• Empowering the poor to move out of poverty and into prosperity
• Transforming lives spiritually, physically, and socially
• Advancing God's Kingdom in all things

Over half the global population dwells in a poverty-stricken environment where human suffering abounds. The following statistics underscore the human tragedy.

• 8 million people around the world die each year because they are too poor to stay alive.
• 20,000 people perished yesterday of extreme poverty.
• 850 million people in the world suffer from chronic hunger.
• Between 3 and 4 billion people live on less than $2 per day.
• 100 million children are currently at risk of being stunted by malnutrition.
• Nearly 2 million children die each year from diarrhea.
• 2.6 billion people lack basic sanitation.

You may be shocked to learn that there are somewhere between three and four billion people in the world today who live on $2.00 a day or less. In an attempt to address this human tragedy, so-called experts have advocated an enforced redistribution of the worlds wealth, which does not address the real problem, and has clearly proven to be a failed experiment.  Other well-intentioned organizations, even churches, have poured vast sums of money into aid programs, only to discover that perpetual donor-funding is not the answer, and often creates more problems that it solves.  However, there is something that is making a huge impact and has helped multitudes all over the world.  For nearly twenty years microfinance organizations have been making small (micro) loans to the poor to help them start or expand their own small businesses.  This unique form of banking has helped hundreds of thousands of families break out of the cycle of poverty.

"The poor stay poor not because they are lazy, but because they have no access to capital."   Milton Friedman, 1976 Nobel Prize

Microfinance initiatives around the world have proven that there are millions of impoverished people who given the opportunity are capable of working their way out of poverty with the help of a small business loan.  This has been proven on every continent, but is particularly relevant in sub-Sahara Africa, where poverty is at the highest levels and the cost to lift a life out of poverty is remarkably low.

The average annual income in Uganda is $310.00, which means the average Ugandan earns less than $1.00 per day.  What can we do that will make a significant difference in the lives of the poor in Uganda?  It is a proven fact that microfinance empowers people, and gives those living in poverty the opportunity to help themselves.  We believe microfinance is the best way to make a long-term impact on poverty in Uganda and across East and Central Africa.

Microfinance provides a mechanism whereby the poor can receive small business loans to start or expand their own small businesses, and begin the process of moving out of poverty and into productivity and prosperity.  The amazing thing is that the poor repay their loans!

"Microfinance creates and expands opportunities for the poor."   Mike Croslow 

1. Who are typically clients of microfinance institutions (MFIs)?
The typical microfinance clients are low-income persons, predominantly women, who do not have access to formal financial institutions.  They are self-employed, often household-based entrepreneurs engaged in small businesses.
 

2. What is the present role of microfinance in Uganda?
Microfinance has been internationally recognized for its contribution to the economic and social development of the poor in Uganda.  The government of Uganda believes microfinance is a key to private-sector development and has taken measures to create what is known as an “enabling environment” for microfinance consumers and suppliers in Uganda.  In August 2007, the 3rd Annual Microfinance Summit was held in Kampala, Uganda with 500 delegates from 41 countries. 
 

3. What percentage of the population in Uganda could benefit from microfinance?
Out of a total pop. of 31 million, 62% of the population is not served by any financial institution.  5% of the total pop. are presently being served by microfinance institutions.   There are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, who could benefit from microfinance services in Uganda.