KAMPALA, July 7 — Small and medium-sized enterprises [SMEs] operating in Uganda’s Karamoja Sub-region have been invited to apply for grants of up to US$15,000 under a new European Union-funded programme aimed at strengthening climate-resilient pastoral and agro-pastoral market systems.
The PLACE SME Grant Facility, established under the European Union-funded Regional Programme in Livestock and Pastoralism for Climate Change Adaptation [PLACE] and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [FAO], officially opened applications on 3 July.
According to the programme announcement, the grant facility seeks to support enterprises involved in key livestock and agricultural value chains by providing milestone-based matching grants alongside business development services.
“The grant facility aims to strengthen climate-resilient pastoral and agro-pastoral market systems by supporting SMEs that play a key role in livestock value chains,” the announcement states.
It adds that the initiative “will help enterprises expand their operations, improve productivity, strengthen market access, and increase value addition while contributing to more resilient livelihoods in pastoral areas.”
The grants target legally registered SMEs operating in, or directly supporting, value chains including milk and dairy products, red meat processing and trade, live animal trade, fodder production and supply, honey and apiculture products, and agro-forestry.
Eligible businesses must be registered in Uganda, operate within or serve the Karamoja Region, employ fewer than 20 full-time staff, record an annual turnover of less than US$ 100,000, and commit to providing at least 25 per cent of the total investment cost in cash.
Successful applicants will receive matching grants ranging between US$ 5,000 and US$ 15,000, while contributing a minimum cash co-financing of 25 per cent towards the proposed investment.
The programme will finance productive investments such as machinery and equipment, processing and storage infrastructure, transport assets linked to livestock value chains, climate-smart technologies, digital traceability systems and value addition technologies.
In addition to financial support, beneficiaries will receive business development services, including training, mentorship and technical advisory support aimed at improving enterprise performance.
The announcement says applications will be assessed competitively based on business viability, employment creation potential, contribution to climate adaptation and environmental sustainability, as well as the promotion of inclusion.
“Youth- and women-led enterprises are particularly encouraged to apply,” the notice says.
FAO said successful applicants may be required to provide additional information or participate in verification visits before final grant awards are made.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics [UBOS], Karamoja, located in northeastern Uganda, hosts about 2.4 million cattle, which is roughly 16.7 percent of the national total. Supporting vital pastoralist and agro-pastoralist systems, the sub-region’s livestock economy is highly dynamic. However, herds face ongoing challenges like climate variability, insecurity, and limited access to veterinary services.
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