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Speaker Among revealed that numerous complaints have surfaced from women and local leaders across the country, expressing confusion over the project’s eligibility criteria. (Photo by Parliamentary press)
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By Our Reporter
PARLIAMENT – The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has directed the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi, to provide a detailed statement on the beneficiaries of the US$217 million Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project. The GROW project, a grant from the World Bank, is intended to support women entrepreneurs in Uganda, but concerns have been raised about its accessibility.
During a plenary session, Speaker Among revealed that numerous complaints have surfaced from women and local leaders across the country, expressing confusion over the project’s eligibility criteria. Many are questioning whether the GROW project is designed solely to benefit women entrepreneurs in Kampala, leaving out those in rural areas. “I have received many complaints from women about the GROW project. They are wondering if GROW is only for women on Kampala Road or whether it is benefiting women across the country. Leaders are also asking for regulations and a report on who the beneficiaries are,” Speaker Among stated.
Among emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the project’s implementation, urging the minister to share the regulations governing the project and provide a report on the beneficiaries to Parliament.
She pointed out the stringent requirements set by commercial banks, which are disbursing the funds. Many women are reportedly being asked for land as collateral. (Photo by Parliamentary press)
Jane Pacuto, the Woman MP for Pakwach District, echoed these concerns, commending Speaker Among for her leadership in addressing the issues surrounding GROW. She pointed out the stringent requirements set by commercial banks, which are disbursing the funds. Many women are reportedly being asked for land as collateral, with the additional demand that the land must include a building. Some banks have even requested that women provide photographs of themselves with their husbands, raising questions about whether the funds are only intended for legally married women.
“Women are being asked for land titles, and not just land, but land with buildings. Some are being asked to take photos with their husbands before qualifying for funds. We are wondering if GROW is meant only for legally married women, yet many women out there are not married,” Pacuto said.
The GROW project aims to boost the productivity of women entrepreneurs, but concerns about accessibility and the fairness of its implementation are mounting. Parliament now awaits the Gender Minister’s response, which will clarify the criteria for beneficiaries and address the growing concerns from women across the country.
Torch Media Africa
