Women in male-dominated businesses get government grant boost

Women engaged in businesses traditionally dominated by men, including construction, motor garages, plumbing and electrical works, have been given a fresh opportunity to expand their enterprises through a government grant.

The Business Plan Competitive Grant, being implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, provides non-repayable capital to women-owned enterprises to finance business expansion.

The government plans to support 2,600 women-owned enterprises across the country, with women operating businesses in male-dominated sectors being particularly encouraged to apply.

“Women involved in motor garage businesses, plumbing, electrical work, construction and photography are highly encouraged to apply for the grant to boost their businesses,” said Enoch Mutambi, a work-based learning specialist at the labour ministry.

Eligible businesses must have been in operation for at least one year.

Deputy Mayor Hellen Amongin welcomes Minister Lakisa as Deputy Resident City Commissioner Clare Ayipo looks on in Soroti on Wednesday

Successful applicants will receive between sh3.5 million and sh107 million, depending on the nature and scale of their businesses. The advert calling on applicants will be published in New Vision next week, Matambi said.

He made the remarks on Wednesday (October 7) in Soroti City while meeting leaders from Teso and Karamoja, who were sensitised about the programme and tasked with disseminating information to potential beneficiaries.

The initiative, however, excludes some categories of businesses, including fish vending, merchandise trading in weekly markets and local gin brewing.

Applicants must own legally registered enterprises, have a clear physical address and provide adequate financial records to demonstrate the performance of their businesses.

Dr Mercy Faith Lakisa, the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, described the grant as a game changer aimed at unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs and stimulating local economies.

“We gather here to unlock the full economic potential of Ugandan women entrepreneurs and to propel our local economies into high gear productivity,” she said, adding that the programme is intended to help women move beyond survival-oriented micro-enterprises and transition into competitive, sustainable and high-growth businesses.

Apart from male-dominated enterprises, other businesses eligible for support include commercial agribusiness, processing, health technology and early childhood care facilities serving children aged between zero and three years.

Minister of Children and Youth Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa addresses leaders from Teso on Wednesday

Lakisa encouraged more women to invest in early childhood care, saying the shortage of such facilities has left many parents with limited options for childcare.

“As Minister for Children, I would love more women to take up this opportunity because these facilities are few, and that has forced most of our children to remain at home with maids."

Betty Akol, the women's chairperson for Napak district, asked the ministry to reconsider some of the requirements so that women operating in markets can also benefit.

“Many women are locked out, yet those selling in markets also need grants to enable them to grow into middle-class businesswomen,” she said.

Grace Akidi from Abim district asked the ministry to consider affirmative action for women in Karamoja, saying the region faces unique economic challenges.

Mutambi, however, said women operating businesses that fall outside the grant's target categories had been covered under other government programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Participants follow the proceedings

Hellen Amongin, the deputy mayor of Soroti City, urged the ministry to put in place safeguards to protect beneficiaries from corruption and exploitation.

She called for close monitoring of the programme to ensure that women receive the full amount of money allocated to them and are not forced to pay kickbacks to officials or intermediaries.

The sensitisation of leaders is expected to help widen awareness of the grant and encourage eligible women across Teso and Karamoja to take advantage of the opportunity to grow their businesses.