The Auditor General has raised concerns about the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project, a key initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs, which he says has recorded a low uptake of funds. According to the Auditor General, Edward Akol, only 21% of the disbursed funds for the financial year ending June 30, 2024, were utilized. Out of the total UGX52.18 billion allocated, only UGX10.96 billion was expended, leaving an unspent balance of UGX41.22 billion still sitting in the project’s bank accounts. The report highlights significant delays in key project activities, such as the development of operational manuals and the recruitment of staff, which the project’s management also acknowledged in an interview with this publication. The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MoGLSD), which is overseeing the project, has also failed to conduct training and sensitization sessions for the intended beneficiaries. These delays have directly contributed to the low absorption of funds, preventing many female entrepreneurs from accessing the financial resources needed to grow their businesses. Ruth Biyinzika Kasolo, the Project Coordinator, told this publication in an interview that steps are being taken to address the concerns. “We understand the frustration that some beneficiaries are facing due to the delays. However, we have now finalized the curriculum, and training will commence in February 2025. This will ensure that women entrepreneurs are well-equipped with the necessary skills to effectively utilize the funds and grow their businesses,†she stated. The GROW project, which is funded by the World Bank to the tune of USD217 million, aims to support over 60,000 female-owned enterprises across Uganda, with a focus on both refugee and host communities. The project, which became effective in January 2023, targets to benefit 280,000 women entrepreneurs and employees, including 42,000 refugees. Additionally, it aims to reach over 1.6 million indirect beneficiaries. A beneficiary, Sarah Nakyobe, a small-scale trader in Kampala, expressed her disappointment with the slow rollout. “I applied for the funds months ago, but due to the delays, I haven’t received the necessary support to expand my business. I hope the upcoming training and sensitization will fast-track the process and help women like me access the financial aid we need,†she said. In light of the low uptake, the Auditor General has urged the accounting officer to expedite the training and sensitization programs. “I advised the Accounting Officer to expedite the training and sensitization programs to ensure that the beneficiaries can apply and thereafter utilize the funds for their enterprises,†Akol stated. This advice aims to ensure that the funds can be fully utilized to help women entrepreneurs build and expand their businesses, ultimately driving growth and economic empowerment in the country. The GROW project holds the potential to significantly improve the livelihoods of women entrepreneurs, especially in marginalized communities, but its success depends on the swift and effective implementation of these key activities.
