", he said.

Okabe also implored all village groups to venture into production of their choice and promised to offer free training so that they will be equiped with knowledge.

"What your group will decide on is what i will help you with,decide early as next year is almost, work together as a community,sell as a group,use the available land to produce as there is ready market for all the things from Okabe foundation", he added as the crowds cheered.

The foundation has also brought together all people of different political parties together.

Akello Annet a commercial officer working in Serere town council appreciated the groups for saving and mp for showing the different parishes the spirit of saving as advised by the president with the parish development model and also called upon all other members to continue saving as Okabe foundation has empowered lives of many people.

Kolou Daniel the manager Stanbic bank teso sub region promised to work closely with Okabe foundation body in equipping members with financial literacy so that they grow and provide loans at a fair rate.

What the community says.

Regina iriaku member of Omagara village savings under Patrick Okabe foundation testifies that through the savings says that age was able to get a loan thrice thus enabling her pay school fees for her children and also solve some of the house hold issues.

Acilu kokas chair person Mutebe village says that they have saved more than 5m ugx in a shortest time and will be sharing the savings with the residents.

"People should use money wisely not wasting for Christmas , let people also educate their children as education has helped many families alot and have the spirit of saving money", he urged his members.

He further called upon MP Okabe to help them lobby for first growing seeds and link them with local government so that we get irrigation system that will help them practice agriculture even during the dry season.

"The savings have improved on education from loans borrowed as we are able to pay fees,some members are going to buy building materials for finishing up their houses and save for next year as children will be going to school,hon has lifted us out of poverty and we are hoping to the best in Uganda when it comes to savings", Abol Julius secretary Agirigiroi village sacco said.

Hon.Okabe later visited Olupe parish,Kyere sub county where he launched the Patrick Okabe foundation that saw through six villages benefit with each getting 1m ugx seed capital for start up savings and a savings box.

The residents who spoke to this website testified and said that Okabes' foundation is more active and easy compared to the parish development model that has since taken time as they have waited long for the money to reach the parishes.

"We are greatful and with what has been given to us,we ought to save,give out loans and becomes one of the best performing parishes in Serere county", some of the residents said.