As Uganda joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8, women across the country used the occasion to highlight challenges they face in accessing funds from government empowerment programs, particularly the GROW initiative. The celebrations, held in Kyankwanzi District, were graced by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the chief guest, alongside other dignitaries.
During the event, women from Kyankwanzi expressed their frustrations with the GROW program, which is designed to lift women out of poverty by providing them with financial resources to start income-generating activities. However, many women complained about the stringent requirements imposed by banks, such as the need for land titles, motorcycle or car ownership documents, and other collateral, which they say are unrealistic for most rural women. "We are struggling to access the GROW funds because the banks demand things we don’t have, like land titles and vehicle documents. How can we benefit from this program if the requirements are so high?" said one of the women.
President Museveni, visibly concerned by these complaints, criticized the officials managing the GROW program for creating unnecessary barriers. He urged them to simplify the process to ensure that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries—women in need of financial support to improve their livelihoods.
In Kampala, women also voiced similar concerns during a separate event. They revealed that accessing GROW funds often involves paying bribes or navigating complex bureaucratic processes, which many cannot afford. Some women shared their experiences of being turned away by banks due to lack of collateral or proper documentation.
"We spend a lot of money preparing documents and traveling to banks, only to be told we don’t qualify. This is discouraging and defeats the purpose of the program," said a woman from Kampala.
Nalubega, a leader in Wandegeya Market who oversees women’s empowerment initiatives, acknowledged the challenges but encouraged women to remain persistent. She emphasized that with proper preparation and guidance, women can successfully access the funds and use them to transform their lives.
"The GROW program has the potential to change lives, but women need to be well-prepared and informed about the requirements. We are here to support them through the process," said Nalubega.
Dr. Aisha Kasolo, the head of the GROW program and wife of Microfinance Minister Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, assured President Museveni that efforts are being made to address the challenges. She explained that the program targets women with viable business plans and that the stringent requirements are meant to ensure accountability. "We are working to streamline the process and ensure that the funds reach the right beneficiaries. Women with clear business plans will have no trouble accessing the funds," said Dr. Kasolo.
Suzan Kushaba, the former chairperson of Owino Market and a women’s rights advocate, criticized the mismanagement of the GROW program. She accused some officials of exploiting the program for personal gain and leaving the intended beneficiaries stranded.
"It’s disheartening to see a program meant to empower women being hijacked by selfish individuals. The government must take action to ensure that the funds benefit the women who need them most," said Suzan.
As the celebrations concluded, women called for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the GROW program. They urged the government to simplify the application process and ensure that the funds are accessible to all eligible women, regardless of their financial status.
