The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has warned the public, particularly women entrepreneurs, against fraudsters using fake websites to solicit money and personal information under the pretext of offering grants through the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project.
In a public notice dated October 23, 2026, and signed by Acting Permanent Secretary Alex Asiimwe, the Ministry said the fraudsters were falsely claiming to offer GROW Project grants and directing unsuspecting members of the public to register on unauthorised websites.
The Ministry clarified that the websites are neither authorised by nor affiliated with or endorsed by the Ministry or the GROW Project.
“Their actions are intended to defraud the public through misrepresentation and unlawful solicitation,” the notice stated.
Grant applications not yet open
The Ministry emphasised that applications for the GROW Business Plan Competition Grants have not yet opened, warning the public against individuals or platforms claiming to facilitate access to the funding.
It said an official announcement would be made through the project’s recognised communication channels when the application window opens.
According to the Ministry, all applications will be submitted electronically through the official GROW Project website, www.grow.go.ug.
The Ministry urged prospective applicants to verify information before registering, submitting personal details or making payments to individuals claiming to represent the project.
How to identify official GROW communications
The Ministry said all official announcements, advertisements, calls for applications and programme updates are communicated through the GROW Project website, www.grow.go.ug; the Ministry’s website, www.mglsd.go.ug; and its official social media accounts on X, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn.
National daily newspapers are also used to communicate official notices where applicable.
It cautioned that any website, social media account, agent, individual or organisation claiming to represent the Ministry or the GROW Project outside these recognised channels should be treated with suspicion.
Fraud reported to authorities
The Ministry said the matter had been reported to the relevant law enforcement authorities for investigation and appropriate action.
It urged anyone approached by individuals demanding money in exchange for access to GROW Project services to report the matter immediately to the nearest police station or post.
The warning covers demands for registration charges, facilitation fees or any other payments purportedly required to access the project’s skilling, financing, grant or business support services.
Members of the public seeking clarification or wishing to report suspected fraud can contact the GROW Project through its toll-free line, 0800 307 777, or visit its offices at Gender and Labour House, Plot 2 George Street, third floor, Kampala.
The Ministry advised prospective beneficiaries not to register on unauthorised platforms or share personal information with individuals claiming to offer GROW grants, urging them to rely only on verified official communication channels.
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