NORTHERN UGANDA — State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa, has intensified engagements with local leaders and key stakeholders across the Acholi and Lango sub-regions to strengthen the rollout of the GROW Business Plan Competition.
Lakisa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fairness, transparency and integrity in the implementation of the programme, stressing that participation in the GROW Business Plan Competition is 100% free.
The Minister warned against individuals who may attempt to charge applicants or exploit young entrepreneurs, saying such practices will not be tolerated.
She urged local leaders to take responsibility for ensuring that accurate information about the competition reaches young people in their respective communities.
Lakisa also called on leaders to guide prospective applicants through the application process and report any cases of extortion or other corrupt practices immediately to the relevant authorities.
“The message is clear: applying to the GROW competition is 100% free. Any attempt to charge applicants or exploit youth will not be tolerated,” she said.
Ahead of the upcoming Hands-on Business Clinics, the Minister tasked Commercial Officers and Focal Point Officers with providing direct and practical guidance to young applicants.
She emphasised that the officers should go beyond administrative procedures and offer meaningful support to young entrepreneurs as they develop and strengthen their business ideas.
The Hands-on Business Clinics are expected to provide applicants with practical guidance as they prepare their business plans and seek to improve their chances of benefiting from the competition.
Lakisa said stronger cooperation between government officials, local leaders and communities will be essential in ensuring that the opportunities created through the programme reach the intended beneficiaries.
She expressed confidence that the GROW Business Plan Competition can help expand opportunities for young Ugandans, strengthen entrepreneurship and contribute to sustainable economic growth across Acholi, Lango and the wider country.
The Minister’s engagements come as efforts continue to ensure that young entrepreneurs have access to reliable information, practical support and opportunities that can help transform their business ideas into sustainable enterprises.
