In our unyielding commitment to building inclusive, resilient communities in Uganda, Sapphire Africa Foundation has officially launched a new empowerment campaign focused on advancing financial literacy and economic self-sufficiency among women entrepreneurs, particularly those from households affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and other disabilities.

As part of this initiative, we have already distributed 20 sewing machines and 15 knitting machines to participating women, with priority given to mothers and caregivers of children living with DMD. These tools are not just machines — they represent the promise of dignity, income, and restored hope for families that often face both medical and economic hardship.

“This campaign is a key milestone in our journey toward sustainable development,” said Rubaihayo Collins Paul, Founder of Sapphire Africa Foundation. “We believe that empowering a woman economically uplifts an entire community, especially when that woman is also a caregiver to a child with a disability.”

In Uganda, only 26% of women are formally employed, and about 70% of women in rural areas lack access to basic financial education or resources to start income-generating activities (UBOS, 2022). For mothers of children with disabilities who often forgo work to provide full-time care — the burden is even heavier.

Families living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy face lifelong medical costs, social exclusion, and limited mobility options. These challenges are compounded by the lack of inclusive economic systems. Through targeted vocational support and financial training, Sapphire Africa Foundation is tackling this intersection of poverty and disability head-on.

Beyond Training: Building a Self-Sufficient Community

The empowerment campaign doesn’t stop at handing out tools. Participants will undergo structured training in financial literacy, bookkeeping, and business planning, equipping them with the skills to start, manage, and grow small businesses. The goal is not temporary aid, but sustainable livelihoods.

The Foundation is aligning this program with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequality

Since its inception, Sapphire Africa Foundation has impacted hundreds of families across Uganda and East Africa — with its Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Program currently supporting children in Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon, and Nigeria.

This empowerment campaign is a critical next step in ensuring that caregivers and women from vulnerable communities can become income earners, changemakers, and role models in their societies.

But we cannot do it alone.

“We invite our donors, partners, and well-wishers to join us,” said Collins. “Together, we can scale this model, reach more families, and build a future where no one is left behind because of disability or poverty.”