Minister Betty Amongi addressing the delegates at the launch
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Government of Uganda has allocated Shs 29.2 billion (approximately USD 8 million) to support the apprenticeship and work placement component of the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project.
This funding, channeled through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, is a key part of the initiative’s broader mission to empower women entrepreneurs and enhance their economic resilience.
The apprenticeship initiative, implemented under the project’s Support for Women Empowerment and Development Services component, is designed to bridge the skills and experience gap that often hinders the growth of women-owned businesses.
Through strategic placements in thriving enterprises across the country, participating women and their employees will gain hands-on training, mentorship, and practical exposure in fields aligned with their businesses.
12,430 applicants
Initially targeting 5,000 women, the program has received overwhelming interest, with 12,430 applications submitted so far. According to the GROW Secretariat, these applicants will be placed in 120 host enterprises, 35 of which have already signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Ministry.
While presiding over the MoU signing ceremony, Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, lauded the partnerships as a bold step toward inclusive economic development.
“Today, we are not just signing agreements—we are creating pathways for women to learn from the field, gain critical business insights, and emerge as strong economic actors in Uganda’s development journey,” said Amongi.
Ms Odiirah Nansamba, a Communications Specialist at the Gender ministry addressing delegates at the signing ceremony for the Apprenticeship and Work Placement initiative at Hotel Africana in Kampala recently
She emphasized the transformative power of structured, real-world learning, particularly in sectors such as construction, electrical installation, metal fabrication, and surveying—fields where women have been historically underrepresented.
“These institutions will not only provide training and mentorship but also access to the tools needed to thrive,” she added: “We must ensure a dignified, safe, and supportive environment for all trainees. There is zero tolerance for any form of mistreatment or harassment.”
Aggrey David Kibenge, the Gender ministry’s Permanent Secretary echoed the minister’s remarks, stressing the program’s strategic intent.
“Capital without capability cannot drive sustainable growth. This initiative is about building that capability—giving women the knowledge and skills to grow and lead.”
Minister Betty Amongi shortly after her arrival at the MOU signing ceremony for the Apprenticeship and Work Placement initiative at Hotel Africana in Kampala recently
He urged host institutions to invest wholeheartedly in the program by providing skilled mentors, proper equipment, and an enabling learning environment.
“Mentorship is not just about supervision it’s about inspiring confidence and nurturing business potential. Let’s make this count.”
MUK partnership
Beyond apprenticeships, the GROW project provides a comprehensive support system for women entrepreneurs. This includes business development services, essential skills training, and access to Common User Production Facilities (CUPFs). So far, over 2,000 applications have been received for access to these facilities, with production hubs being set up in collaboration with Makerere University, Rwentanga Farm School, and NARO Kawanda.
To validate the skills acquired, the Ministry is partnering with the Ministry of Education and Sports to facilitate formal certification through the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB). Graduates will receive nationally recognized credentials, enhancing their credibility in the marketplace.
Some of the CEO’s of the firms that will train women under the Apprenticeship and Work Placement initiative signing MOU’s with the Gender ministry at Hotel Africana in Kampala recently
As the first cohort of women prepares to begin their apprenticeships on May 15th, Amongi called upon on private sector enterprises, development partners, civil society, and local governments to support this transformative initiative.
“We are planting the seeds of a more inclusive and prosperous Uganda,” she said. “And women are at the heart of this transformation.”
Funded by the World Bank, the GROW project represents one of Uganda’s most significant investments in women’s economic empowerment. It aims not only to uplift individual entrepreneurs but also to stimulate inclusive growth, create jobs, and drive innovation across multiple sectors.
