The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has warned women entrepreneurs and the general public against fraudsters allegedly using the name of the government and the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project to solicit money and personal information through unauthorised websites.

In a public notice dated October 23, 2026, the Ministry said it had received information about individuals falsely claiming to offer grants under the GROW Project and directing unsuspecting applicants to websites that are neither authorised nor affiliated with the programme.

The Ministry cautioned the public against registering on suspicious platforms or submitting personal information through websites and social media accounts that have not been officially verified.

It said the alleged fraudulent activities involve the unlawful use of the Ministry's and the GROW Project's names to mislead members of the public seeking business financing and other support services.

The Ministry has advised prospective applicants to rely on official communication channels for accurate information about the programme, including announcements, advertisements and calls for applications.

These channels include the GROW Project website, www.grow.go.ug, the Ministry's website, www.mglsd.go.ug, and the programme's official social media accounts on X, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn. National daily newspapers may also carry official announcements where applicable.

The notice warns that websites, social media accounts, agents, individuals or organisations claiming to represent the Ministry or the GROW Project outside these official channels should be treated with suspicion.

The Ministry further urged the public to report anyone demanding registration fees, facilitation fees or other payments in exchange for access to GROW Project training, financing, grants or business support services.

Suspected cases should be reported to the nearest police station or police post. According to the notice, the matter has also been reported to the relevant law enforcement authorities for investigation and appropriate action.

The Ministry specifically clarified that applications for the GROW Business Plan Competition Grants had not yet opened as of the date of the notice.

It said an official public announcement would be made through the designated communication channels when the application window is launched. Applications are expected to be submitted electronically through the official GROW Project website.

The warning comes as the government prepares to expand financing opportunities for women-owned businesses through the GROW Business Plan Competition Grants. Earlier reports published in October 2026 described plans to provide non-repayable grants to eligible women entrepreneurs who were unable to secure financing under the project's loan component. The reported initiative is intended to help qualifying businesses expand their operations and access capital without taking on additional debt.

The Ministry's latest warning reinforces the importance of verifying application information and avoiding individuals who promise guaranteed funding in exchange for money.

Women entrepreneurs seeking clarification or wishing to report suspected fraud are advised to contact the Ministry.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and wait for official announcements before submitting applications or sharing personal information relating to the GROW Business Plan Competition Grants.