Busoga women entrepreneurs to benefit from new initiative

What the report says

The Observer reports that more than 30,000 low-income women entrepreneurs in Uganda’s Busoga sub-region are expected to receive support through a new Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme. The initiative, launched at the Busoga Kingdom headquarters in Bugembe, is a partnership between the kingdom and the Gates Foundation, aimed at improving access to affordable finance, digital financial services and business development assistance for women running nano and micro enterprises.

According to the report, the programme will combine credit with training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and digital skills, alongside mentorship, savings and insurance options, and links to markets. Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muvawala, representing Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, said the effort fits into wider priorities around improving livelihoods and giving women-owned businesses the skills and opportunities needed to grow beyond access to capital alone.

The Observer also cited Stephen Segujja, head of the Economic Enterprise Restart Fund, saying the programme is intended to widen economic inclusion for underserved communities. He pointed to previous financing initiatives, including $40 million mobilised in partnerships, more than Shs 370 billion extended to over 8,000 Saccos, and over Shs 200 billion provided to more than 10,000 women entrepreneurs under the For Her programme.

The initiative matters because many women in Uganda’s informal and small-business sector face barriers such as limited collateral, low financial literacy and products that do not match their needs. Catherine Poran, chief executive of the Incubator plan, said enterprise development support will be central to helping participants build stronger and more sustainable businesses.