Beatrice Akello Akori, the State Minister for Economic Monitoring, has warned officials in Agago district not to obstruct the implementation of the GROW project. The GROW (Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women) project is a $17 million (approximately UGX 800 billion) initiative funded by the World Bank under the Private Sector Foundation Uganda. The project aims to support women entrepreneurs who are already in business, helping them to expand their ventures, sustain self-employment, and create more jobs. It will run until 2027.
This project is part of the Ugandan government’s response to the needs of women entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses. During the belated International Women’s Day celebrations in Patongo Town Council on May 16, 2024, Akello represented Gender Minister Betty Amongi. She urged officials to properly select women who are already engaged in business.
“They should select women who are already doing business because if you select someone who doesn’t have any experience in doing business and you give such a person a big sum of money, there is a high possibility that the money will not be effective,” Akello said.
Monitoring Selection Criteria
Akello emphasized the importance of increasing the capacity of women who are already experienced in business. She assured that the selection criteria for project beneficiaries would be closely monitored. She also called for increased sensitization efforts, particularly by the community development office, which is equipped to train other women who might not yet be informed about the project.
As the Woman Member of Parliament for Agago District, Akello directed the Resident District Commissioner and his team to monitor the project from the selection process to implementation. This oversight is intended to ensure that corruption is minimized and the right beneficiaries are selected, which will increase the likelihood of the project’s success.
Reducing Poverty and Violence
David Lagen Atuka, the Member of Parliament for Agago County, highlighted the uniqueness of the GROW project in targeting women who are struggling in business. He expressed confidence that, if utilized properly, the project could significantly reduce poverty levels and gender-based violence in communities. The financial support would enable families to pay for school fees and meet other domestic needs.
Interest in Training and Support
Gabriel Oola, the district community development officer, reported that over 200 women have applied for skill training in various enterprises, while others are awaiting grants and loans. For example, Naity Akello, a businesswoman dealing in sim-sim paste and honey, has applied for training in mushroom production to diversify her business and increase her income.