Bukonzo East &West Widow Farmers Association
(BEWWFA) is a grassroots organization that empowers widows and orphans in Bukonzo County, Uganda. BEWWFA aims to improve and sustain the livelihood of widows and orphans by initiating and facilitating programs that empower them economically and socially.
The organization was founded in 2016 by Mrs. Masika Geneva Kooli, who was inspired by her own struggles as a widow to unite and support other widows in the community.
Our mission is to initiate and facilitate programs that empower widows and orphans and our Vision is to Improved and Sustainable livelihood of widows in Bukonzo County.
Full History and Background
Bukonzo East &West Widow Farmers Association (BEWWFA) was founded in 2016 by Mrs Masika Geneva Kooli (from Karambi sub county) to improve and sustain the livelihood of widows in Bukonzo county, after she struggled with challenges of widowhood herself. Her husband late Muhindo Emmanuel Kooli was a chairperson of Karambi Sub County who died of internal bleeding after an involvement in a bus accident in his way to the meeting called for by the then president of the republic of Uganda. Although, Geneva is a civil servant (teacher), she felt the pinch of widowhood. She was left pregnant. She had to take the trouble of caring for the pregnancy and orphans. She said to herself: “As a civil servant, salaried, paid monthly, am weighed down by widowhood, how about my fellow widows who are not salaried and have no reliable sources of income?”
It is upon this background that she had a vision to unite widows so as together can initiate and facilitate programs that empower widows and orphans. She shared this vision with various people such as: Mrs. Muhasa Mikayirina, Mrs. Masika Jositina, Mrs. Kabugho Jetrida, Mrs. Masika Jojina, Mrs.Kabugho To Jane (from Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council), Mrs. Biira Piridasi, Mrs. Biira Kezia, Mrs. Kabugho Lavinya, Mrs. Kyakimwa Lakeri Bithaba (from Ihandiro Sub County), Mrs. Muhindo Marizyane, Mrs. Biira Bere (from Karambi Sub County), Mrs. Kabanyoro Vanisa, Mrs. Kabugho Fabisi, Masika Gevina (from Nyakatonzi Sub County), Mrs. Biira Leebu and Kabugho Ngelese (from Kitholhu sub county), Ithungu Sitaluzi and Biira Alice (from Kisinga Sub County). Mrs Masika Geneva Kooli chose vibrant men (Mr Bwambale Yokana Kathobobo-Chief Mobilizer; Mr Kambesa Isaac – Computer operator and proposal writer; Mr Muhindo Raimon – Field officer Bukonzo County West and Mr Tibenderana Gabriel – Field officer – BuKonzo County East) to help her in Mobolization and administrative work. Together, they succeeded to meet the first group at Kyabikere, Kitholhu Sub County (By that time), Bukonzo West. Presently BEWWFA has 1500 members in Bukonzo County who are being empowered by its various and dynamic activities.
Our values and vision
Transparency: We remain open and honest in our operations. We hold ourselves accountable to both local and external stakeholders.
Excellence: We deliver what we promise and add value that goes beyond expectations by exhibiting utmost professionalism and good work ethics. We are committed to achieve the best results in whatever we do.
Integrity: We adhere strictly to practices that demonstrate openness, honesty, and match our words with actions that cultivate trust of the people we set to serve. We try our best to do the right things all the time.
Teamwork: We promote the spirit of working together to achieve better results and deliver on our set goals.
Hard work: We believe in hard work and self-sacrifice as a means to excellence in service delivery to the vulnerable people
Empowering Women Through Vocational Skills and Support
This case study demonstrates how targeted training and community backing enhanced economic opportunities for widows.
Building Sustainable Futures with Empowerment Programs
This study reveals how focused training and sponsorship initiatives helped widows overcome adversity and thrive.