KAMPALA, UGANDA: 28 March 2026- The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) has reached a major milestone in its mission to empower female business owners across Uganda. Following the recent announcement of partnerships with Common User Production Facilities (CUPFs), the Ministry has now officially signed contracts for the Enabling Access to Gender-Inclusive Workplace Infrastructure Grants.
At a ceremony held on March 27, 2026, Permanent Secretary Mr. A.D. Kibenge officiated the signing of these performance-based grants, marking the transition from planning to active financial support for selected organizations.
A Commitment Fulfilled:
While the process experienced some delays in approvals, the Ministry has successfully finalized the necessary legal and technical frameworks to advance the funds. These grants are part of the World Bank-funded GROW Project, designed to help women entrepreneurs scale their businesses through better access to professional, gender-responsive workspaces.
The Pilot Cohort: Leading the Way
The signing involved nine (9) organizations that represent a diverse range of sectors—from agricultural processing to innovation hubs. These include:
Finn Church Aid Uganda (FCA), Okere Community Development Project (Okere City), Wend Africa (Women Empowerment Network Design),
Namalu Farmers Produce and Cooperative Society Limited,
Kiruhura Women Entrepreneurs in Ghee Processing (KWEG), Benedictine Nuns of Perpetual Adoration, The Innovation Village Hub, Airo Cassava Growers & Processors Association, and Kiyindi Women Fish Processors Association.
Looking Ahead: 200 More Grants Coming:
Mr. Kibenge emphasized that these nine organizations are just the beginning of a larger national rollout. The Ministry’s technical team is currently evaluating additional proposals, with plans to award 200 more grants in the near future to further expand the project’s reach.
”My humble request to you is to ensure that the money… is used exactly for the reason you indicated in your proposal.” — Mr. A.D. Kibenge, Permanent Secretary, MGLSD.
To ensure the success of the initiative, the Ministry’s technical team will provide continuous support and monitoring to guarantee that the funds are utilized effectively to benefit women in business.
About the GROW Project
The GROW Project is a Government of Uganda initiative implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development alongside the Private Sector Foundation Uganda. Supported by the World Bank, the project is dedicated to increasing the number, productivity, and competitiveness of women-owned enterprises nationwide.
