Africa-Press – Uganda. The Ministry of Gender has launched an apprenticeship programme that will see over 5000 women women get hands-on training as part of the shs805 billion Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project.
Speaking during the launch at Hotel Africana in Kampala, the Minister for Gender, Betty Amongi said through this work placement and apprenticeship program, government is directly addressing the skills gap that has constrained many women’s businesses from growing beyond a small scale.
“ Many women have the entrepreneurial spirit, but they need structured, practical experiences to sharpen their competitiveness,” Amongi said.
She said the 35 partner institutions that are to take on the women entreprenuers, most of which are in high-demand careers across various industries, including fields traditionally under-represented by women like welding and metal fabrication, construction, surveying and electrical installation and maintenance, among others, have committed to host these women entrepreneurs and their workers, guiding them through hands-on learning that will transform how they operate and grow their businesses.
She however called for protection of rights for the women who will participate in the program.
“We must protect the dignity, safety, and rights of every woman placed with you. There must be zero tolerance for mistreatment, exploitation, harassment, or abuse. We must also ensure that our activities respect the environment and promote sustainability,”Amongi said.
The Ministry of Gender Permanent Secretary, Aggrey Kibenge, John Ssengendo said mentorship is not simply oversight—it is about inspiring confidence, sharpening talent, and shaping the growth of women enterprise.
“Let us ensure that this program leaves a lasting, positive impact on the lives of every woman entrusted to your care.”
He said the ministry is in advanced engagements with the Ministry of Education and Sports, working through the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB), to conduct formal assessments for the trainees.
“Those who successfully complete their training will be awarded certificates that are nationally recognized—certificates that will open even more doors for their businesses and employment prospects. This step is crucial because we believe that practical skills should be recognized and validated through a formal system, further empowering our women entrepreneurs with credibility and competitive advantage in the market.”
Encourage the trainees to seize this opportunity, gain the skills, ask questions, practice diligently, and transform the knowledge you gain into thriving businesses that will create jobs, raise incomes, and inspire other women to follow your example.
The GROW project is World Bank funded program that aims to support women entrepreneurs transition from micro to small and from small to medium enterprises in line with the Governments NDP III goal that explicitly calls for “promoting women’s economic empowerment, leadership and participation in decision making through investment in entrepreneurship programs and business centers.
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