By Frank Kamuntu | Mr Swift
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Gen. Henry Tumukunde has championed the Government’s efforts to expand access to business financing for women entrepreneurs, urging local leaders to mobilise eligible beneficiaries for the GROW Business Plan Competition Grants, which offer non-repayable funding of between Shs3.5 million and Shs107 million.
Speaking on October 13, 2026, during an orientation meeting for local leaders at Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe, Tumukunde highlighted the importance of ensuring that women entrepreneurs who have struggled to access conventional bank financing are not left behind in the country’s economic transformation agenda.
The grants are being implemented by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, with support from the World Bank, under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project.
At least 2,626 women-owned enterprises nationwide are expected to benefit from the initiative, including businesses in refugee-hosting districts and those belonging to other vulnerable groups.
Tumukunde explained that the grant component was introduced after the implementation of the GROW Loan programme revealed that some capable women entrepreneurs could not access financing because of banking requirements and other constraints.
The new funding window specifically targets women who did not benefit from the GROW Loan, providing them with an alternative opportunity to invest in their businesses without the obligation of repaying the grant.
He called on local government leaders, commercial officers and GROW focal point officers to take an active role in mobilising women entrepreneurs within their respective communities, explaining the eligibility requirements and helping potential applicants understand the application process.
Tumukunde emphasised that the success of the programme would depend on how effectively local leaders connect eligible women with the available opportunities.
He urged the leaders to use their community networks and administrative structures to ensure that deserving entrepreneurs receive accurate information and are supported to participate in the forthcoming Business Clinics and application process.
The grants will prioritise enterprises with strong growth potential, particularly those engaged in agribusiness, manufacturing, technology, innovation, green enterprises and other productive sectors capable of creating jobs and improving livelihoods.
Tumukunde also cautioned against fraudsters and extortionists who might attempt to exploit women seeking government support, stressing that the application process is entirely free of charge.
He said no applicant should pay money to access information, submit an application or receive a grant, urging local leaders to report suspected fraud and corruption to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the relevant authorities.
The orientation meeting provided an opportunity for local leaders to familiarise themselves with the programme’s objectives, eligibility criteria and mobilisation responsibilities ahead of the application process.
The GROW Project is designed to strengthen women’s economic empowerment by addressing barriers that limit the growth of women-owned enterprises. By providing financing and supporting business development, the initiative seeks to help women expand their operations, create employment and improve household incomes.
Tumukunde called for collective commitment to ensure that the grants reach their intended beneficiaries through a fair and transparent process.
He said the programme presented an opportunity to strengthen women’s participation in the economy while building more sustainable enterprises and vibrant local economies.
The initiative forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to support women entrepreneurs and expand their contribution to Uganda’s economic growth.