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The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has responded to concerns raised in the 2024 Auditor General’s report regarding the GROW (Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises) project.
The report highlighted issues including low fund absorption, delays in developing essential operational manuals, staff recruitment challenges, and failure to conduct critical training and sensitisation programmes for the project’s beneficiaries.
Mr Aggrey Kibenge, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, clarified that while the GROW project was officially launched in March 2025 in Kiruhura district, the actual funding approval occurred in June 2025 — just days before the beginning of the new financial year.
This timing meant that no significant activities could be executed during the 2023/24 financial year.
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“From July 2024, the release of funds was further delayed until September 2024. Since then, lending activities have been ongoing,” Mr Kibenge explained.
He added that thanks to the awareness campaigns carried out prior to fund disbursement, demand was overwhelming once the funds were deposited into banks, demonstrating high beneficiary interest and engagement.
The GROW project, funded by the government of Uganda and supported by international partners, aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing access to affordable credit, capacity building, and market linkages. Its objectives include promoting women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in rural areas, to foster economic growth and reduce poverty.
Despite initial setbacks, the Ministry maintains that the project is now gaining momentum and expects improved implementation outcomes moving forward.
This commitment is crucial given that women-owned enterprises contribute significantly to Uganda’s economy, yet often face barriers such as limited access to finance and training.
The government and partners continue to prioritise the GROW project as a key strategy to promote inclusive economic development by supporting women entrepreneurs across the country.