By KT Reporter
Members of Parliament have expressed concerns over the low disbursement and absorption levels of the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project.
According to the Auditor General’s report, out of the 80.669 billion Shillings earmarked for disbursement in 2024, only 66.506 billion had reached women entrepreneurs, despite their struggles to access affordable capital.
The concerns were raised during a meeting between the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and officials from the Ministry of Finance, as part of the scrutiny of the 795.627 billion Shillings World Bank-funded initiative.
The PAC Chairperson, Muwanga Kivumbi, questioned the project’s low absorption rate, highlighting that 11.733 billion Shillings remained undisbursed. “The audit shows that by June 2024, cumulative disbursement should have been 80.669 billion, However, by the time of the audit, only 66.506 billion had been disbursed,” any explanation?”
In response, Ruth Aisha Kasolo, Project Coordinator for the GROW project, attributed the under-disbursement to the project’s early stages of implementation. “We do note the concern of the Auditors, but the under-disbursement was because the project was in its initial stages of implementation, and all activities commenced this financial year. We are still working on the designs, especially for the loans, and have since actualized more disbursements,” Kasolo explained.
However, her explanation did not satisfy some legislators, including Susan Amero (Amuria DWR), who alleged discriminatory tendencies in fund allocation.
Amero claimed that the funds seemed to favour districts with high-ranking government officials, leaving out other regions in need. “I am surprised when Dr. Ruth says it was because some training was going on. From the onset, how many districts have received this money? Because it looks like this money has been kept in the centre. As I talk now, this money seems to go to those who have connections. When you go to districts in Northern Uganda, you will find a lot of money being spent in Lira City. We want to see this money going to the people it is meant for. Where is this money?” Amero questioned.
The concerns raised by the legislators now put the Ministry of Finance under pressure to address the discrepancies and ensure equitable disbursement of the GROW project funds to support women entrepreneurs across all regions-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
