Kalaki LC5 calls for review of GROW project conditions

__________________

The LC5 Chairperson of Kalaki District, Samuel Okello, has urged Members of Parliament to review the conditions set for women to access funds under the GROW project.

Speaking at the belated District Women’s Day celebrations in Otuboi Town Council, Okello noted that many women in Kalaki struggle to meet requirements such as land titles and business registration, making it difficult for them to benefit from the program.

He emphasized that most women in the district run small businesses and do not necessarily need large amounts of money. However, if the conditions were relaxed, more women would access funding and improve their livelihoods.



The Kalaki District Women’s Council Chairperson, Immaculate Asomo, acknowledged that the conditions were indeed a challenge for many women. However, she pointed out that another project, UWEP, had benefited several women, although some had failed to repay the funds meant for revolving support.

Responding to these concerns, Kalaki District Woman MP, Jennifer Ayoo, admitted that the conditions for accessing GROW funds were tough. She assured the women that they would engage the Ministry of Gender to seek possible adjustments.

Ayoo highlighted that land ownership as collateral remains a major challenge for women due to cultural barriers.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Teso Affairs and MP for Kalaki, Clement Kenneth Ongalo, explained that various government programs target different categories of women.

He clarified that GROW is designed for women who meet specific financial conditions, while those who don’t qualify can enroll in other programs. He cited PDM (Parish Development Model) as a more inclusive initiative targeting the 39% of Ugandans living below the poverty line, whereas women with established businesses can transition to GROW for larger funding.

Adding to this, Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (PACAO) of Kalaki, William Emunyu, reassured women that they are free to apply for any government program they qualify for without restrictions.