The apprenticeship program places women entrepreneurs and their workers in established and thriving enterprises aligned with their business interests. This is intended to help them acquire practical, hands-on skills essential for improving the quality, efficiency, and competitiveness of their enterprises.
At least 29.2 billion shillings has been set aside to facilitate the work placement/apprenticeship component of the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project. This is under the support for Women empowerment and development services component of the project.
The apprenticeship program places women entrepreneurs and their workers in established and thriving enterprises aligned with their business interests. This is intended to help them acquire practical, hands-on skills essential for improving the quality, efficiency, and competitiveness of their enterprises.
According to information from the GROW secretariat, 5,000 women entrepreneurs were targeted; however, up to 12,430 have so far applied for the program. These are planned to be placed into 120 enterprises, 35 of which have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Gender.
This is seen as a critical intervention to bridge the capability gap that often limits women-owned businesses from scaling up and thriving sustainably.
While overseeing the signing of the MoU, Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, emphasised the transformative nature of the partnerships being formed. She further underscored the importance of structured, practical experiences, which have often been inaccessible to women due to systemic constraints.
The minister noted that the 35 participating host institutions cut across diverse sectors, including construction, electrical installation, surveying, welding and metal fabrication industries, where women have traditionally been underrepresented. “These institutions will provide mentorship, training, and access to tools, creating an enabling environment for women to sharpen their skills in real-world settings,” she emphasised.
Amongi issued a firm reminder to all partner institutions about their obligations. “There must be zero tolerance for any form of mistreatment, exploitation, or harassment. These women must be treated with dignity and professionalism.
They are not just trainees, they are future leaders in Uganda’s private sector,” she declared. In addition to social safeguards, institutions are also expected to adhere to environmental standards and promote sustainability in their operations.
Aggrey David Kibenge, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasised the strategic intent behind the apprenticeship program. “Capital without capability cannot drive sustainable growth. This initiative ensures women gain practical knowledge that enables them to compete, grow, and lead,” he noted.
He called upon host institutions to invest fully in the trainees’ learning journey, providing adequate equipment, skilled mentors, and a supportive environment for skill development.
Beyond the apprenticeship component, the GROW project offers a suite of services designed to create a holistic support ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. These include essential skills training, business development support, and access to Common User Production Facilities. So far, over 2,000 applications have been received for the use of these facilities, with production hubs being established in partnership with Makerere University, Rwentanga Farm School, and NARO Kawanda.
To ensure the long-term relevance and validation of the training provided, the ministry is also engaging with the Ministry of Education and Sports to facilitate formal assessment and certification through the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB). Trainees who complete the program successfully will receive nationally recognised certificates, credentials that can enhance their marketability and business credibility.
With funding from the World Bank, the GROW Initiative aims not only to elevate individual entrepreneurs but also to spur inclusive growth, create jobs, and drive innovation across sectors.
As the first cohort of women prepares to take up their placements, Amongi called on all partners, private sector enterprises, local government, development partners, and civil society, to rally behind this transformative agenda. The success of the GROW Apprenticeship Program will not only be measured in numbers trained but in the businesses built, incomes raised, and lives changed.
Dennis Kasule Ssebunya
Freelancer