A Ugandan couple, Leo and Hellen, borrowed Shs 500,000 (KSh 16,555) from a village savings group in March 2026 to fund their wedding in Teyao Village, Alwala Parish, Ogur sub-county, Lira District. They pledged a piece of customary land as collateral and promised to repay the full amount plus Shs 150,000 (KSh 4,963) interest within one month. However, the repayment never materialized, and the debt grew over time.
By September 16, 2026, the outstanding balance had climbed to Shs 1.25 million (KSh 41,363), comprising the principal amount and accumulated interest. Facing pressure from the group and fearing possible arrest, Leo slipped away in May, while Hellen quietly returned to her family in neighboring Alyec Village in July.
The couple's situation took a turn for the worse when Note En Teko, the village savings group, moved to claim the pledged land, only to discover that Leo had already rented it out to a third party. This development was confirmed by Michael Odongo, the LC3 chairperson of Ogur sub-county and Hellen's brother.
Local leaders have expressed concern that the case is not unusual, with at least three men in Ogur sub-county reportedly abandoning their homes this year after failing to service debts, leading to the collapse of their marriages. The LC1 chairperson of Teyao Village, Michael Odongo, confirmed that the couple had vacated the area, with reports suggesting that Leo is currently staying in a remote village in Lamwo District, near the South Sudan border.
Experts have weighed in on the issue, stressing the importance of repaying community funds. Abdallah Aziz Epalat, who manages SACCOs at Pearl Bank, addressed the problem at a meeting with Arova Producers Cooperative Society Ltd in Lira City on September 24, 2024. He emphasized that VSLA and SACCO funds are revolving resources that communities depend on and urged borrowers to have the dignity and courtesy to repay their loans.
Epalat specifically warned against diverting productive loans into personal celebrations, citing instances where borrowers promise to use funds for business purposes but end up using them for weddings or other personal events. He stressed the need for borrowers to prioritize repaying their loans to avoid similar situations in the future.
The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by communities in managing debt and the importance of responsible borrowing practices. As the couple's situation continues to unfold, local leaders and experts are urging communities to take a proactive approach to addressing debt and promoting financial responsibility.
Key points
- The couple's failure to repay the loan led to their separation and abandonment of their home.
- Local leaders report that at least three men in Ogur sub-county have abandoned their homes this year due to debt-related issues.
- Experts stress the importance of repaying community funds and prioritizing responsible borrowing practices.
