Ugandan Women Can Access Museveni's Grow Project Funds

The Grow Project, initiated by President Museveni, aims to stimulate business expansion for individual women entrepreneurs across Uganda. The project provides loans to women in three categories: micro-scale business owners, medium-scale business owners, and large business tycoons. This initiative is part of the national development plan, focusing on empowering women through financial support.

To access the funds, women entrepreneurs can apply through a government community development officer at the city, municipality, division, or district level. The application forms are free of charge, as guided by President Museveni. This approach is designed to avoid social bureaucracy that often hinders social growth for women. By simplifying the application process, the government aims to reach more women and support their business endeavors.

The Grow Project financing allows for corporate collateral security, where an organized women's business can guarantee security for a loan applicant who may not own personal assets. This provision makes it easier for women without personal assets to access loans. Ten private banking institutions are partnering with the central government to ease the acquisition of funds for business prospects.

By November 11, 2026, the Grow Project fund had disbursed 133 billion shillings to 2,337 women entrepreneurs in Uganda. This significant disbursement reflects the project's progress in supporting women-led businesses. The initiative is intertwined with the NRM manifesto appraisal, highlighting its importance in Uganda's socio-economic development.

The project supports various businesses, including restaurant owners, shop attendants, market stalls, merchandise sellers, tours and travel, e-commerce, and more. Women entrepreneurs in these sectors can qualify for loans ranging from 4 million to 200 million shillings. This financial support can help them expand their businesses, increase their income, and improve their livelihoods.

The partnership between the government and private banking institutions is crucial in leveraging private sector resources for national development. By working together, they aim to create a more enabling environment for women entrepreneurs to access finance and grow their businesses. This collaboration is expected to have a positive impact on Uganda's economy and women's empowerment.

The Grow Project is a significant step towards promoting women's economic empowerment in Uganda. By providing access to finance and simplifying the application process, the project can help women entrepreneurs overcome some of the challenges they face in accessing credit. As the project continues to disburse funds, it is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of many women entrepreneurs and their businesses.

Key points

• The Grow Project provides loans ranging from 4 million to 200 million shillings to women entrepreneurs in Uganda.
• By November 11, 2026, 133 billion shillings had been disbursed to 2,337 women entrepreneurs.
• The project allows for corporate collateral security, making it easier for women without personal assets to access loans.