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UNRF II Founds a Savings Society
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New Vision (Kampala)
September 23, 2003
Posted to the web September 23, 2003
Grace Matsiko
Kampala
FORMER fighters of the Uganda National Rescue Front II (UNRF II) have formed a co-operative society to supplement government's efforts in re-integrating them.
The ex-fighters under Maj. Gen. Ali Bamuze named their society Bidi Bidi Co-operative Savings and Credit Society Limited, after their former base at Bidi Bidi in Yumbe.
"The society was started by the former fighters. It is a community-based society. We have men and women some from the local community who are not among the ex-fighters," Gen. Bamuze said last week.
He said over 1000 members have already registered, each contributing sh20,000.
The society's treasurer Amis Akweku, who was also the UNRF II Secretary General, said the group was planning to acquire an office but they lacked funds.
"We want assistance to build capacity. The private sector has been very supportive but we ask other organisations to help us. The scheme is not going to benefit the former fighters alone but the entire society," Akweku said.
Yumbe Resident District Commissioner Ahmed Doka said he knew the Norwegian government had extended some assistance to the group.
The UNRF II signed a peace agreement with the Government denouncing armed rebellion last December.
In return they asked to be resettled, which the Government is currently handling.
