BUTAMBALA — Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), in partnership with Kyaddondo CBS PEWOSA SACCO, has launched the GROW Project in Butambala District, unlocking more than UGX 5 billion in affordable financing to support women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and create employment opportunities.
The launch was officiated by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, who commended PSFU, the World Bank and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development for investing in programmes aimed at improving women’s economic empowerment.
Mayiga urged women entrepreneurs in Butambala to utilise the available financing responsibly by investing in productive businesses that can improve household incomes and strengthen communities.
“When women are supported to work, they can raise the dignity of their families and communities and the country grows,” Mayiga said.
He encouraged beneficiaries to move beyond saving money and instead invest in income-generating ventures that can grow their wealth.
“Savings do not grow, but when they are invested in business they grow. I encourage women to adopt this scheme, borrow money and invest in business to develop themselves,” he said.
The Katikkiro also advised women who access the funds to take ownership of their businesses and ensure responsible repayment so that other entrepreneurs can benefit from the programme.
“I urge women who borrow this money not to allow men to take it away from them but to use it wisely and take responsibility to return it to help others,” he said.
Supporting Women-Led Businesses
Speaking at the launch, Dr Ruth Aisha Kasolo, the GROW Project Coordinator at PSFU, encouraged women entrepreneurs to take advantage of the financing opportunity to expand sustainable enterprises, create jobs and improve livelihoods.
She said the programme is designed to address some of the financial barriers that limit women’s participation in business growth by providing access to affordable financing and business support.
Through the partnership with Kyaddondo CBS PEWOSA SACCO, the GROW Project will enable women entrepreneurs in Butambala to access financial resources needed to strengthen their businesses and increase their contribution to local economic development.
PSFU said the initiative aligns with efforts to promote inclusive private sector growth by empowering women-owned enterprises.
The organisation added that supporting women with access to finance, skills and markets is critical in building resilient communities and accelerating economic transformation.
GROW Project Expands Women’s Economic Opportunities
The GROW Project, implemented with support from government partners and development institutions, focuses on increasing access to finance and business opportunities for women entrepreneurs across Uganda.
PSFU said the collaboration with SACCOs such as Kyaddondo CBS PEWOSA is intended to bring affordable financing closer to women at the community level, enabling them to start, sustain and grow businesses.
The launch in Butambala marks another step in efforts to strengthen women’s participation in Uganda’s private sector and create pathways for job creation and household economic security.
