Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project

The Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project is World Bank funded program that aims to support women entrepreneurs transition from micro to small and from small to medium enterprises in line with the Governments NDP III goal that explicitly calls for “promoting women’s economic empowerment, leadership and participation in decision making through investment in entrepreneurship programs and business centers”.

The project aims to holistically tackle some of the structural barriers hindering the growth of women-owned businesses including financial inclusion, business development services, infrastructure and promoting effective participation of women in the development process.

It collaborates with development partners to deliver technical assistance and capacity building support to the MGLSD, the PSFU and the Office of the Prime Minister to support female entrepreneurs in refugee and hosting communities to improve their productivity using a phased approach to establish and scale up component interventions that will ensure early disbursement and maximize learning in the first two years.

COMPONENT 1 ($42 million) Support for Women Empowerment and Enterprise Development Services, including in host and refugee communities. This will provide enterprise development services for women through training (technical, life-skills, digital), business advisory services, and enhanced networks for women through platforms that facilitate market linkages and value chain development and seek to change negative social norms that prevent women from engaging in business activities. The trainings will be implemented in coordination with Makerere University Business school.

COMPONENT 2 ($90 million) Access to Finance for Women Entrepreneurs, to support the transition from micro enterprises to small and from small to medium enterprises. This component will also address the key constraint of access to finance for women entrepreneurs to expand their business

COMPONENT 3 ($70 million) Enabling Infrastructure and Facilities for Women Enterprise Growth and Transition, including commonuser and childcare facilities to ensure that women have access to supportive economic and social infrastructure.

COMPONENT 4 ($15 million) Program Management Support, Policy Innovation, and Evidence Generation. This will support project management, policy innovation, and evidence generation.

MEET THEPROJECT TEAM AT PSFU

RUTH BIYINZIKA KASOLO

Project Coordinator-GROW; A World Bank funded project under PSFU. The project is worth $217M targeting women entrepreneurs in Uganda

Ruth is passionate about Private Sector Development, human capital enhancement, Women Empowerment, Skills development, Trade Development, Gender Mainstreaming, Early Childhood Development and Financial Services Deepening, she has over 20 years of working experience involved in designing and implementing a number multilateral projects (World bank, EU, DFID, ADB) and programs in Uganda that have increased both social and economic benefits to the private sector.

She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, Master’s Degree in Business Administration, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Ruth has also undertaken a number of professional courses in Project Management, Gender and Trade policy, SME development Early Childhood Learning and in Islamic Banking.

 

BYENKYA JULIUS ATWOOKI  

Social Development Specialist-GROW, a World Bank funded project under PSFU

Byenkya Julius Atwooki has over 30 years’ experience in designing, managing/implementing, monitoring and evaluating public sector reforms and social sector projects. He has worked with Government Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), the Private sector    and development partners namely, the UN, World Bank, USAID/Deloitte and UK Aid.

He holds a Master’s degree   in Public Administration & Management obtained from Makerere University, Kampala and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work & Social Administration also from Makerere University. In addition, he has undertaken short courses in several areas related to social development offered by reputable institutions such as Harvard University, USA, UN Global Academy, the Danish Institute for Human Rights, World Bank Group, Open Learning Campus, UNFPA, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Deakin University, Australia, Karolinska University, Sweden, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, ILO Training Institute, Turin, Italy and Crown Agents, UK.

 

ROBERT MUSANA (MCIPS; MIBA; BPSM)  

Procurement Specialist – GROW- A World Bank funded project under PSFU

Robert has vast experience of over 12 years as a Procurement Specialist, working with various multi-door-funded projects, including The World Bank, African Development Bank, Denmark, DFID, EU, KFW, Norway and Sweden among others. Prior to joining PSFU, Robert worked with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development as a Senior Procurement Officer under the Financial Management and Accountability Programme.

He holds a Master of International Business Administration Degree of Paris Eslsca Business School; Bachelor of Procurement and Supply Chain Management Degree of Makerere University, 2009 and is a member to a host of Professional Associations including the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply, UK; Institute of Procurement Professionals of Uganda (IPPU) and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals; in addition to diverse trainings in the latest frameworks for Procurement and Contract Management undertaken across the globe; including the International Law Institute; Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute (ESAMI) and the Balanced Score Training Centre among others.

 

ESTHER NABUKEERA SEMPIIRA 

M&E Specialist, GROW –A World Bank funded project under PSFU

Esther Nabukeera Sempiira is a Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Reporting (MELR) and Program Quality Assurance Specialist with over 25 years of progressive work experience and capacity development.  She has vast experience across public, private, national and international NGOs and CSOs, donor funded projects (World Bank, USAID and EU) in various sectors including health (HIV/AIDS, TB, population and reproductive health, family planning, nutrition, malaria, and maternal and child health).  She holds a Bachelor of Statistics and Masters of Demography of Makerere University, Certificates of M&E of Makerere University School of Public Health and Demographic Training and Research Centre, University of Addis Ababa, in addition to diverse training in Management, Public Health, Research, M&E and QAI.

 

NATURINDA DIANAH MAKOBORE 

Communication Specialist - GROW - World Bank funded project under PSFU

Dianah is an accomplished Communication Specialist with a rich and diverse career spanning over 12 years in communication and advocacy roles. She has successfully navigated different organizations and industries, both in Private and Public sectors culminating in her current position.

Her professional journey has equipped her with skills and experience needed to develop and implement effective communication strategies, ensuring comprehensive, accurate, and timely information dissemination to diverse stakeholders. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication (MUK), Post Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Governance (UMI) and a Foundation Certificate in Professional Marketing (CIM-UK).

 

PAUL NUWAGABA 

Access to Finance Specialist -GROW – A World Bank funded project under PSFU

Paul has extensive experience of over 20 years from the financial sector in consulting, strategic leadership, business development and credit risk management. Paul has worked as a consultant across multiple assignments in the financial and development sectors drawing on his experience.

He has also worked as a business development and credit risk professional in the banking and financial services sector, most recently as Chief Credit Officer at Housing Finance Bank and a number of other Ugandan banks notably Stanbic, Nile and Centenary Banks, across multiple commercial and personal banking responsibilities. He is a Certified Expert in Sustainable Finance from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. He also holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School (Heriot Watt University), a Post-Graduate Diploma in Financial Management from the Uganda Management Institute and a BA in Economics and Rural Economy from Makerere University.

 

EVELYN NAJJEMBA LUTALO  

Environmental Specialist–GROW-A World Bank funded project under PSFU

She has a tenure of more than 20 years of working in the environmental fraternity with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) on different portfolios. She holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Environmental Sanitation from the University of Gent, Belgium. Evelyn is competent in Environmental Awareness and Education, Environmental Monitoring and Compliance, Environmental Health and Sanitation, Environmental Policy and Planning, sustainable Consumption and Production, Circular Economy, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Practices. 

 

KUKUNDAKWE REBECCA

Gender Specialist –GROW- A World Bank project under PSFU

As a Gender Specialist, Rebecca has 16 years of professional experience to ensure integration of gender mainstreaming in all project processes and activities including women entrepreneur development services, access to credit and financial services, enabling infrastructure and policy engagement to support women in businesses.

She is a Certified Gender Auditor for Private Sector Enterprises under UNDP and a PRINCE 2 Certified Project Manager (Foundational Course).  As part of promoting gender and socially inclusive workplaces, Rebecca is the inaugural chairperson of the PSFU Gender Equality Committee- that works towards promoting gender awareness in the institution and promote innovative practices for gender responsiveness.

 

WENDY LALUM 

Business and Trade Specialist-GROW a World Bank funded project under PSFU

Wendy, a seasoned banker, has been working as Manager Tele Sales and Retention, Consumer, Private & Business Banking in Standard Chartered Bank Uganda and brings with her a deep knowledge of banking, business and network. She has over 15 years’ experience in leadership roles across sales, operations and branch management in Uganda where she made a significant contribution to the business. She has won different awards in line with exceptional Sales and Service along her line of service.

She holds Master of Business Administration (MBA), Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing both from Uganda Management institute as well as a Bachelor of Commerce from Makerere University (Uganda)

 

TIMOTHY LUYOMBO 

Project Accountant GROW project- A World Bank project under PSFU

Timothy is a certified accountant with over 11 years of extensive experience in business and project management, particularly with multinational donor agencies. His expertise spans financial management, project accounting, and strategic planning, with a proven track record in successfully implementing complex multilateral donor projects.

His academic achievements include a Master’s degree in Business Administration (Accounting Option) from Mount Kenya University, attesting to his commitment to advanced education. Additionally, Timothy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (First Class Honors) from Makerere University and certificates in Business and Finance Management for small businesses, showcasing his diverse skill set.

 

LOY KABUUKA NAKABUGO

Project Administrator Grow Project- A World Bank project under PSFU

Loy is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a strong and diverse skills set. Has over 16 years of working experience in business and project operations with proven expertise in administration, human resources and project management. At PSFU Loy has been part of implementation teams as Project Administrator for various multilateral projects implemented successfully.

Loy holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance Option) from Makerere University, a Bachelors Degree (Upper Second Honors) & Diploma in Education, with Certificates in Human Resources Skills for Administrators & Professionals and Effective Administration & Management Skills. She previously worked with The Monitor Publications Limited before joining PSFU.

 

MULEMA HAKIM 

Client Relations Officer, GROW Project - A World Bank project under PSFU

Hakim is a forward-thinking professional with over 6 years of track record in client advisory services across diverse market sectors, including education, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and manufacturing throughout the region. Prior to joining PSFU, He worked with Uganda Manufacturers Association and his responsibilities included conducting sector-based stakeholder engagements to create evidence-based policy positions at the national and regional levels.

He holds a Bachelor’s of Commerce in Economics and Finance from the University of Cape Town and an Msc in Economics from Cardiff Metropolitan University. Hakim further complements his academic foundation with a certification in technology entrepreneurship from Harvard University.

   MEET THEPROJECT SUPPORT TEAM AT PSFU

KADDU JOHN

Grant Application Support Assistant (GASA) – GROW- Project funded by World Bank under (PSFU)

John has 2 (Two) years’ experience of working with Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) under the Skills Development Facility – SDF. He holds a Diploma in Secondary Education (DSE) and Bachelor of Education (BED) of Ndejje University. Currently pursuing Master of Business Administration - MBA (Ndejje University).

 

 

 

DIANA DOROTHY NABADDA

Grant Application Support Assistant (GASA) – GROW- Project funded by World Bank under PSFU.

Diana has 8 years’ experience working in different private sector organizations including banking and non-governmental organizations. She holds a bachelor of International Business (MUK), Post Graduate Diploma in Tax and Revenue Administration Management (EAST)

 

 

 

MAYINJA AMULI 

Grant Application Support Assistant (GASA) – GROW- Project funded by World Bank under PSFU

Mayinja has more than 5 years’ experience in Finance and Administration for Non Profit making Organizations and Private Financial Institute. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Logistics Management, awarded by a satisfying examining body of Nkumba University, Entebbe.

 

 

 

KINTU MICHEAL MAVIN  

Grant Application Support Assistant (GASA) – GROW- A World Bank funded project under PSFU

Michael has 7 (Seven) years’ experience of working on different projects implemented by Private Sector Foundation Uganda – (PSFU) these include Skills Development Facility – SDF, Bernard van leer foundation/Early steps, PACE mentorship program and Centenary Bank Super woman. He holds a bachelor of Commerce (MUK), Post Graduate Diploma in financial Management (UMI) and now perusing a master of business administration - MBA (Alagappa University).

 

 

 

TUSUBIRA MICHAEL 

Procurement Assistant for the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) - Project funded by World Bank under PSFU

Michael has over 7 years’ experience in Procurement, Supply chain and Logistics management with a clear understanding of Procurement Principles, Practices and Guidelines for Donors and Development partners like the World Bank (IDA/IBRD) and the Government of Uganda Procurement procedures having worked at the Competitiveness and Enterprise Development Project (CEDP).

 

 

MABBERI EMMANUEL  

Accounts Assistant – GROW a World Bank project funded under PSFU

Emmanuel has 4 years’ experience work in finance management and currently working as an Accounts Assistant. He Holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and currently pursuing ACCA.