UWEAL, Housing Finance Bank Partner to Launch Women Entrepreneurs Incubation Centre

The Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL) and Housing Finance Bank have announced a landmark partnership to establish the Women Entrepreneurs Incubation Centre in Namanve. Known as a Common User Facility (CUF), this center will empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Uganda, with a strong emphasis on supporting women-led businesses.

Set to provide affordable shared resources, the Incubation Centre aims to bolster productivity, encourage innovation, and drive economic growth for women entrepreneurs. Strategically aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan III, this initiative will bridge resource gaps, offering critical infrastructure to small businesses in both urban and rural areas.

Elizabeth Rumanyika Kasenene, Chairperson of UWEAL’s Board of Directors, praised the center as a major milestone for economic empowerment among Ugandan women entrepreneurs. “The launch of CUFs marks a significant milestone in fostering economic empowerment for MSMEs and women entrepreneurs.” 

“These facilities will provide invaluable resources, enabling businesses to scale, innovate, and access new markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development across Uganda,” she said. 

She added that UWEAL will continue working with the government and other partners to make CUFs a sustainable solution for MSME empowerment in the country.

The Incubation Center offers shared equipment and workspace facilities designed to lower operational costs and enhance production quality. Additionally, CUFs will provide technical training, digital skills development, and networking opportunities. Through these resources, the center aims to foster a community of entrepreneurs who can collaborate, share knowledge, and form partnerships.

The partnership with Housing Finance Bank also builds on a recently signed three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations. This MOU includes subsidized lending rates, customized financial products, and tailored business support services for UWEAL members.

Angela Bagaine, a member of UWEAL’s advisory council, emphasized the importance of associations in fostering growth for women entrepreneurs, stating, “Our role as the advisory council is to guide the board in developing assets like these. We’re here to support the board and Housing Finance Bank in providing women the necessary skills and resources to grow. Synergies developed through associations like UWEAL give women the credibility and capacity needed to compete globally.”

Annet Ssebugwawo, Housing Finance Bank’s Head of Microfinance, highlighted the bank’s commitment, stating, “We know most women fear coming to banks, thinking they’re expensive, but we are determined to change that. Together, we will achieve more through this partnership.”

UWEAL and Housing Finance Bank hope that the Incubation Centre will lay the groundwork for a thriving ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can access essential resources and training. The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) allocated the land for the facility, which underscores the government’s commitment to empowering women-led MSMEs and contributing to Uganda’s economic transformation.