Anek Jackline’s Journey to Financial Security

In Northern Uganda, farming work can be an unsustainable livelihood, with formal jobs scarce and unreliable. As a result, Jackline has long had to rely on casual labour to supplement her husband’s income and support her household. “I used to rely on casual work and my husband’s provision,” Jackline said. “It wasn’t enough, and it wasn’t stable.” Jackline shares. It is in this context that Jackline decided to embark on a journey towards financial independence and a brighter future, opening a new world of opportunities for her and her family.

Empowering Female Entrepreneurs

When Jackline joined the Future Masters Youth Group, she was one of the group’s original female participants, alongside 29 other women, all hoping to achieve financial independence and security. As part of the programme, GOAL Uganda linked them with three organisations which would further develop their financial management skills, including Multi Community Based Development Initiative (MUCOBADI), a Civil Society Organization; 49ers, an input company; and Nile Forest, an agribusiness. All three provided the group with training in good agronomic practices, livestock management, business management, and financial literacy, among other skills. Jackline attended sessions on pig rearing, where she learned the basics of constructing a hygienic pigsty, selecting quality breeds, and feeding schedules that promote healthy growth.

Cultivating Change

Empowered by her newfound knowledge and confidence, Jackline was inspired to apply her newfound skills. “I realised that I needed some capital to start a business that would improve the living standards of my family,” she said.

Jackline received a loan in early 2023 of UGX 1,000,000 (approx. €246) at a 6% annual interest rate through the Parish Development Model (PDM), a Ugandan Government strategy for delivering wealth creation and employment opportunities at the parish level, as the lowest economic planning unit.

Jackline used part of the loan to construct an affordable yet sturdy pigsty and used the rest to purchase two pigs and provide feed. She also made and sold snacks, such as flatbread and boiled ground nuts, to provide an extra stream of income. “Through the snack sales, I provided immediate relief for my family,” she explained.

Before joining Future Masters, Jackline rarely left her house and often felt invisible in her community. However, through her participation in the programme’s training sessions, savings group meetings, and peer learning activities, Jackline has become an active contributor to planning discussions. She now represents the group in meetings and shares her knowledge with other women, “I never thought I’d be someone others would come to for advice,” she jokes.

Jackline is especially proud of the group’s approach to shared decision-making. Loans are reviewed together, and accountability is handled with transparency and integrity. When a member defaults or delays repayment, the group investigates why and makes an objective decision.

Looking to the Future

Jackline’s growing piggery gives her something she didn’t have before: options. Looking forward, she plans to add goats to her farm and hopes to purchase improved pig breeds with better market returns.

She also wants to expand her small-scale food business and begin saving for her children’s education. “My dream is to make enough so my children never miss school. I didn’t finish my own education, but I want them to.” She emphasised. Jackline’s story reflects a broader shift happening in Bipongo Village and beyond. Youth and women who once lacked access to opportunities are now saving and growing thanks to locally led and intuitive partnerships with GOAL.  “While I still have a long way to go, I’m grateful and motivated by far I have come from”, Jackline shares.

Learn more about the Markets for Youth programme.