Residents of Busoga Sub-region have been urged to diversify their sources of income instead of relying solely on sugarcane farming, with experts warning that dependence on a single cash crop exposes households and the region’s economy to significant risks.
The call was made on Monday during a business training session under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, which brought together more than 800 women entrepreneurs from across Busoga in Jinja City.
Busoga accounts for about 35 percent of Uganda’s sugarcane milling capacity and hosts major processing plants, including Kakira Sugar Works.
While sugarcane remains a major source of income for thousands of households, experts say its rapid expansion has contributed to environmental degradation, food insecurity, and economic vulnerability among smallholder farmers.
Speaking during the training, Enterprise Uganda Director General Mr Charles Ocici encouraged residents to explore alternative enterprises and make informed investment decisions based on market opportunities and profitability.
“As many Ugandans appreciate, the Busoga region, including the areas around Jinja City, is known for sugarcane cultivation. The land is suitable for the crop and farmers can earn money from it,” Mr Ocici said.
“However, if that one source of income faces challenges, whether in terms of market demand or processing capacity, the entire region suffers. People should not limit themselves to one crop. They should assess what other opportunities can compete with sugarcane and invest in them as well.”
Mr Ocici advised farmers and entrepreneurs to carry out proper market research before investing in any venture.
“Whatever business you choose, you must understand the market. Do not assume that because there is a sugar processor nearby, your produce will automatically be purchased. Understand the value chain and how it operates,” he said.
The training focused on business planning, financial literacy, market research, record keeping, risk assessment, and enterprise growth strategies aimed at helping women build sustainable businesses.
Mr Ocici also challenged common perceptions about business financing, noting that many entrepreneurs mistakenly believe capital can only come from grants or loans.
“There are many ways of generating capital for a business, but the most important is capital generated through profits and then reinvested. Entrepreneurs should focus on building businesses that can sustain and grow themselves,” he said.
He urged women entrepreneurs to use opportunities under the GROW Project to establish banking records and strengthen their financial credibility.
“Build a banking history. Open and actively use a bank account, make deposits and withdrawals, and establish a financial track record. With that history, you can access bigger financing opportunities in the future,” he said.
Jinja City National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairperson Mr Edwin Lufafa called on participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the training to improve livelihoods in their communities.
“I am calling upon the people of Busoga to utilise the knowledge they have gained and share it within their communities so that together we can fight poverty in our region,” Mr Lufafa said.
Several participants said the training had equipped them with practical business management skills.
Ms Edith Tukahirwa, a businesswoman with nearly three decades of entrepreneurial experience, said the training highlighted the importance of record keeping and customer retention.
“I have been in business for almost 30 years, but I have learned the importance of keeping proper records and maintaining customer relationships. I also learned that the money used in a business should be treated as business money, not personal money,” she said.
Another participant, Ms Maria Nantale, said the training had strengthened her understanding of financial discipline, savings, and accountability.
“We have always had money and resources, but many of us did not know how to save effectively, borrow responsibly, and remain accountable. These are lessons I will share with my team and community,” she said.
The GROW Project is a government initiative funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in partnership with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda.
The programme supports women entrepreneurs through business training, access to affordable financing, and shared production facilities aimed at helping enterprises grow from micro to small and medium-sized businesses.