Nankabirwa pledges to support Enterprise Uganda programmes

Kampala. Government Chief Whip Ruth Nankabirwa has said she will mobilise other government ministries including the Office of the Prime Minister and Finance Ministry to come up with a special way through which Enterprise Uganda can be assisted to influence and change the enterprise narrative in Uganda.
Speaking at a week-long Basic Enterprise Startup Tools training in Kiboga District, Ms Nankabirwa said she will use her office to invite Finance minister and chairman of the Parliamentary Finance Committee in a retreat to discuss how Enterprise Uganda can be assisted.
“I have been lobbying for them [Enterprise Uganda] to come to Kiboga since 2009 because I was looking for a sustainable way of helping my people to appreciate how one can generate capital and start a small business,” she said, emphasising that government agencies that give capital grants for startups must use Enterprise Uganda to sensitise people on how to use money advanced to them in a sustainable manner.
Different assistance programmes have been started across the country but much of the money advanced to individuals or groups is not repaid.
Therefore, Ms Nankabirwa said, there is need to sensitise Ugandans in a special way on how to build credible and strong enterprises
Mr Charles Ocici, the Enterprise Uganda executive director, said Ugandans were ready to carry the economic challenge on their shoulders instead of being looked after.
“People are saying we can channel our energies and change our future ourselves,” he said, adding that government should use this opportunity to help people out of poverty.
Uganda has been credited as one of the most enterprising country across the globe. However, majority of start-ups established, data shows, do not celebrate their third anniversary.
The training, which attracted district leaders and residents around Kiboga District sought to equip people with skills that are relevant in starting and sustaining a business.