Not even the heavy morning downpour could interrupt the school children at Kisweeka COU Primary School along Bujagala Road inside Kiboga’s Lwamata Sub County. Their excitement started as early as a month earlier, when they learnt that they would have visitors, Vero Pacifiers who would come to launch their Women Group programmes at their school. They danced, sang, jumped and played in the rain as they anxiously waited for the visitors. The Bujagala based Vero Pacifiers couldn’t hold their launch at their home (headquarter’s) more than seven kms inside Bujagala because being a rain season, the roads were impassable and the many guests, from Kiboga District and a number of the friends of the Founder, Ms Ophelia Nahabwe, wouldn’t have accessed this home.
Vero members arrived aboard a Fuso lorry in the rainy weather. Since they are still struggling to save what ever small shilling they make and didn’t want to spend more than the Shs 10,000 they each paid. . The exhibition shade displayed their products, ranging from baskets, vegetables, tables mats, Vero wine, home made long lasting juice, hand woven sweaters and a collection of many other Vero products. These caught the guests’ attention all through the celebration and indeed they bought lots of them, to support the women but the craft pieces were also magnificent.
The Chief Guest, Mr Francis Nsubuga (District Community Development Officer), who spoke after the School Children’s moving entertainment, assured Vero Members and Founders of the unwavering District Support. He appreciated this initiative which would go a long way in uplifting the livelihoods of the communities in Bujagala and surrounding areas. He committed that Kiboga District would ensure that Vero Pacifiers doesn’t miss out on any Government interventions whenever they are made available.
The Headmaster of Kisweka Primary School, Mr Karim Bashir appreciated the Nutrition Club that Vero Pacifiers launched that day. Vero Pacifiers officially handed over the vegetable garden they had planted three weeks earlier. He offered them a piece of land for demonstration, so that the communities and school children can always learn modern ways of farming to ensure a constant supply of food. Some school children go hungry because the parents cannot afford the 35,000 Shs contribution.
The Chairperson of Board of Governors, Ms Maureen Kulayige Bigirwa launched the organisation’s website and strategic plan (2023-2026). She congratulated the Founders and members of Vero Pacifiers on this Milestone.
The Founders, Mr Francis Atweeta and Ms Ophelia Nahabwe reiterated their commitment to serve the Bujagala Community and beyond, until every household gains skills that will make Income Generation a household name. Sanitation and Hygiene, access to clear water, environmental conservation are aspects that would be at the forefront of Vero Pacifiers agenda. Positive Mindset Change for Self Reliance and Projects Sustainability, Community Stakeholder and Local Leadership engagement were emphasised as important ingredient for continuity. While calling on all guests present and all friends of good will, Ms Nahabwe pledged that in unison, she and team would work hard to ensure the communities are empowered and finely skilled.
In attendance and promising great support were Ms Cossy Tukashaba of Health Frontiers, Ms Winie Ngabirwe of Global Rights Alert, the Mr Godfrey Mugerwa, the Production Officer Kiboga District, Mr and Mrs Alex and Shallon Mugabe of St Philip Church, Mr Benjamin Aijuka of Eastern Africa Grain Council, Ms Lilian Ajuna Mulago Hospital, Mr Douglas Lugumya, a lead consultant, Mr Joseph Muhereza, the Director Blessed Sacrament, Mr Charles Mpanga, the Director Christel International, Ms Joan Ayebare of President’s Office and a cross section of friends from a cross the country. Mr Ibrahim Bokonyo of Kiboga District was one of the lead hosts of the day.
Vero Pacifiers was declared launched at exactly 3.00p.m and committed to the intercession of St Veronica, the Patron Saint of the organisation.
