NSSF launches high-capacity sewing machines in Lira City
By Our Reporter
The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, has launched a Common User Facility in Lira City equipped with high-tech sewing machines capable of producing more than 1,000 pieces of clothing per day.
The facility, launched on Friday at Ongica ‘B’ Cell in Anai Ward, Lira City West Division, was supported by the National Social Security Fund through the Northern Uganda Women’s Network for Business Development.
Among the equipment provided are modern sewing machines, fish processing machines, baking and salon equipment, as well as mechanical tools aimed at supporting women- and youth-led enterprises.
NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota said the programme is being rolled out in four districts across Uganda — Mitooma District, Kayunga District, Sheema District and Lira City.
Ayota encouraged residents to use the equipment to generate income and embrace a savings culture through NSSF, assuring savers that their money remains secure and continues to earn interest for the future.
Amongi pledged to continue promoting household income growth through skills development and income-generating activities.
She explained that the facility is intended to support women entrepreneurs by allowing them to access and use the machines for production at a small fee to help sustain the centre.
“Any woman who would like to use the machines to produce fabrics for sale in different markets can access the facility and contribute a small maintenance fee,” Amongi said.
She urged women in the fashion industry to utilise the centre, describing it as a large-scale production hub capable of producing and supplying uniforms and garments to schools and institutions.
“It is efficient machinery that can produce over 1,000 pieces of clothing per day. I advise our women to take advantage of the facility to improve their skills and businesses,” she said.
Amongi commended NSSF for promoting savings under the voluntary savings scheme while also supporting economic growth in line with the government’s National Development Plan III and IV.
Dr Sharon Okello, Executive Director of the Northern Uganda Women’s Network for Business Development, said the organisation’s main objective is to increase women’s participation in the private sector across Northern Uganda.
“We cannot do it alone. It requires partnerships with both government and private institutions. That is why we are partnering with the Ministry of Gender and NSSF to achieve these goals,” she said.
Okello described the donated machines as state-of-the-art equipment, though she noted that the centre still requires additional mechanical equipment.
