CONSTITUTION OF THE FRIENDS
EMERGENCY SUPPORT SCHEME (FESS)
PREAMBLE
We, the founding members of the Friends Emergency Support Scheme (FESS),
having recognized the need for mutual financial support in times of unforeseen
emergencies, hereby commit ourselves to the establishment of this scheme and
adopt this constitution to guide its operations, management, and governance.
ARTICLE 1: NAME
The name of the scheme shall be the Friends Emergency Support Scheme (FESS),
hereinafter referred to as “the Scheme.”
ARTICLE 2: OBJECTIVES
- To offer financial relief to members facing emergencies such as medical conditions,
accidents, bereavements, or verified urgent needs.
- To promote a culture of saving and financial planning among members.
- To foster unity and mutual assistance among members.
- To build a sustainable and transparent savings-based support system.
ARTICLE 3: DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this constitution:
Emergency: A sudden, unexpected, and critical situation requiring immediate
financial assistance, including but not limited to hospitalisation, accidents, death of a
nuclear family member, or verified crises.
Member: Any individual who has paid the one-time membership subscription and
contributes monthly as required.
Constitution: The governing document of FESS, binding on all members.
Defaulting: Failure to make contributions for two (2) consecutive months without
valid communication.
ARTICLE 4: MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be open to any individual willing to:
- Pay a one-time membership subscription fee of UGX 100,000.
- Contribute UGX 50,000 monthly to the savings fund.
- Abide by the rules and regulations set forth in this constitution.
ARTICLE 5: RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS
- To save monthly and participate in Scheme activities.
- To benefit from the emergency fund upon meeting eligibility requirements.
- To vote and be voted into leadership positions.
- To receive periodic reports and updates about the Scheme.
- To promote transparency, mutual respect, and accountability.
ARTICLE 6: LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
The Scheme shall be governed by the following positions:
- Chairperson: Provides overall leadership and convenes meetings.
- General Secretary: Keeps records, minutes, and communication.
- Treasurer: Manages finances and presents reports.
- Members Committee (optional): Supports leadership and mobilization.
ARTICLE 7: MEETINGS AND COMMUNICATION
Regular meetings shall be held monthly. A WhatsApp group shall be maintained for
timely updates. Decisions shall be made by consensus or majority vote.
ARTICLE 8: CONTRIBUTIONS AND FINANCES
Each member shall:
- Pay a one-time administrative/membership fee of UGX 100,000.
- Contribute UGX 50,000 monthly.
Failure to contribute for two (2) consecutive months without justifiable cause shall
result in a warning. Three (3) months of defaulting shall result in suspension or loss
of benefits until arrears are cleared.
The Scheme shall operate a bank account. Authorized signatories shall include the
Chairperson, Treasurer, and General Secretary (any two).
ARTICLE 9: ACCESSING EMERGENCY FUNDS
To access emergency funds, a member must:
- Be an active contributor with no outstanding dues.
- Provide documentation or proof of emergency (e.g., hospital bills, death
certificate).
- Submit a written request to the Executive Committee.
- Receive approval from at least 3 executive members.
ARTICLE 10: AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by any member in writing. A
two-thirds (2/3) majority of active members present at a scheduled meeting is
required to adopt any amendment.
ARTICLE 11: DISSOLUTION
The Scheme may be dissolved by a resolution passed by two-thirds of active
members. In the event of dissolution, outstanding liabilities shall be settled, and
remaining funds equally distributed among fully paid-up members.
ARTICLE 12: ADOPTION
This constitution was adopted by the founding members of FESS on the 17th of June,
2025.
Signatures
Chairperson: __________________________
Name: Dr. Gafuma Samuel
Date: __________
General Secretary: __________________________
Name: Dr. Musalima Juliet
Date: __________
Treasurer: __________________________
Name: Ms. Nakisozi Henriettah
Date: __________