Ugandan firms to access up to sh150m in invite third call

KAMPALA - Ugandan export-oriented businesses are set to access significantly higher funding under the third call of the Investment for Industrial Transformation and Employment (INVITE) project.

Officials have disclosed that overall, the third call is expected to disburse close to $1.5m (approximately sh5.6b) to about 300 enterprises, more than doubling the number of beneficiaries targeted in earlier phases.

“We want to see the numbers grow to 300 enterprises during this third call,” said John Marie Kyewalabye, the INVITE Project Co-ordinator, adding that they expect to dish out close to $1.5 million to these firms.

He said that the broader component itself has a funding pool of $6 million, of which less than $1 million has been committed so far, leaving significant room for expansion.

“In the first two calls, we committed about $800,000. That means we still have substantial resources to support more firms,” noted Kyewalabye.

Individual firms to access sh150m each 

The project co-ordinator further disclosed that individual firms are now eligible for grants of up to $40,000 (about sh150m), marking a sharp increase from previous funding rounds.

“The new funding window reflects a strategic shift aimed at accelerating export-led growth, boosting industrial capacity, and positioning Uganda to achieve its ambitious 10-fold economic growth strategy,” added Kyewalabye.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement, where they met over 400 prospective exporters, which was held at Protea Hotel in Kampala, Kyewalabye further said that the expanded funding envelope is central to unlocking Uganda’s export potential.

“The INVITE project largely speaks to and supports the National Development Plan IV, but also the 10-fold growth strategy,” Kyewalabye said, adding that the strategy is anchored on exports, as a core driver, and I see it as the engine for the growth that is anticipated.

He noted that Uganda is targeting a dramatic shift in its export profile, with merchandise exports expected to rise from about 13 percent to 50 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“That means half of this GDP will be supported by manufactured merchandise and exports,” he explained. “We are saying we should not be exporting raw materials, but finished or value-added products that earn more.”

Bigger impact 

Under the third call, INVITE has raised the funding ceiling fourfold—from a maximum of $8,000 (about Shs30 million) per firm in the first two calls, to $40,000 for qualifying applicants.

According to Daniel Kisekka, the INVITE project Export Firm Support Component Manager, this increase is intended to enable firms to undertake more ambitious investments.

“In the first two calls, the maximum amount that a firm would access was $8,000. Now we are saying a firm can access up to $40,000, which is four times more than what they could previously receive,” Kisekka said.

However, he clarified that the funding is not automatic. “It is not a question of just applying for $40,000. Your investment activity plan must demonstrate that you are undertaking an activity of that magnitude.”

The grants operate under a reimbursement model, where beneficiaries initially finance their projects and are later refunded up to 80 percent of the costs upon successful completion.

“That means the applicant must first invest 100 percent, and then claim back 80 percent as a grant,” Kisekka explained.

Under the third call, INVITE has raised the funding ceiling fourfold—from a maximum of $8,000 (about Shs30 million) per firm in the first two calls, to $40,000 for qualifying applicants. (Credit: John Ricks Kayizzi)

Widened eligibility 

The third call has also widened eligibility to include high-value export commodities such as coffee, cocoa, horticulture, and fisheries—sectors that dominate Uganda’s export landscape.

“This is the first time we are bringing on board exporting firms dealing in commodities like coffee, cocoa, and fisheries,” Kisekka said, adding that they expect to see more participation because many exporters operate in these sectors.

The application window, which opened on Wednesday, April 1 2026, to Thursday, April 30, 2026, has had project managers anticipating a surge in submissions, driven by increased awareness and improved confidence among businesses.

“In the past calls, we received about 150 to 160 applications. This time, we expect that number to double,” Kisekka said, adding that early indicators show strong interest.

In a recent media statement, the secretariat said that under the general requirements, applicants must be legally registered businesses in Uganda, ranging from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to large firms.

“Priority sectors include manufacturing, agro-processing, digital/ICT, logistics, and export-oriented enterprises. In addition, firms must comply with environmental and social standards set by the National Environment Management Authority and the World Bank,” further reads the statement.

It added that all applicants must demonstrate legal registration, sector relevance, and full compliance with national and international environmental and social safeguards.”

Eligible businesses typically employ between two and 100 workers. For working capital and receivables finance, firms must have operated for at least 24 months and be part of key value chains such as coffee, maize, dairy, and fish, while accessing funds through regulated financial institutions supervised by the Bank of Uganda or Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority.

“Unregistered businesses and inactive firms are excluded, ensuring that only credible enterprises benefit,” further reads the statement.

Success stories 

Beneficiaries from earlier funding rounds say the grants have already begun transforming their businesses, particularly in areas often overlooked due to limited capital.

Agnes Kitumba-Netunze-, CEO of Koko Agri-Farms Ltd, described INVITE as a timely intervention that helped her company strengthen its global market presence.

“INVITE came in at the right time when we were struggling with branding,” she said, adding that they were able to receive digital marketing support and develop a professional website—things small businesses often cannot afford.

Her company now exports cocoa to markets in Europe and Asia, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

“Our goal has always been export. INVITE helped us build the brand identity and visibility we needed to compete internationally,” she added.

Kitumba-Netunze said that her firm plans to apply again under the third call to secure additional support for international marketing and positioning Ugandan cocoa as a premium single-origin product.

“One of the things I’ve realised is that our cocoa is among the best in the world, but it is not yet known as a single-origin product. We want to change that,” she said.

Shalom Mbabazi, an exporter of chilli and vanilla to Europe, hailed Government for the INVITE initiative, saying that they have been able to establish networks globally.

Export-led growth 

Kyewalabye emphasised that beyond individual firms, the funding is part of a broader strategy to transform Uganda’s economy through industrialisation and export growth.

“The initiative is aligned with key government priorities, including agro-industrialisation and value addition. Exports cut across all sectors—from agriculture to manufacturing. What we are doing is enhancing production capacity so that firms can produce quality and compete globally.”

He urged eligible businesses to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that the project’s success depends on active participation from the private sector.

“We are rallying firms in manufacturing and exporting. They should submit applications, since this is an opportunity to scale, compete, and contribute to Uganda’s economic transformation.”

World Bank-funded 

The project is a $218m initiative supported by the World Bank and partners to boost Uganda's private sector, focusing on manufacturing, export growth, and job creation.

The INVITE Secretariat, under the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), yesterday issued a call for applications to members of the private sector with an intention to provide financial support by re-embursing 80% of the activity cost, with up to $40,000 per firm, depending on export needs and in line with the eligibility criteria.