Jermena Atimango: A Resilient Local Brewer in Nebbi

Seventy-three-year-old Ms. Jermena Atimango, a resident of Opano cell, is passionate about her local brew business, which she says has transformed her life since childhood. With over 60 years in the local brewing industry, Atimango credits her business with providing stability, especially as she cares for her nine grandchildren, who lost their parents when they were young.

Atimango reports earning at least Shillings 70,000 each month after expenses such as firewood, yeast, and cassava. However, she notes that her profit is often consumed by the costs of feeding, medical care, and school fees. To ensure continuity in her business, she has introduced her grandchildren to brewing, preparing them to take over if she falls ill. "I can’t beg for food at my age to feed my grandchildren; I’d rather do petty businesses to provide for these children because I’m left with few days on earth," Atimango explained.

Each month, Atimango brews twice, allowing her to save some income, which helps her buy scholastic materials for her grandchildren. She hopes that one day they will find stable employment and support her as she ages. To produce “Enguli,” the local brew, Atimango explained that cassava must be dissolved in water, fermented, fried, soaked in water, and mixed with yeast for at least two weeks. 

Despite her hard work, she feels overlooked for government support. While she benefits from the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) program, she has not received priority in the Parish Development Model (PDM). She believes that accessing PDM funds could enable her to establish a public water stand at her home, complementing her brewing business.

Atimango expressed concern for her peers, noting that many older individuals have given up on self-sufficiency, leading to a cycle of dependency. Her grandson, 22-year-old Pope Rwoth-Omio, shared their struggles, stating, "Since we lost both parents, we can’t put our grandmother under pressure for a better diet. We know she earns little from her business, so we help by cooking and gathering firewood."

Saidi Rajab, the area LCI in Opano cell, remarked on Atimango's continuous success, indicating that she will be prioritized for PDM benefits in future rounds. He advocated for older individuals, stating that they should receive priority access to funds, as they have established businesses, unlike many youth. "Opano cell is the only place in Nebbi town where local brews are produced in large quantities, mostly by elderly persons who cannot walk long distances for other businesses," Rajab added. 

Meanwhile, Ms. Scholastica Nasinyama, the Permanent Secretary for Older Persons, highlighted a nationwide issue where older individuals are often denied access to government benefits due to their age. "Much as older persons are struggling to generate income through various projects, the little money they earn is often stolen by youths," she said, calling for closer supervision to protect the livelihoods of older citizens. Despite the challenges, Atimango's dedication to her brewing business exemplifies resilience and the potential for elderly individuals to contribute significantly to their families and communities.