The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has issued a public alert warning Ugandans about fraudsters who are unlawfully using the names of the Ministry and the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project to deceive members of the public.
In a notice dated 23rd October 2026 and signed by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Alex Asiimwe, the Ministry said the fraudsters are falsely claiming to offer grants under the GROW Project. They are directing unsuspecting individuals to register through a website that is neither authorised, affiliated with, nor endorsed by the Ministry or the GROW Project. According to the Ministry, their actions are intended to defraud the public through misrepresentation and unlawful solicitation.
Applications have not opened
The Ministry clarified that applications for the GROW Business Plan Competition Grants have not yet been opened. Once the grant window is officially launched, a public announcement will be made through official communication channels, and all applications will be submitted electronically through the GROW Project website, www.grow.go.ug.
Where to get genuine information
The public, and women entrepreneurs in particular, have been advised not to engage with, register on, or provide personal information through any unauthorised platform. All official announcements, advertisements, calls for applications and programme updates relating to the GROW Project are communicated exclusively through:
- The official GROW Project website: www.grow.go.ug
- The Ministry website: www.mglsd.go.ug
- Official Ministry and GROW Project social media platforms on X, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn
- National daily newspapers, where applicable
Any website, social media account, agent, individual or organisation claiming to act on behalf of the GROW Project or the Ministry outside these channels should be treated as fraudulent.
Matter reported to police
The Ministry said the matter has been reported to the relevant law enforcement authorities for investigation and appropriate action. Members of the public are urged to immediately report to the nearest Police Station or Police Post any person demanding money, facilitation fees, registration charges or any other payment in exchange for access to GROW Project skilling, financing, grant or business support services.
For further information, clarification, or to report suspected fraud, the public can contact the Toll-Free Line 0800 307 777 or visit the GROW Project Offices at Gender and Labour House, Plot 2 George Street, 3rd Floor, Kampala.