As Uganda looks toward long-term economic transformation, national leaders are placing increased attention on the role of women in business. This focus was underscored at the Breaking Barriers to Trade Uganda 2025 forum, held yesterday at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, where the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, called for stronger support systems to help female-led enterprises thrive.
The event served as a key platform for discussing inclusive trade and enterprise strategies across the country. Minister Nankabirwa emphasized the importance of unlocking the economic potential of women not only through national policy but also through everyday support at the household level. She highlighted that women’s contributions to the economy often begin in the home and extend into businesses that drive local and national development. Encouraging families to recognize and uplift women’s talents was a central message of her address.
Her remarks also emphasized that the country cannot afford to overlook women in its push for economic growth. Women-led businesses are increasingly proving to be valuable contributors to employment, innovation and resilience. From early-stage ventures to growth-stage enterprises, these businesses are helping to diversify Uganda’s economy and increase financial inclusion in both urban and rural settings.
The minister addressed the need to overcome social and psychological barriers that limit participation in enterprise. She urged communities to embrace economic opportunities without hesitation, highlighting that courage and willingness to venture into new spaces are as critical as financial capital or technical support.
In her speech, she reflected on the policy environment that has enabled more women to take part in public and private leadership. Uganda’s 1995 Constitution includes key provisions for affirmative action, including a requirement that all government boards maintain at least 30 percent female representation. This legal framework ensures that gender balance is not only encouraged but enforced at high levels of decision-making, influencing both governance and institutional planning.
The minister also noted the importance of targeted development programs that address the specific needs of women, youth and persons with disabilities. She pointed to the Parish Development Model as one such initiative. Through micro-grants, this model has enabled many women, especially in rural areas, to start small businesses, invest in livestock and improve household income. These local success stories demonstrate that even modest investments can lead to measurable improvements in quality of life, including better access to education and health for their families.
In the education sector, Uganda has implemented supportive policies designed to address longstanding gender disparities. One example is the additional academic points awarded to girls applying to university, a system intended to balance out the unequal domestic responsibilities that often fall on female students. This effort reflects a broader national strategy to correct structural disadvantages and ensure girls are not left behind in higher education and, by extension, in economic opportunity.
Another key point in the minister’s remarks was the role of financial institutions in supporting inclusive growth. She called on banks and lending bodies to adopt more gender-aware evaluation practices when reviewing loan applications or project proposals. By taking into account the unique challenges women face, financial institutions can contribute meaningfully to broader economic participation and community upliftment. The view presented was that when women lead successful businesses, the benefits often extend beyond profits and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.
The minister also acknowledged that the struggles faced by women in leadership, whether in government or at the grassroots level, are often quite similar. Balancing professional ambition with social and domestic expectations remains a challenge across many sectors. She called for the creation of environments at every level where women can lead without having to choose between contributing to the economy and fulfilling personal responsibilities.
The Breaking Barriers to Trade Uganda 2025 forum positioned itself as more than a policy event. It became a space where leaders could challenge social norms, share progress on gender equity and propose practical changes to how institutions and communities support enterprise. The event reflected a growing national awareness that inclusive economic growth must go beyond infrastructure and finance to include cultural change and domestic empowerment.
Uganda’s long-term economic vision will depend on how well it integrates women into the heart of business, trade and governance. With clear legal frameworks, targeted development programs and a shift in public discourse, the country is laying the groundwork for more inclusive growth. The minister’s call to action served as a timely reminder that empowering women in business is not just a social obligation but an economic strategy with far-reaching impact.
By focusing on household-level support, institutional reforms and access to finance, Uganda is gradually removing the barriers that have historically kept women from realizing their full economic potential. The momentum generated at the forum signals that women will be central to the country’s journey toward sustainable and inclusive development.
