ENTEBBE, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) –
The Government has warned women entrepreneurs against fraudsters demanding money in exchange for access to grants under the GROW Business Plan Competition, emphasising that the application process is completely free.
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Gen. Henry Tumukunde said no applicant should pay money to obtain information, submit an application or receive funding under the programme.
“The application process is completely free of charge. No applicant should pay any money to access information, apply, or receive a grant,” Tumukunde said.
He urged local government leaders to protect women entrepreneurs from fraud and extortion, adding that all cases of fraud and corruption should be reported to the ministry and relevant authorities.
The warning was issued on October 13, 2026, during an orientation meeting for local government leaders on the GROW Business Plan Competition Grants held at Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe.
The government has introduced non-repayable grants ranging from Shs3.5 million to Shs107 million to support women-owned businesses that were unable to access financing under the GROW Loan programme.
The initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development with support from the World Bank, is expected to benefit at least 2,626 women-owned enterprises nationwide, including businesses in refugee-hosting districts and other vulnerable communities.
Tumukunde said the grants were introduced after the government realised that many capable women entrepreneurs had failed to secure financing because of banking requirements and other constraints.
“To address this gap, Government has introduced the GROW Business Plan Competition Grants, specifically targeting women entrepreneurs who did not benefit from the GROW Loan,” he said.
The grants are intended to help women expand their businesses, create jobs and contribute to Uganda’s economic growth.
Priority will be given to businesses with high growth potential, particularly those involved in innovation, agribusiness, green enterprises, manufacturing, technology and other productive sectors that create jobs and improve livelihoods.
Tumukunde called on resident district commissioners, district chairpersons, mayors, chief administrative officers, town clerks, commercial officers and other local leaders to mobilise eligible women and provide accurate information about the programme.
He said local government leaders must explain the eligibility requirements clearly, prevent misinformation and ensure that women receive the necessary support to participate in the application process.
The minister also emphasised that women who have already benefited from the GROW Loan are not eligible for the grants.
He encouraged local leaders to help eligible women participate in upcoming business clinics, where they will receive guidance on the application process and business plan preparation.
The GROW Project is a government initiative supported by the World Bank to help women-owned enterprises overcome barriers to financing and expand their businesses.
Tumukunde said the success of the grants would depend on the collective efforts of government officials and local leaders to ensure that deserving women are reached, informed and supported to participate fairly and transparently.
He added that the programme offers an opportunity to expand women’s economic participation, create employment and strengthen local economies across Uganda.
