The Ugandan government has rolled out an ambitious entrepreneurship training program that will empower at least 20,000 women with essential business skills, marking a significant step toward boosting female economic participation across the country. The Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), aims to equip women entrepreneurs with practical knowledge to establish, grow, and sustain successful businesses.

During the program’s launch, Aggrey David Kibenge, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond basic training—it is a strategic investment in Uganda’s economic future. “This is not just another capacity-building exercise,” Kibenge stated. “It is a transformative tool designed to provide women with hands-on skills in business planning, financial management, marketing, and customer relations—key pillars for building competitive and sustainable enterprises.”

Kibenge highlighted that the training will cultivate confidence, ambition, and resilience among women entrepreneurs, qualities that are critical for long-term success. “When we empower women with these skills, we are not just uplifting individual businesses,” he explained. “We are fostering job creation, increasing household incomes, and strengthening entire communities.” He pointed out that the broader impact of such initiatives includes poverty reduction, improved welfare, and more inclusive economic growth.

The GROW Project aligns with Uganda’s broader goals of achieving gender equality and national economic transformation. Kibenge stressed that removing barriers to women’s economic participation is essential for the country’s progress. “When women thrive in business, the entire nation benefits,” he said. “Their success translates into better education for children, improved health outcomes, and stronger local economies.”

However, the launch event also saw cautionary remarks from local leaders. Moses Kanaala, the Deputy Mayor of Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality, warned against politicizing the program, a challenge that has undermined previous government initiatives. “Time and again, good programs fail because they are exploited for political gain,” Kanaala said. “This training must benefit all Ugandan women, regardless of their political affiliations. We will not allow one side to monopolize what is meant for everyone.”

His comments reflect concerns that similar initiatives in the past have been marred by favoritism, leaving deserving beneficiaries excluded. Kanaala urged transparency in the selection process to ensure that the program reaches women who genuinely need support to grow their businesses.

The GROW Project comes at a time when women entrepreneurs in Uganda face numerous challenges, including limited access to capital, market competition, and a lack of formal business training. Many small-scale business owners operate without proper financial records or growth strategies, making it difficult to secure loans or expand their ventures. By addressing these gaps, the government hopes to unlock the untapped potential of women-led enterprises, which form a significant part of Uganda’s informal economy.

The training will be conducted in various regions, ensuring accessibility for women in both urban and rural areas. Participants will learn how to develop business plans, manage finances, brand their products, and navigate digital marketing—a crucial skill in today’s increasingly online marketplace. Additionally, the program will provide networking opportunities, allowing women to connect with mentors, financial institutions, and potential buyers.

Economic analysts have welcomed the initiative, noting that investing in women’s entrepreneurship is one of the most effective ways to stimulate grassroots economic development. “Women reinvest up to 90% of their earnings back into their families and communities,” said Dr. Sarah Nalwadda, an economist at Makerere University. “Programs like GROW have a multiplier effect—when one woman succeeds, she lifts many others with her.”

The government plans to monitor the program’s progress through follow-up assessments, tracking how participants apply their new skills to grow their businesses. Success stories will be highlighted to inspire other women and demonstrate the tangible benefits of the training.

As Uganda pushes toward greater economic inclusivity, the GROW Project represents a critical effort to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs. If implemented effectively—and kept free from political interference—it could mark a turning point for thousands of women striving to turn small businesses into sustainable sources of income.

For many beneficiaries, the program offers more than just skills—it provides hope. “I have been running my grocery shop for years, but I didn’t know how to save properly or attract more customers,” said Miriam Nakato, a market vendor in Kampala. “This training could be the push I need to finally grow my business beyond just survival.”

With the first sessions set to begin in the coming months, all eyes will be on how the GROW Project transforms Uganda’s entrepreneurial landscape—one woman at a time.