Ministry warns women against fake GROW project grant offers
"The public is further advised to treat any website, social media account, agent, or organisation claiming to act on behalf of the Ministry or the GROW Project outside these official channels with suspicion," the notice said.
The Ministry further clarified that applications for the GROW Business Plan Competition Grants have not yet been opened (New Vision/Files)
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has warned women entrepreneurs and the general public against fraudsters falsely claiming to offer grants under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project.
In a notice issued by Alex Asiimwe and published in the New Vision newspaper today (October 26), the acting gender ministry Permanent Secretary cautioned the public against unscrupulous individuals who are exploiting the GROW project’s name to deceive unsuspecting members of the public by directing them to unauthorised websites that falsely promise access to grants and other business support services.
The gender ministry said the fraudulent platforms are neither authorised nor affiliated with the government initiative, warning the public against registering on such websites or sharing personal information with individuals claiming to represent the project.
“Their actions are intended to defraud the public through misrepresentation and unlawful solicitation,” the notice read.
The ministry said it would make an official announcement once the application window opens, adding that all applications would be submitted electronically through the project's official website.
It therefore urged women entrepreneurs seeking financial assistance, business training, and other support to rely exclusively on verified communication channels to avoid falling victim to the scam.
These include the official GROW Project website, www.grow.go.ug, the ministry's website, www.mglsd.go.ug, its verified social media platforms on X, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn, as well as national daily newspapers where applicable.
"The public is further advised to treat any website, social media account, agent, or organisation claiming to act on behalf of the Ministry or the GROW Project outside these official channels with suspicion," the notice said.
The ministry said it had reported the matter to the relevant law enforcement authorities for investigation and appropriate action.
The ministry specifically warned against demands for registration charges, facilitation fees, or any other payments purportedly required to secure access to the programme.
"The Ministry and the GROW Project do not charge any fees for registration, application, or access to any of their services. Suspected cases should be reported to the nearest police station," the notice stated.
The Ministry further clarified that applications for the GROW Business Plan Competition Grants have not yet been opened
"When the grant application window is officially launched, the Ministry will announce the procedures and eligibility requirements through the official communication channels indicated above, and all applications will be submitted electronically through the GROW Project website at www.grow.go.ug," the ministry said.
For further information, clarification, or to report suspected fraud, the ministry urged members of the public to call the Toll-Free Line: 0800 307 777, or visit the GROW Project Offices on the 3rd Floor of the Gender and Labour House, Plot 2 George Street, Kampala.