Economic scheme targets 10,000 women entrepreneurs in northern Uganda

What the report says

The Observer reported that a new twin economic programme has been launched in Gulu to support more than 10,000 low-income women entrepreneurs and 100 horticulture farmers in northern Uganda. The initiatives are the Women Economic Empowerment programme, backed by the Gates Foundation, and the Albertine Agribusiness Development Programme, funded by the Uganda National Oil Company. They fall under the Positive Impact Agenda for Women, Youth and Farmers.

According to the report, the wider agenda seeks to mobilise up to Shs 1 trillion by 2028 through partnerships to improve livelihoods and support Uganda’s push toward a more productive and inclusive economy. The article says the programme is aligned with the government’s ATMS strategy, which targets major economic growth by 2040 through stronger enterprise productivity, agro-industrial value chains and wider participation in the money economy.

Project coordinator Catherine Poran said the women-focused programme will offer entrepreneurship training, financial literacy, digital skills, mentorship, insurance, savings products and market connections. She also said the agribusiness component will train farmers in modern production methods and link them to organised buyers, while encouraging beneficiaries to share good practices with others.

At the launch at the Mayor’s gardens in Gulu, Resident City Commissioner Ambrose Onoria urged beneficiaries to use the opportunity, citing a 10% interest rate under the programme. UNOC national content specialist Jessica Kyeyune stressed the need for business management skills and post-harvest handling, while Gulu City Mayor Julius Labeja Acire said structured finance and training could help protect women from exploitative lenders.