Nine organisations across Uganda recently signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to establish Common User Production Facilities (CUPFs) under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project.
The agreements fall under the Performance-Based Grant aimed at enabling access to gender-inclusive workplace infrastructure for women entrepreneurs.
The MoU formalises collaboration between the Ministry and the selected organisations, which will set up shared production spaces, provide modern equipment and support value addition tailored to women-led enterprises.
Government officials say the initiative is expected to reduce operational costs, improve productivity and strengthen the participation of women-owned businesses in value chains and markets.
The selected organisations span multiple sectors including agro-processing, manufacturing and creative industries.
Finn Church Aid Uganda will establish the Palabek Women’s Agro-Enterprise Hub in Palabek Refugee Settlement and host communities in Lamwo District.
With funding of Shs795 million, the facility will focus on honey and grain value addition through construction of a workspace, installation of processing equipment and provision of training.
In Otuke District, the Okere Community Development Project will receive Shs658 million to support the production of shea butter and related cosmetic, nutritional and medicinal products. The project includes construction of a processing facility, equipping it with machinery and skilling beneficiaries.
Wend Africa (Women Empowerment Network Design) will set up a creatives hub in Gulu City with funding of Shs745 million, supporting tailoring, leatherwork, and arts and crafts across Gulu City, Omoro and Nwoya districts. The project will include construction of a workspace, provision of tools and machinery, and apprenticeship opportunities.
Namalu Farmers Produce and Cooperative Society Limited in Nakapiripirit District will receive Shs253.4 million to strengthen maize agro-processing. The intervention includes refurbishment of storage facilities and installation of a maize milling plant to support bulking and value addition.
Kiruhura Women Entrepreneurs in Ghee Processing (KWEG) will benefit from Shs815 million to upgrade a ghee processing cottage industry in Kiruhura District. The project will involve refurbishment, re-equipping, electrical and civil works, as well as skills development.
In Tororo Municipality, the Benedictine Nuns of Perpetual Adoration will receive Shs350 million to support garment production through renovation of existing facilities and installation of tailoring equipment.
The Innovation Village Hub in Kampala has secured Shs1.65 billion to enhance industrial infrastructure and skills development. The facility will support women entrepreneurs in carpentry, welding, tailoring, ICT and manufacturing through refurbishment, equipping and apprenticeship programmes.
Airo Cassava Growers and Processors Association will receive Shs1.38 billion to support cassava processing and value addition across the Teso and Busoga sub-regions, including construction of production facilities and installation of a processing line.
Meanwhile, Kiyindi Women Fish Processors Association in Buikwe District will receive Shs300 million to establish a fish processing and cold storage facility at Kiyindi Landing Site, aimed at improving preservation, quality and market access.
The rollout of the Common User Production Facilities is expected to address infrastructure gaps that have historically limited women entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing affordable production spaces and modern equipment.
Officials say the GROW Project is a key intervention in promoting inclusive economic growth by enabling women to scale their enterprises, increase competitiveness and participate more effectively in domestic and export markets.
