Parliament wants report on the progress of GROW project.
- The eport must clearly specify the eligibility criteria for women to benefit from the GROW project.
women seeking access to the funds are asked for land titles and photos together with their husband's.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has directed the Ministry of Finance, and the one for Gender and social development to present a detailed report on the progress of Generating Growth opportunities and productivity for women enterprises (GROW )project.
The initiative funded by world bank aims to support female entrepreneurs in Uganda, but there are concerns that many women have not benefited from the project due to unclear guidelines.
The Speaker highlighted numerous complaints from women leaders and businesswomen who, despite meeting the necessary requirements, have been denied access to the project funds.
Among emphasized that the report must clearly specify the eligibility criteria for women to benefit from the GROW project.
Pakwach Woman MP Jane Pacuto stated that women in her area seeking access to the funds were asked for land titles and photos together with their husband's , questioning whether the project is only intended for married women.
Rubabo County MP Namanya Naboth also , pointed out that many women cannot meet the banks' demands, which could undermine the project's goal of empowering women if Parliament does not intervene promptly.
The Speaker concluded by ordering the government to clarify the eligibility,maximum funding, and the requirements for accessing funding.
The GROW project was launched in 2023 and received a USD 217 million grant from the world bank for five years duration.