Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP): Empowering Women in Bugweri District
The Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) is a transformative initiative by the Government of Uganda, spearheaded by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. Its core objective is to improve women's access to financial services, equip them with essential skills for enterprise growth, and facilitate market access for their products and services. In Bugweri District, UWEP is a vital tool for empowering women, fostering their economic independence, and enhancing their contribution to household and district development.
Key Objectives of UWEP:
- To provide accessible, interest-free credit to women groups for starting or expanding businesses.
- To build the capacity of women in entrepreneurship, business management, and value addition.
- To facilitate women's access to markets and appropriate technologies for their enterprises.
How it Works in Bugweri : The District's Community Based Services Department is the key implementer of UWEP. We mobilize women into groups of 10-15 members, particularly targeting vulnerable categories such as unemployed women, single mothers, widows, women with disabilities, and those heading households. These groups receive training in business planning, financial literacy, and group dynamics. Upon developing viable business proposals, they access interest-free revolving funds to invest in diverse income-generating activities, ranging from agriculture and craft-making to trade and services.
Our Impact and Progress: UWEP has demonstrably contributed to the economic empowerment of women in Bugweri. Through this program, numerous women's groups have successfully established and grown enterprises, leading to improved household incomes, enhanced financial literacy, and increased participation in decision-making both at home and within the community. The District continuously monitors the progress of these groups and supports the revolving fund mechanism to ensure long-term sustainability and benefit for more women.
For more detailed information about the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme and how to participate, please contact the Community Based Services Department at the District Headquarters.