gender 13 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Structural Barriers Hinder Women's Economic Progress, Minister States
State Minister for Culture, Ms. Mary Kamuli Kuteesa, has identified cultural norms and a lack of land ownership as significant obstacles preventing women's full economic empowerment in Uganda. These deep-rooted issues limit women's ability to invest, expand businesses, and secure their economic future. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/structural-barriers-hindering-women-s-economic-empowerment-5556828
Cultural practices that deny women the right to own or inherit land are severely impeding their economic advancement, according to State Minister for Culture, Ms. Mary Kamuli Kuteesa. Speaking at the closing of the Women Economic Empowerment for Green Transformation Project (WEEG-UWEP), she highlighted that these norms leave a large segment of the population unable to make substantial investments or grow their enterprises.
The lack of secure land tenure discourages women from investing in long-term projects, such as planting cash crops like coffee on land they do not own. They face the risk of losing their investments if relationships falter or if the landowner reclaims the property. Similar restrictions apply within their parental homes, where traditional customs often prioritize male inheritance, leaving daughters with no claim to ancestral land.
While government initiatives like WEEG-UWEP provide crucial financial support for women to establish formal businesses, the underlying land access issue remains a bottleneck for scaling up operations. Minister Kuteesa also pointed to other areas where women are underrepresented, including leadership and employment within religious institutions, despite their significant contributions.
Beneficiaries of the WEEG-UWEP program shared success stories, showcasing how grants have helped groups transition from informal village activities to registered, women-led businesses. However, challenges persist, with some groups appealing for further assistance with machinery to enhance their production and meet market demands.
In response, the government is working to connect these women entrepreneurs to larger programs like the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project. This initiative aims to provide the necessary capital and market access for established entrepreneurs to further scale their ventures and invest with greater confidence.
The WEEG-UWEP project, launched in August 2024, supported over 600 women’s groups in sectors like sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and waste management. The government’s commitment to addressing these structural barriers is crucial for unlocking the full economic potential of Ugandan women.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)