SOROTI — Minister for Youth and Children Affairs and Alebtong District Woman MP, Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa, called on local government leaders across the Teso and Karamoja sub-regions to ensure transparency, fairness and integrity in the implementation of the GROW Business Plan Competition.
Lakisa made the call while engaging key local government stakeholders, including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), LCV Chairpersons, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and Commercial Officers in Soroti on the implementation of the programme.
She cautioned against the exploitation of young people seeking to benefit from the initiative, stressing that participation in the GROW Business Plan Competition is completely free.
Lakisa warned that no applicant should be asked to pay money to access or benefit from the programme, and urged local leaders to immediately report any cases of extortion, fraud or other forms of malpractice to the Ministry and security authorities.
The Minister also called on local leaders to actively champion the programme within their communities by sharing accurate eligibility information and guiding prospective applicants through the application process.
She further tasked Commercial Officers and Focal Point Officers with providing direct support to young entrepreneurs during the upcoming sub-regional Hands-on Business Clinics, saying their involvement would help connect entrepreneurs with the practical resources and guidance they need.
Lakisa said stronger coordination between local leaders and programme implementers would be essential in maintaining public trust and ensuring that the GROW initiative reaches the young entrepreneurs it was designed to support.
She said the initiative should ultimately contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth by equipping young people with opportunities and practical support to develop their businesses.
