Community Empowernment

Overview:

ICON’s Community Empowerment Program is designed to strengthen the socio-economic fabric of Ibanda by providing knowledge, resources, and platforms for self-sustained growth. The program focuses on mobilizing and empowering the community in the fields of agriculture, business, education, leadership, governance, and climate change. Through training, investment clubs, and dialogues, ICON helps the people of Ibanda take charge of their development.

Key Areas of Focus:

a) Community Dialogues:

ICON organizes community dialogues to address challenges affecting Ibanda’s communities. These discussions focus on critical areas like agriculture, business & entrepreneurship, investment, education, leadership, governance, and climate change. By bringing stakeholders together, these dialogues create a platform for collaboration, problem-solving, and the development of actionable solutions that address local needs.

b) Agriculture Exhibitions/Symposiums and Trade Shows:

To promote modernization in agriculture and improve market linkages, ICON holds agriculture exhibitions, symposiums, and trade shows. These events attract companies, cooperatives, farmer groups, schools, and other institutions that showcase agricultural inputs and produce. Additionally, they offer training sessions on innovative farming techniques, marketing strategies, and sustainable agricultural practices, helping farmers increase productivity and income.

c) Investment Clubs:

i) ICON Investment Club (ICONIC):
ICONIC was registered with 17 members, each saving UGX 20,000 monthly. The club pools resources to invest in joint ventures agreed upon by the group. ICONIC is focused on promoting financial literacy and providing a platform for collective investment, allowing members to grow their savings and create new business opportunities within the community.

ii) Ibanda Bodaboda Investment Club (IBRIC):
IBRIC was registered to cater specifically to bodaboda riders in Ibanda. Members contribute UGX 500 daily with the goal of raising funds to build petrol stations within the district. The club also provides other benefits such as bodaboda loans, driving permits, and life insurance, offering riders financial security and sustainable growth opportunities. IBRIC operates under the patronage of Dr. Patrick Bitature, ICON’s founder and patron.