Women told to register businesses, pay taxes to attract investment

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In celebration of Women’s Day, United States Exchange Alumni in Uganda, in collaboration with Uganda Investment Authority, organised a women’s event where women not only exhibited their products but were encouraged on how to move their enterprises to another level.

This took place at the Uganda Manufacturers' Association grounds at Lugogo, Kampala, on March 7, 2026.

Sarah Kagingo, the vice chairperson of Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), encouraged women to grow their business by taking advantage of financial opportunities, especially those available in the bank and government programmes.   

“We have projects like GROW, where women can access funds from banks like Pearl Bank and Centenary Bank at 10% interest,” she said. “These can help expand your business when you need more capital.”

She also encouraged women to move from the informal sector by registering their business, but also to scale them up to bigger ones. She said research shows many women start businesses; however, they are concentrated in the lower pyramids.

Kagingo called upon women to join associations like Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL) and the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA). Not only do these organisations offer free entrepreneurship training, but they also have opportunities for capital and trade.

Pay taxes

There is no way your business will exist without paying taxes. Blessings Owomugisha, the President of Uganda’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) appealed to women to pay their taxes if they want to attract more investment in the business.

Educate yourself on taxes

URA Officer Tax Education Barbara Nalugwa urged women entrepreneurs to educate themselves regarding taxes to avoid being cheated.  Nalugwa emphasised that the training is free, which they can access from URA upon invitation.

“URA does not charge taxes on your stock; the taxes are charged on how much you make. If your annual turnover is below sh10m, you will not pay, but still you need to file showing proper records,” she said.

Nalugwa advised women to always have proper records to avoid being taken advantage of by tax agents. These include invoices, receipts, payment vouchers, and delivery notes.

Build your team

Margaret Kisutu, the co-founder of Afros and Mos company, urged women entrepreneurs to build strong teams that can help move their vision forward.

“You need people who can stand in different positions where you are not,” she says.  “But this also calls for choosing the best staff.”

According to Kisitu, beautiful resumes with good credentials and references are no longer enough; “You have to observe the person and see that what they offer is what you want. Someone might be the right fit according to the academic papers, but when it comes to job execution, they are a disappointment. Recruit employees who will take your business ahead.”