By Richard Onapatum
Kotido, Uganda – March 13, 2025 – In a collaborative effort, Centenary Bank and Kotido Local Government has conducted a comprehensive training session today at Caritas Hall, Kotido, to encourage women to benefit from the Gender Responsive Opportunities for Women’s Economic Empowerment (GROW) Project. The Centenary Bank Kotido Branch manager Mr Obong Jhanan Olum the organiser of the event said the initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with demand loans and essential training to enhance their enterprises.
Lilly Lemukol, Principal Community Development Officer, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “This project is specifically designed for women who are already running businesses. We want to ensure they get the necessary support to grow and thrive in their ventures.”
The training session attracted over 130 applicants competing for 100 available slots, demonstrating high demand for the program. According to Okaja Emmanuel, 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, DISO Kotido, highlighted the initiative’s impact, noting that 12 women have already benefited from the program. He urged participants to adhere to the guidelines and manage their finances responsibly to ensure successful loan repayment.
Insights into the GROW Project
The GROW Project is built on four key components designed to equip women with the necessary resources for business success:
1. Supporting in Skilling
This component provides women with essential skills and training to enhance their business capabilities. Regular workshops and training sessions help them stay updated with the latest business practices and innovations
2. Loans
The project offers demand loans with favorable interest rates to women with registered businesses and bank accounts. Loan amounts range from UGX 4 million to UGX 200 million, depending on business needs. These funds serve as a crucial boost for business expansion and sustainability.
3. Facilitating Apprenticeships
By offering hands-on experience and mentorship, the project ensures that women gain practical knowledge and skills applicable to their businesses.
4. Encouraging Additional Innovation
Women are urged to think creatively and explore innovative business strategies that drive growth and sustainability.
Assistant RDC Peter Abrahams Lokwii assured attendees of security and called on the government to relax certain conditions for the GROW Project, recognizing 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 emphasized.
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 David Lodip and Nakiru Nancy reiterated the GROW 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 marginalized 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 Orisa Joseph, representing the guest of honor, 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 programs. “Empowering women has a profound impact on national development,” he said.
Success Stories and Future Prospects
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.”
Looking ahead, the GROW Project plans to expand to more regions, increase the number of beneficiaries, and enhance its training and mentorship programs. With a commitment to sustainability, the project prioritizes women in agriculture and those operating market businesses, encouraging them to apply for the available financial support.
As the initiative evolves, its impact on the local economy and women’s financial independence is expected to grow exponentially. The commitment of Centenary Bank and Kotido Local Government to supporting women’s economic empowerment underscores their dedication to fostering a brighter future for all.
Conclusion
The GROW Project stands as a signal of hope and opportunity for women entrepreneurs in Kotido and beyond. By equipping women with financial resources, skills, and mentorship, the project is paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous society.
