Gulu, Uganda | Nearly 1,000 women in Gulu City are set to benefit from a new Women Economic Empowerment Programme funded by the Gates Foundation following its official launch on Friday.
The initiative, implemented by Stanbic Business Incubator Uganda in partnership with Gulu City, aims to equip women with financial literacy, entrepreneurship skills and access to structured financial support to strengthen household incomes and sustainable businesses.
Launching the programme, Gulu City Mayor Alfred Labeja described it as a timely intervention that will help women break free from dependence on exploitative money lenders.
“When women have financial knowledge and use available resources responsibly, they are better placed to transform their families and communities,” Labeja said.
He urged beneficiaries to invest the support in productive enterprises capable of generating long-term income, adding that the skills acquired would also enable them to effectively participate in government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF).
Labeja reaffirmed the city’s commitment to working with Stanbic Business Incubator Uganda to ensure the programme succeeds, with beneficiary training expected to begin in August.
Women attending the launch welcomed the initiative, saying it would address one of the biggest barriers to growing their businesses—limited access to affordable financing and business skills.
“For years, many of us have relied on expensive money lenders to keep our small businesses running. This programme gives us hope that we can grow our enterprises the right way,” said Grace Ayaa, a market vendor in Gulu City.
Another beneficiary, Sarah Acen, said the financial literacy training would be as valuable as the financial support itself.
“Money alone is not enough. Learning how to manage it, save and invest wisely will help us build businesses that can support our families for many years,” Acen said.
The Women Economic Empowerment Programme is expected to improve financial inclusion and entrepreneurship among women in Gulu City while contributing to broader efforts to reduce poverty and promote local economic development.
