Self-help groups in Tororo district

Abstract

The study set out to look at self-help groups and their operations during the military regime Uganda. The study was particularly interested to find out how these groups fared in a period when no Government Assistance was available.

A sample of self-help groups in Busia sub-district in Uganda was taken and data was collected about activities and membership composition. It was found that in response to the extraordinary circumstances of the time, many groups had sprung up and developed in a genuine self-help spirit providing services for various categories of citizens. On the other hand; self help groups which were previously dependent on outside assistance were found to have died out.

The kind of functions these self-help groups fulfilled were Socio-economic as related to the extraordinary circumstances of the time. They included, among others, the burying of the dead, Singing and dancing for entertainment and preservation of culture, increase of food production domestically and for those who could afford to buy their labor. Generally majority of these groups were income-generating in nature.

The implications of these findings are a new appreciation for the value and strength of self-help activities which will influence future Government Policies.