Government urged to prioritize sustainable business projects

The government has been urged to ensure strict monitoring of projects to promote sustainable livelihoods among Ugandan women. The government was also tipped to refrain from dispatching financial support without monitoring to encourage more investment options.

Rita Aciro, executive director at Uganda Women's Network (UWONET) said this in an exclusive Interview with New Vision in her office in Kampala. Aciro observed that what is key in addressing issues of women is encouraging them embrace projects that can contribute to both the community and their well-being.

"If we only stop at financing without checking the project sustainability, we may miss the point. Concerned government agencies and stakeholders should prioritize project sustainability to better help our women," said Aciro

Her comment comes at a time government announced plans to roll out women loan schemes across the country to help bridge the unemployment gap. The women loan scheme started in 2014 in 19 districts including Kampala.

According to Rehmah Kasule President at Century Entrepreneurship Development Agency (CEDA) international, there is need to train women to appreciate the formal procedure of registering business to strengthen their brand and market products better.

"As we welcome government's initiative to extend non-interest loans to our women, we need to reflect on ways of mentoring the women to enable them accelerate their business modules. We strongly believe that when we empower women, we equally empower the nation. The women's small and medium enterprises that we are supporting are the engine to social and economic development of our country," explained Kasule