Government is Set to Support Women entrepreneurs
Fredrick Siminyu
Government has designated a significant amount of money specifically for empowering women in businesses through the Grow Initiative in order to encourage and foster the growth of women entrepreneur skills.
Hajjati Minsa Kabanda, Minister of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, while addressing councilors attending a leadership and patriotic course in Entebbe on February 15, 2024, said that this initiative, led by the Ministry of Gender will greatly foster positive economic and social development in the country.
According to Kabanda, the initiative aims at providing financial support to women entrepreneurs for the expansion and development of their businesses and livelihoods.
“This financial assistance will be provided in form of loans ranging from five to a hundred million Uganda shillings, and the recipients will be required to repay the borrowed money within a specified period not exceeding two years at an interest rate of 10% per annum,” Kabanda said.
She said those already in businesses or the salary earners may as well access these loans to generate side incomes for their households by establishing other ventures such as rearing chicken, making soap or selling products.
She encouraged female councilors to seek for more information and ensure that the funding earmarked for the initiative is fully utilized.
“If any obstacles are encountered, engage the Ministry of Gender officials and ask them to address any concerns to ensure that this financial support reaches the rightful women entrepreneurs in your localities,” Kabanda said.
Kabanda emphasised that the ruling government in which she serves is non-discriminatory and serves all persons equally irrespective of tribal, religion, or political party affiliations.
She urged the councilors to tap into the available government projects and work together for the good of the people they represent.