Bitereko Widows Association (BWA)
The BWA is a registered community-based organization (CBO) in Uganda which grew out of a grassroots recognition by widows in the sub-county of the experiences that they shared and the strength they had together to make change. Widows in the community began to come together to recognize their common experiences of marginalization, their common struggle to maintain their subsistence agricultural livelihoods and, in many cases, their common status as being HIV positive.
Today, the BWA is made up of 17 groups of widows which together make up an organization of over 300 widows. As a CBO, the BWA is accountable to bylaws that include democratic elecions for leadership. Each of the 17 groups are represented by an elected leader, and the entire BWA is represented by an executive leadership group of 5 members.
Vision of the BWA:
Minimal good Living conditions and productive lives for widowed mothers and orphaned children in Bitereko Greater area.
Mission of the BWA:
Empowering widows and orphans with knowledge and skills to fight diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, poverty and their effects on the community of Bitereko.
Objectives of the BWA:
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To spearhead the fight against the effects of HIV/AIDS and other killer diseases like malaria, cancer, and tropical diseases.
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To mobilize widows to support education of their orphaned children.
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To promote Gender Equity in Bitereko greater area.
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To promote modern methods of farming.
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To provide farm inputs and promote food security amongst the members.
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To promote the use of science and technology in the area.
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To promote access clean and affordable water.
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Activities of the BWA:
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Maintain a campaign to fight/prevent/control HIV/AIDS and its effects on Bitereko community.
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Sensitize widows to participate in income generating projects like piggery, keeping poultry, bee apiary, fish farming , vegetable growing, tree planting, among others.
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Provision of knowledge and skills to widows through workshops, group gatherings and home visits.
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Provide social support in times of difficulty.
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Provision microloans on a no-interest revolving basis.
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Construction of a widows centre, community multipurpose halls and homes for the homeless widows and orphans.
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Work to purchase more land for the construction of a health facility, agriculture projects for the school and demonstration gardens.
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Developing and constructing a skilling centre for the community development.
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Providing clean water to homes
BWA Executive
The current BWA Widows Executive is made up of these 5 individuals who represent the membership of over 300 women. The BWA Executive is elected for terms of 5 years at a time.
UP Research Team
Aligned with the methodology of PAR, during her PhD research, our Board President, Dr. Christina Morgan, posed the opportunity to the BWA to be involved as co-researchers. The women here, many of whom were already on the BWA Executive, were eager to join the research team.
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From left to right: Mantirida Katabazi, Jovail Tuhumwire, Adrine Kihembo, leonia Baryahebwa, Jasitina Tumwebaze, Joyce Kemiryango, Resty Asiimwe, Frumira Kaibaraza (absent)
BWA Groups
The BWA membership of over 320 widows is made up of 17 independently organized groups who meet across the sub-county based on their geographic proximity to one another.
