Betty Amongi, the Gender Minister (center) speaking about the apprenticeship program recently
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I More than 5,000 women entrepreneurs across Uganda are set to benefit from hands-on skills training under a new apprenticeship programme spearheaded by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, in a major boost to women-led enterprises.
The initiative, rolled out under the Shs805 billion Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project, aims to equip women with practical, industry-relevant skills to help them expand and sustain their businesses.
Speaking at the launch held at Hotel Africana, Gender Minister Betty Amongi said the programme is designed to directly tackle the skills gap that has long limited the growth of women-owned enterprises.
“Many women have the entrepreneurial spirit, but they need structured, practical experiences to sharpen their competitiveness,” Amongi said.
The apprenticeship programme will see 35 partner institutions host women entrepreneurs and their employees for immersive, on-the-job training. The placements span high-demand sectors such as welding and metal fabrication, construction, surveying, and electrical installation and maintenance—fields where women have traditionally been underrepresented.
According to Amongi, the participating institutions have committed to guiding trainees through hands-on learning that will transform how they run and grow their businesses. However, she emphasized the need to safeguard participants’ welfare throughout the programme.
“We must protect the dignity, safety, and rights of every woman placed with you. There must be zero tolerance for mistreatment, exploitation, harassment, or abuse. We must also ensure that our activities respect the environment and promote sustainability,” she said.
Permanent Secretary Aggrey Kibenge underscored the importance of mentorship in the programme’s success, noting that it goes beyond supervision.
“Mentorship is not simply oversight—it is about inspiring confidence, sharpening talent, and shaping the growth of women enterprise. Let us ensure that this program leaves a lasting, positive impact on the lives of every woman entrusted to your care,” he said.
Kibenge added that the ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board to ensure trainees are formally assessed. Successful participants will receive nationally recognized certification, enhancing their credibility and competitiveness in the market.
“This step is crucial because we believe that practical skills should be recognized and validated through a formal system,” he said.
The GROW project, funded by the World Bank, is a flagship government initiative aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs transition from micro to small and from small to medium enterprises, in line with Uganda’s development agenda.
Officials are now urging beneficiaries to fully embrace the opportunity—acquiring skills, building confidence, and translating their training into thriving businesses that create jobs and inspire others.
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