Akongatar, Oyam: Meet Alany Jaspher, a determined thirty-two-year-old entrepreneur, hailing from the Akongatar-C village in Oyam District, Northern Uganda. Alany’s journey is a demonstration of the transformational impact that the Okonyere Ken Waa Savings Group, operating within the Okongatar C Village, can have on individuals and their communities.
Once reliant on subsistence farming and the sale of minor electronic items to make ends meet, Alany’s life took a remarkable turn when he seized the opportunity provided by the TCP Global Microloan program. Through this initiative, he secured a loan of 1.3 million Ugandan Shillings (approximately $348 US Dollars), a sum that proved to be the spark that ignited his entrepreneurial spirit.
With this financial boost, Alany diversified his business ventures, delving into the mobile electronic and electrical accessory market. Navigating through Oyam District’s weekly markets, he started selling a number of products including solar panels, battery chargers, innovative light bulbs, charging cables, and an assortment of electronic gadgets. This expansion marked a significant shift, as Alany’s profits amounted to an impressive 50,000 shillings weekly (equivalent to $13.50 US dollars). This remarkable increase not only elevated his family’s income but also opened doors to opportunities previously unimaginable.
Alany’s endeavors have ushered in meaningful changes for his family. No longer bound solely by seasonal crops, he now possesses the means to ensure his children’s education remains uninterrupted, as he effortlessly covers school fees. Additionally, the once-elusive dream of accessing quality healthcare is now a reality, as Alany’s earnings provide for his family’s medical needs. His household’s diet has also undergone a positive transformation, with the inclusion of more nutritious foods like meat, fruits, and vegetables.
As he sets his sights on the future, Alany aspires to establish a permanent shop in a local trading center, a vision that underscores his commitment to sustainable growth. He envisions bridging seasonal gaps in his electronic business by introducing another income-generating activity. By doing so, he aims to create a resilient business model that thrives regardless of the local harvest cycles.
Alany’s ambitions reach beyond personal success. He advocates for the expansion of TCP Global’s lending limits, recognizing the potential for further economic empowerment within his community. Alany believes that by granting more entrepreneurs access to capital, diverse businesses can emerge, reducing dependency on subsistence farming and fostering a more equitable economic landscape. He envisions a future where local wealth flows, driving holistic solutions to societal, environmental, and economic challenges.
In Alany Jaspher’s journey, we witness the power of individual initiative, entrepreneurial spirit, and community support. His story is an inspiring example of how strategic investments and innovative thinking can pave the way for sustainable change. As we look ahead, we are excited to witness Alany’s journey unfold and to see the broader impact of his efforts on the path to a brighter future for his community and beyond.
Since its inception in November 2020, the TCP Global Microloan program, initiated in collaboration with the FICH Microloan program, has steadily empowered community groups (VSLA). What began with support for 2 groups has flourished into a network of 7 groups of 30 minimum members per group and continues to grow. The program’s visionary trajectory is aimed at touching the lives of countless women, youth, and men, united by a shared goal of fostering inclusive economic growth and deepening comprehensive development.
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Story Compiled by Greg Ripke, Irene Aroko, with additional contribution by Emmy Zoomlamai Okello
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