By David Mwanje
In a vibrant ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, led by Hon. Betty Amongi Ongom, handed over business toolkits and equipment to Jua Kali groups under the 10th cohort of the Supporting Jua-Kali Enterprises to Transition into the Formal Economy (SENTE) Programme. This initiative marks a significant step in Uganda’s ongoing efforts to empower informal businesses, boost employment, and drive economic formalization, aligning with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s vision of transitioning citizens from subsistence to a monetized economy.
The event, attended by ministers, MPs, and members of the Jua Kali business community, highlighted the transformative potential of the SENTE Programme. Hon. Amongi congratulated the beneficiaries, emphasizing that the toolkits ranging from motorcycles and tents to salon kits and catering equipment could revolutionize their businesses if used effectively. “These toolkits have the potential to completely transform your businesses and lives,” she stated, urging recipients to adopt honesty, resilience, continuous learning, and a positive attitude to ensure business success.
The SENTE Programme addresses critical challenges faced by Uganda’s informal sector, which accounts for 92% of the employed population, according to the National Labour Force Survey 2021. Issues such as inadequate tools, limited entrepreneurship skills, and job insecurity have long hindered the sector’s growth. By providing equipment and fostering formalization, the programme aims to enhance productivity, income security, and job creation, contributing to Uganda’s goal of a fully monetized economy.
Hon. Esther Davinia Anyakun, Minister of State for Labour, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, underscored the programme’s focus on enterprise growth, stating that follow-ups would ensure the equipment leads to tangible impact. Posts on X from the Ministry (@Mglsd_UG) echoed this commitment, noting that the initiative supports Jua Kali enterprises to “grow, formalize, and thrive” (#SENTE #JuaKaliToFormal).
This handover aligns with broader government interventions to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Parish Development Model (PDM), with Shs 1.059 trillion allocated in the 2025/26 budget, facilitates the transition from subsistence to commercial economies by providing parishes with Shs 100 million annually. Similarly, the Emyooga programme, funded at Shs 100 billion, supports trade-specific groups with affordable credit, though it has faced criticism for low absorption and awareness.
The Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, implemented by the Ministry and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) with a $217 million World Bank grant, further complements these efforts. Launched in March 2023, GROW empowers women entrepreneurs, including refugees and those in marginalized regions like Karamoja, to scale their businesses from micro to medium enterprises. It provides skills training, access to credit, and infrastructure support, addressing barriers like gender discrimination and limited market access.
Despite these initiatives, challenges persist. The PDM has faced issues with fund delays and political interference, while GROW has been scrutinized for under-absorption of funds. Hon. Amongi acknowledged these hurdles but expressed optimism about the SENTE Programme’s impact, citing success stories from previous cohorts as evidence of its potential. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the programme nationwide, with increased funding to reach all constituencies.
The 2025/26 national budget of Shs 72.1 trillion underscores Uganda’s focus on economic growth, with significant allocations for wealth creation initiatives like PDM, Emyooga, and GROW. These efforts, coupled with infrastructure investments in energy, ICT, and transport, have driven Uganda’s GDP growth to a projected 7% in 2025/26.
As beneficiaries received their toolkits, Hon. Amongi urged them to seize opportunities, market their products effectively, and leverage other government programmes to enhance their businesses. “Look for opportunities; they will not look for you,” she advised. With continued support, Uganda’s Jua Kali sector is poised to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic transformation, fostering a future of prosperity and self-reliance.
By David Mwanje
In a vibrant ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, led by Hon. Betty Amongi Ongom, handed over business toolkits and equipment to Jua Kali groups under the 10th cohort of the Supporting Jua-Kali Enterprises to Transition into the Formal Economy (SENTE) Programme. This initiative marks a significant step in Uganda’s ongoing efforts to empower informal businesses, boost employment, and drive economic formalization, aligning with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s vision of transitioning citizens from subsistence to a monetized economy.
The event, attended by ministers, MPs, and members of the Jua Kali business community, highlighted the transformative potential of the SENTE Programme. Hon. Amongi congratulated the beneficiaries, emphasizing that the toolkits ranging from motorcycles and tents to salon kits and catering equipment could revolutionize their businesses if used effectively. “These toolkits have the potential to completely transform your businesses and lives,” she stated, urging recipients to adopt honesty, resilience, continuous learning, and a positive attitude to ensure business success.
The SENTE Programme addresses critical challenges faced by Uganda’s informal sector, which accounts for 92% of the employed population, according to the National Labour Force Survey 2021. Issues such as inadequate tools, limited entrepreneurship skills, and job insecurity have long hindered the sector’s growth. By providing equipment and fostering formalization, the programme aims to enhance productivity, income security, and job creation, contributing to Uganda’s goal of a fully monetized economy.
Hon. Esther Davinia Anyakun, Minister of State for Labour, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, underscored the programme’s focus on enterprise growth, stating that follow-ups would ensure the equipment leads to tangible impact. Posts on X from the Ministry (@Mglsd_UG) echoed this commitment, noting that the initiative supports Jua Kali enterprises to “grow, formalize, and thrive” (#SENTE #JuaKaliToFormal).
This handover aligns with broader government interventions to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Parish Development Model (PDM), with Shs 1.059 trillion allocated in the 2025/26 budget, facilitates the transition from subsistence to commercial economies by providing parishes with Shs 100 million annually. Similarly, the Emyooga programme, funded at Shs 100 billion, supports trade-specific groups with affordable credit, though it has faced criticism for low absorption and awareness.
The Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, implemented by the Ministry and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) with a $217 million World Bank grant, further complements these efforts. Launched in March 2023, GROW empowers women entrepreneurs, including refugees and those in marginalized regions like Karamoja, to scale their businesses from micro to medium enterprises. It provides skills training, access to credit, and infrastructure support, addressing barriers like gender discrimination and limited market access.
Despite these initiatives, challenges persist. The PDM has faced issues with fund delays and political interference, while GROW has been scrutinized for under-absorption of funds. Hon. Amongi acknowledged these hurdles but expressed optimism about the SENTE Programme’s impact, citing success stories from previous cohorts as evidence of its potential. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the programme nationwide, with increased funding to reach all constituencies.
The 2025/26 national budget of Shs 72.1 trillion underscores Uganda’s focus on economic growth, with significant allocations for wealth creation initiatives like PDM, Emyooga, and GROW. These efforts, coupled with infrastructure investments in energy, ICT, and transport, have driven Uganda’s GDP growth to a projected 7% in 2025/26.
As beneficiaries received their toolkits, Hon. Amongi urged them to seize opportunities, market their products effectively, and leverage other government programmes to enhance their businesses. “Look for opportunities; they will not look for you,” she advised. With continued support, Uganda’s Jua Kali sector is poised to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic transformation, fostering a future of prosperity and self-reliance.
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