Zombo, Uganda: The Erussi-Paidha Community Association in Zombo District’s Paidha Town Council has celebrated 30 years of existence, renewing calls for unity, expanded membership, and stronger community-based support systems as pillars for social cohesion and sustainable development.
The anniversary celebration was held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Winner’s Palace in Paidha Town Council, bringing together members and guests to reflect on three decades of collective action and mutual support.
Addressing members, the association’s fifth chairperson, Richard Acayerach, emphasised unity as the foundation of the group’s longevity and success.
“The youth should join the group; it will benefit you because we have experienced people of different professions,” Acayerach said, urging young people to tap into the association’s collective knowledge and networks.
General Secretary Valentine Owile echoed the association’s founding ethos, reminding members of the group’s guiding principle: “In good and bad times, yes we are together.” He said membership remains open to all eligible community members while cautioning the youth against divisive politics that could undermine collective goals.
Former chairperson Edward Opar praised the current leadership for sustaining the association over three decades. He called for stronger financial management through increased member contributions and urged leaders to document the legacies of past office bearers to preserve institutional memory.
A guest representative from the Parombo–Paidha Community Association commended the Erussi–Paidha group for its endurance, noting that such associations foster belonging through social engagement while offering practical support in times of need.
Beyond welfare, speakers highlighted the association’s role in providing platforms for dialogue on local issues, dispute mediation, fundraising for shared facilities, and effective management of collective resources.
As the association enters its fourth decade, leaders were encouraged to maintain inclusive and firm leadership to ensure it remains a pillar of unity, resilience, and progress for the Erussi–Paidha community.
About the Erussi-Paidha Community Association
Founded in January 1996, the association brings together residents from the sub-counties of Erussi, Dhew, Acana, and Atego in Zombo District. With more than 70 active members, it operates as a member-driven mutual aid and savings group, providing informal welfare and social protection services to its community.
Its core services include accessible loans for income-generating activities and emergencies, burial support, education assistance for members’ dependents, wedding contributions, and other solidarity-based interventions.
Leaders say these initiatives have helped promote financial inclusion, resilience to economic shocks, and resource sharing—especially among households with limited access to formal banking or government safety nets.
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