Women leaders accuse banks of mismanaging GROW project funds

A flagship government project aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in Uganda has been marred by allegations of mismanagement and corruption.

Women leaders in Jinja, Uganda, claim that banks managing the Growth Opportunities for Women (GROW) project have denied them access to financial support, despite meeting all the requirements.

The GROW project, launched in January 2023, aimed to provide affordable loans to women entrepreneurs. However, stakeholders claim that no beneficiaries have been identified in Jinja, despite meeting the requirements.

During a stakeholder engagement, members of the Jinja Women League expressed frustration over their inability to access the funds. “Since the project started, we have not seen a single woman benefit,” said Edith Tibenkana, chairperson of the Jinja Women League. “We have deposited land titles and met every requirement, yet we are still sidelined.”

Annet Musika, a businesswoman, accused the banks of setting up barriers that defeat the purpose of the initiative. “The banks are frustrating this project,” she said. “Women cannot succeed if those tasked with implementation block access.”

Phiona Nambaziira, a women leader in Bugembe, alleged that banks were conniving to give money to only their close friends and relatives, who do not even reside in Jinja.

The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, which oversees the GROW project, explained that collateral requirements were necessary to safeguard the funds. However, banks involved in managing the funds maintain that the money has been disbursed to eligible clients.

Jinja Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Richard Gulume has promised to investigate the matter. “We will look into all the partner banks to verify which women received the funds,” he said. “If there is mismanagement, we will hold those responsible accountable.”