John Ssengendo, the Coordinator of the GROW project at the Gender Ministry
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Two thousand women entrepreneurs in Makindye Ssabagabo, will be beneficiaries of business training under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project.
Conducted by the Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Incubation Center in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, it will empower the women with practical business skills to help them grow and sustain their enterprises.
Officially rolled out last week, the scheme is focused on equipping women with both knowledge and confidence to succeed in business.
“Entrepreneurship training is just as important as access to finance or infrastructure,” said John Ssengendo the Coordinator of the GROW project at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. He said the training is not limited to theory but offers a full package of services, including mentorship, simplified content and access to certificates upon completion.
He said they designed a ten-module course in partnership with MUBS that simplifies business management concepts.
“It is translated into local languages and will be delivered in half-day sessions over three weeks. The training is tailored to promote profitability and sustainability,” noted Ssengendo.
He added that many businesses fail not because of lack of capital but because the owners do not know how to manage resources or plan for growth. “We want women enterprises to survive and thrive for five years and more.
Ssengendo said the approach taken by GROW is deliberate and inclusive. “We are not giving women isolated solutions. This is a complete package that is accessible and effective. We hope to see women businesses grow from small stalls to formal enterprises that create jobs and wealth.”
Dr Diana Nandagire Ntamu who heads the MUBS Entrepreneurship Innovation and Incubation Centre said the curriculum was informed by a national needs assessment that exposed major knowledge gaps among women entrepreneurs.
“Most women go into business because they see others doing it. But few understand what it takes to succeed,” she said.
She added that they recognised gaps in areas like customer care, record keeping and business formalization, so that the course addresses those gaps in a very practical way.
“This training includes modules on entrepreneurial mindset, marketing, access to finance and digital tools,” she said, adding that it is not enough to give someone a loan. “They must know how to use it well. That is why this training is critical.”
The programme also puts a strong emphasis on changing how women perceive themselves and their potential.
“Sometimes women believe they cannot achieve what men can in business. That mindset must change. If a woman can manage a home, she can manage a business. We are simply giving her the tools and confidence,” Dr Ntamu said.
The sessions are structured around action learning where participants apply what they learn immediately with support from trainers and mentors.
“We do not just train and walk away. We follow up to ensure they are implementing what they learn,” she said.
The programme is expected to roll out across the country over the coming months with the support of local leaders and community-based trainers.
As the country pushes for inclusive economic transformation, this partnership between MUBS and the Gender Ministry is seen as a timely intervention that targets real challenges faced by women in business.
No wonder, they fused into the GROW project, which is part of a wider government effort to boost the contribution of women entrepreneurs to national development. Officials believe this training will help reduce the high failure rate among women-owned businesses.
