RDCs, CAOs, LC5 leaders and security agencies in Kigezi have been reminded that the success of the GROW Project will depend on effective service delivery and coordinated district support.
The reminder was delivered during the GROW Project Kigezi Stakeholders Meeting held today at National Teachers College, Kabale (NTC). The meeting focused on sensitising women about the project and collecting feedback on setbacks affecting smooth implementation. The initiative is funded by the World Bank through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Speaking to attendees, Hon. Henry Ariganyira Musasizi, representing Rubanda East and the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, told district leaders that their roles are equally important to ensure availability of key services such as roads, electricity and water—support that he said is necessary for businesses to grow and for communities to access opportunities. He added that the project is designed to help women move from survival activities to sustainable enterprises through low-interest loans ranging from 2 million to 200 million shillings.
Cue in……. Minister Musasizi urging
Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Elderly Affairs), explained that the programme targets women-owned small businesses to generate higher income funded by world Bank. She urged women to use the support actively and called on stakeholders to provide full backing for successful execution of the project.
Cue in……. Jackline speaking
Hon Eliab Mporera of Ndorwa County West -Kabale urged the expansion to districts beyond Kanungu and Kisoro as those that has benefited, including Kabale, Rukiga and Rubanda, and recommended further inclusion of men to reduce exclusion.
Cue in…..Hon Eliab Remarks
However, some other leaders like Irene Rwaboona female councilor Nyarushanje Subcounty and other participants raised concerns including limited awareness at community level, difficulties in accessing services due to distance, and challenges related to weekly repayment after borrowing.
Meanwhile, district and security leaders like Assistant RDC Rukungiri Muhoozi Dickens representing RDC and Hon Councilor Ngabirano Justus who represented LC5 Rukungiri pledged cooperation, with many women testifying that they have already benefited from the project.
Cue in…. Dickens and Justus voxpop
Meanwhile the project coordinator Kigezi, Dr. Ruth Aisha Biyinzika Kasolo, urged women to use funds productively for family development
