New project aims to make role models of entrepreneurs

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Uganda on Monday, 6 August, announced the launch of a new initiative intended to boost the fortunes of small entrepreneurs in Uganda. “Enterprise Uganda”, a US $1 million, four-year project starting this month, is scheduled to provide 300 small entrepreneurs with training and a comprehensive range of advisory services for their businesses in an effort to expand the economy, create new jobs and reduce poverty. The goal was to help expand 200 small businesses, create 2,000 jobs and generate $15 million worth of new investments, according to the UNDP. “The project aims to build ‘Enterprise Uganda’ into a viable organisation offering quality business development services for small enterprises,” said Wilson Kwamya, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative. “It will also create a network of model clientele, companies that will produce quality products for local use and export,” he added.

The intention is to identify, screen and select companies that are oriented towards high growth and provide a comprehensive range of business development services to enhance their efficiency and competitiveness. ‘Enterprise Uganda’ aims to help create “success stories” among local entrepreneurs who can be role models for the private sector in Uganda and, within that, to give special attention to women entrepreneurs, who are expected to account for 40 percent of participants,. The project is part of the new UNDP framework of cooperation with Uganda for 2001-2005, a $20 million programme which focuses on support for good governance and poverty reduction. “Enterprise Uganda will contribute to the country’s fight against poverty through increased employment and production,” according to Kwamya.