The GROW Financing Facility (GFF), a pivotal component of the GROW Project, is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs across Uganda by facilitating access to credit and fostering enterprise growth. With a substantial allocation of USD 70 million (UGX 260 billion), the GFF targets key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, construction, and services. Notably, agriculture stands out as the second-largest sector among GROW loan borrowers, underscoring its critical role in Uganda’s economy.
Agriculture’s Significance in Uganda’s Economy
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy, contributing approximately 24% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing about 68% of the working population.
Despite its importance, the sector faces challenges such as limited access to quality inputs, inadequate storage facilities, and vulnerability to climate change. Addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing productivity and ensuring food security.
GFF’s Impact on Women in Agriculture
The GFF has made significant strides in supporting women entrepreneurs within the agricultural sector. As of the latest reports, the facility has disbursed a total of UGX 43,909,143,450 to 2,073 women borrowers across 83 districts and two cities. Of these, 26% are engaged in agriculture, highlighting the sector’s prominence among beneficiaries.
Loan Distribution and Borrower Profile
The loan distribution across Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) is as follows:
- Centenary Bank: 728 loans
- DFCU Bank: 107 loans
- Equity Bank: 111 loans
- Finance Trust Bank: 570 loans
- Post Bank: 557 loans
- Stanbic Bank: No loans disbursed as of the latest report
The majority of borrowers (77%) have loans ranging from UGX 4 million to UGX 20 million, with 12.2% in the UGX 20 million to UGX 40 million range, and 10.8% exceeding UGX 40 million. Notably, 41% of these women are new to borrowing, indicating a significant opportunity to build financial literacy and inclusion.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the positive impact, challenges remain. A substantial portion of the loans (48%) is directed towards trade and commerce, with agriculture receiving 26%. This distribution suggests a need for targeted interventions to encourage more women to engage in agricultural enterprises. Additionally, addressing issues such as limited access to quality inputs, inadequate storage facilities, and vulnerability to climate change is crucial for enhancing productivity and ensuring food security.
Looking Ahead
The GFF’s commitment to supporting women in agriculture is evident through its substantial loan disbursements and the positive impact on borrowers. By continuing to address sector-specific challenges and promoting financial inclusion, the GFF aims to empower more women entrepreneurs, thereby contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of Uganda’s agricultural sector.
For more information on the GFF and its initiatives, please visit the official GROW Project website.
TESTIMONIES
Maureen Turyaheebwa’s story is a testament to how financial support, discipline, and determination can empower women entrepreneurs and transform their businesses and families. A dairy farmer from Nkokonjeru, Mbarara City, Maureen has grown her business over 12 years, starting with just four bulls and three cows. Despite challenges like limited resources, she never lost sight of her dream. Her breakthrough came when she secured a UGX 10 million loan through the GROW loan from Centenary Bank, using her cattle and land as collateral. This allowed her to invest in high-yielding cows, boosting her milk production from 14 to 22 litres per cow per day.
With three more cows expected to give birth soon, Maureen anticipates further growth in her herd and income. She has already made four timely loan repayments and plans to use the performance bonus rebate to stay on track. Maureen advises fellow women entrepreneurs to focus on the primary purpose of their loans to ensure business growth and ease of repayment. She calls on the government to continue supporting women in rural areas with affordable financial resources.
Betty Mundago, a bean trader from Busia, Uganda, has expanded her business significantly over the past six years. Starting with a capital of 300,000 shillings, she learned about the GROW loan initiative from a neighbour in the produce market. Motivated by this opportunity, Betty approached Centenary Bank’s Busia branch and secured a 10-million-shilling loan at an interest rate of 10.5% for a 12-month term.
This financial boost enabled Betty to increase her stock, leading to higher sales and business growth. Currently, her business is valued at over 20 million shillings, and she employs two individuals to assist with operations. Grateful for the support from the GROW project, Betty emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the primary purpose of the loan to ensure business growth and successful repayment.
Madina Wenene, a seasoned coffee supplier with 23 years in the industry, also deals in grains like rice, groundnuts, and beans. Facing challenges of limited stock, she learned about the GROW loan from her loan officer at DFCU Bank. The GROW loan, designed to empower women entrepreneurs, offers loans ranging from UGX 4 million to UGX 200 million, with a maximum tenure of two years and an interest rate of 10.5%.
Madina applied and secured the loan, using her good business records and collateral to back it. She utilized the funds to increase her coffee supplies and purchase two apartment blocks, significantly boosting her sales and profits. She advises fellow women entrepreneurs to be honest when obtaining loans, assess their business needs, and borrow amounts they can repay to avoid bad loans.
Agutu Roseline, a dedicated poultry farmer from Bukaya village in Buyikwe district, has been in the business for 11 years. After her husband’s passing, she started with 60 birds to support her family. Overcoming challenges, she now manages over 2,000 layers and broilers, thanks to a UGX 19.5 million GROW loan from Post Bank.
She learned about the loan from Dr. Ruth Aisha Biyinzika Kasolo’s TikTok account and was attracted by the low interest rates. This being her first loan, she used it responsibly to increase her chicken stock, purchase feed, and expand her poultry houses. This investment boosted her sales and profits, especially during the festive season, allowing her to comfortably repay her loan each month. She advises women to be proactive and self-reliant, rather than depending on others for support.
