More than 350 women entrepreneurs are set to graduate after completing specialized advanced skills training under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, in an initiative aimed at boosting women-led businesses and improving household incomes.
The graduation ceremony is scheduled for October 23, 2026, at the Uganda National Institute of Teacher Education (UNITE) in Kabale District. The Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Henry Musasizi, is expected to officiate at the event, while GROW Project National Coordinator Dr. Ruth Biyinzika is expected to deliver the keynote address.
The ceremony is being organised by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) under the GROW Project, which supports women entrepreneurs through business development and skills enhancement.
Ahead of the graduation, more than 100 salon trainees have demonstrated their newly acquired skills by providing free and community-based hairdressing and cosmetology services at Karukaara Market in Rubanda District.
The trainees received practical instruction from Malaika Vocational and Business Institute in areas including hair braiding, styling, bridal makeup, salon management and customer care.
Speaking to Aloysious Magezi, lead trainer at the institute, said the initiative is designed to equip women with practical skills that can help them expand their businesses, increase earnings and create employment opportunities.
He added that the training goes beyond technical expertise by incorporating business management and customer care skills to enable participants to serve clients effectively and build sustainable enterprises.
The community-based services have also provided trainees with an opportunity to practise their skills in a real-world setting while offering residents access to affordable beauty services.
The upcoming graduation is expected to mark an important milestone for the participating women as they seek to translate their newly acquired skills into viable businesses, increased household incomes and improved livelihoods.
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