KOTIDO, March 27, 2025 – In a collaborative effort, Centenary Bank and Kotido Local Government have conducted a comprehensive training session at Caritas Hall, Kotido, to encourage businesswomen to participate in the Gender Responsive Opportunities for Women’s Economic Empowerment [GROW] project.
The Centenary Bank Kotido Branch Manager, Jhanan Obong Olum, the organiser of the event, explained that GROW aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with affordable loans and essential training to enhance their enterprises.
Lilly Lemukol, Principal Community Development Officer, emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating, “This project is specifically designed for women who are already running businesses. We want to ensure they receive the necessary support to grow and thrive in their ventures.”
The training session attracted over 130 applicants competing for 100 available slots, demonstrating a high demand for the programme, which is valued at over Shs 800 billion.
According to Emmanuel Okaja, Town Clerk of Kotido Municipality, “Empowerment is crucial for social and economic transformation. We are grateful to Centenary Bank for their partnership in making this possible.”
Lt David Aisu, District Internal Security Officer Kotido, highlighted the initiative’s impact, noting that 12 women have already benefited from the programme. He urged participants to adhere to the guidelines and manage their finances responsibly to ensure successful loan repayment.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Kotido, Peter Abrahams Lokwii, assured attendees of security and called on the government to relax certain conditions for the GROW Project, recognising the unique challenges faced by women in Kotido. “Transparency and inclusivity in the selection process are essential. We need to support businesswomen without political bias,” he emphasised.
Kotido Municipality Mayor, Irar Peter Abrahams, expressed appreciation for Centenary Bank’s flexibility and stressed the urgency of facilitating access to funds for women entrepreneurs. “The NRM government has played a significant role in serving the population, and we urge swift action in providing financial support,” he said.
District and Municipal Focal Persons for GROW, David Lodip and Nakiru Nancy, reiterated the project’s focus on women’s empowerment and enterprise development. The five-year initiative aims to provide access to finance, infrastructure, auditing, and guidelines to ensure sustainable growth for women-led businesses.
Nyende Joseph, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist from Centenary Bank, highlighted the project’s focus on supporting women from marginalised communities, including those with disabilities, albinism, and refugee backgrounds. “We are committed to providing financial support to vulnerable groups while ensuring businesses remain environmentally sustainable,” he stated.
Linda Agnes Nakibombo, Senior Relations Officer for Women at Centenary Bank, provided additional insights: “The GROW Project is not just about loans; it’s about building a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. We offer continuous training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help women succeed in their businesses,” she explained. “Our goal is to empower women to become leaders in their communities and drive economic growth.”
Senior Assistant CAO Joseph Orisa urged the bank to relax conditions for women in Karamoja. He pledged district support for women entrepreneurs and encouraged them to take advantage of other government programmes. “Empowering women has a profound impact on national development,” he said.
Success stories
The GROW project has already transformed the lives of many women entrepreneurs in Kotido. Beneficiaries from the first batch report significant business growth, improved financial stability, and greater confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities.
One beneficiary, Mary Akello, shared her experience: “The loan I received through the GROW project allowed me to expand my produce business. With the additional funds, I was able to purchase more stock and hire extra help, which has significantly increased my revenue.”
GROW project is a Government of Uganda initiative, funded by the World Bank, implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda in all districts, municipalities and cities. It aims at increasing access to entrepreneurial services that enable female entrepreneurs to grow their enterprises from micro to small and small to medium in targeted locations, including the refugee host districts.
https://thecooperator.news/karamoja-locals-thriving-after-benefiting-from-pdm/
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