Final report base line survey for women's economic justice project luwero

Melody Niwamanya
Project Implemented by: EASSI, FIDA-Uganda and NAWOU
WOMEN’S ECONOMIC JUSTICE PROJECT IN LUWERO DISTRICT [2015-2018]
A BASELINE SURVEY REPORT
FINAL REPORT- August 2015

Baseline Survey (2015): Economic Justice Project in Luwero
2 |
Acknowledgements
The Baseline team, led by Melody Niwamanya wishes to extend special thanks to the Project
implementing partners (EASSI, FIDA U and NAWOU) for their undivided support during the planning
and execution of the survey. Particular thanks go to Josephine Kasaija, Elizabeth Ampairwe (EASSI),
Stella Biwaga (FIDA U) and Monica Emiru (NAWOU) who were instrumental in the review and approval
of this report. Extraordinary appreciation goes to the donors of the project- Forum for Women and
Development (FOKUS), for giving the women in Luwero an opportunity to better their lives.
Finally we wish to thank all the women groups and individuals in Luwero district, the district officials of
Luwero district local administration, and the project officers in Luwero for their time and support
during the data collection.
Disclaimers
This report is intended for use by the Economic Justice Project in Luwero and any other parties they
may expressly authorize. The circulation and use of the contents of this report, is therefore limited and
any analysis and interpretation of the contents of the report must be made within the context of the
ToR’s.

3 |
Acronyms and Abbreviations
CDO Community Development Officer
CEDAW The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women
DCDO District Community Development Officer
DGL District Local Government
EAC East African Community
EAFF East African Farmers Association
EASSI East African Sub-regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women
FIDA Uganda Association of Women Lawyers
FOKUS Forum for Women and Development
GoU Government of Uganda
HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus
AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
IGAs Income Generating Activities
LC Local Council
MDG Millennium Development Goals
NAWOU National Association of Women's organisation
PWDs People with Disabilities
RDC Resident District Commissioner
SACCO Saving and Credit Cooperatives
UBOS Uganda Bureau of Statistics
UDHS Uganda Demographic Health Survey
UEPB Uganda Exports Promotions Board
UGX Uganda Shillings
UNCCI Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
UNHS Uganda National Housing Survey
VSLA Village Savings and Loan Associations

4 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acronyms and Abbreviations..................................................................................................2
Executive Summary..................................................................................................................8
1. INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................12
1.1. Background .................................................................................................................................................... 12
1.2. About the Economic Justice project for Women: ............................................................................ 12
1.3. Objectives of the Baseline:........................................................................................................................ 13
1.4. Methodology of the assignment............................................................................................................ 13
2. BASELINE FINDINGS.......................................................................................................16
2.1 Luwero District demographic characteristics..................................................................................... 16
Location and population ......................................................................................................... 162.1.1
Sources of Household livelihood.......................................................................................... 162.1.2
Percentage of population below poverty line................................................................. 162.1.3
District past expenditure.......................................................................................................... 172.1.4
2.2 Groups Assessment..................................................................................................................................... 17
Group Organization and Management.............................................................................. 172.2.1
Group enterprises....................................................................................................................... 212.2.2
Potential for expansion ............................................................................................................ 252.2.3
Marketing and Market linkages............................................................................................ 262.2.4
Capacity Gaps .............................................................................................................................. 272.2.5
Legal capacity needs................................................................................................................. 282.2.6
2.3 Group member’s assessment .................................................................................................................. 29
Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 292.3.1
Socio-economic Indicators ..................................................................................................... 292.3.2
Knowledge of women rights.................................................................................................. 322.3.3
Knowledge of national laws on women rights................................................................ 332.3.4
Participation in leadership ...................................................................................................... 332.3.5
Participation in decision making .......................................................................................... 342.3.6
Ownership of Productive Assets........................................................................................... 342.3.7
Reasons for not owning Land................................................................................................ 352.3.8

5 |
Capacity Building Interventions ............................................................................................ 352.3.9
Access to EAC markets ............................................................................................................. 362.3.10
3. INDICATOR BASELINE VALUES......................................................................................37
3.1 Outcome 1: Women are more economically independent.......................................................... 39
3.2 Output 1: Womens’ access to justice strengthened ....................................................................... 39
3.3 Output 2: Women organised in influential and sustainable groups ....................................... 40
3.4 Output 3: Women actively participate and benefit from the EAC Common Market ......... 41
4. CHALLENGES AND BOTTLENECKS ................................................................................42
4.1 Project coordination challenges............................................................................................................. 42
4.2 Women and Group specific challenges............................................................................................... 42
4.2.1 Some Women groups are inactive and lack independence....................................... 42
4.2.2 Women’s lack of land ownership increases vulnerability............................................ 42
4.2.3 Poor quality products ............................................................................................................... 42
4.2.4 A few individuals dominate some groups......................................................................... 43
4.2.5 Inadequate start-up capital .................................................................................................... 43
4.2.6 Inability to meet huge demand and large orders.......................................................... 43
4.2.7 Poor Packaging and branding............................................................................................... 43
4.2.8 Exploitation by middle men ................................................................................................... 43
4.2.9 Storage facilities.......................................................................................................................... 44
4.2.10 Individualism in some groups................................................................................................ 44
4.2.11 Lack of value addition............................................................................................................... 44
4.2.12 Lack of security to access loans ............................................................................................ 44
4.2.13 Gender limitations...................................................................................................................... 44
4.2.14 Domestic violence...................................................................................................................... 44
4.3 Exogenous factors........................................................................................................................................ 45
4.3.1 Un-predictable Political environment................................................................................. 45
4.3.2 Droughts and dry spells........................................................................................................... 45
4.3.3 Increased taxes on inputs and depreciation of the shilling against the dollar ... 45
4.3.4 Government of Uganda’s limited funding to the agricultural sector ..................... 45
5 RECOMMENDATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES..............................................................46

6 |
5.1 Project specific recommendations......................................................................................................... 46
5.1.1 Improving partner coordination........................................................................................... 46
5.1.2 Improve the timing of activities............................................................................................ 46
5.2 Group specific recommendations.......................................................................................................... 46
5.2.1 Capacity building........................................................................................................................ 46
5.2.2 Addressing Legal gaps ............................................................................................................. 47
5.2.3 Benchmarking with other groups......................................................................................... 47
5.2.4 Addressing Environmental sustainability measures...................................................... 47
5.2.5 Negotiate for better Agricultural financing;..................................................................... 48
5.2.6 Asset financing ............................................................................................................................ 48
5.3 Risk mitigation measures.......................................................................................................................... 48
5.3.1 Improve communication and working relationship with the district structures 48
5.3.2 Overcoming the drought......................................................................................................... 48
5.3.3 Lobbying government to increase agricultural funding.............................................. 48
ANNEXES.................................................................................................................................49
Annex 1: Profiles of the groups ....................................................................................................................... 49
Annex 2: List of people interviewed............................................................................................................... 79
Annex 3: Terms of Reference............................................................................................................................ 80
List of Figures
Figure 1: Luwero district past expenditure analysis...........................................................................................17
Figure 2: Highest education level attained............................................................................................................30
Figure 3: Relationship to the household head....................................................................................................31
Figure 4: Percentage of women with Knowledge of women rights.............................................................32
Figure 5: Holding positions of leadership in business or politics.................................................................33
Figure 6: ownership of assets .....................................................................................................................................34
Figure 7: Main reasons for not owning any of the assets................................................................................35
Figure 8: Most wanted Trainings...............................................................................................................................36
List of Tables
Table 1: Number of respondents per Sub County..............................................................................................14
Table 2: Group composition........................................................................................................................................18

7 |
Table 3: Classification based on organisation and management of groups............................................19
Table 4: Group enterprises/products.......................................................................................................................22
Table 5: Potential market opportunities.................................................................................................................27
Table 6: Forms of Disability........................................................................................................................................32
Table 7: Indicator Matrix...............................................................................................................................................37
List of Pictures
Picture 1: Copies of constitutions and a registration certificate ......................................................... 18
Picture 2: Passion fruits in Zirobwe ................................................................................................................ 25
Picture 3: Products from Luwero women’s group.................................................................................... 25
Picture 4: Women selling their products by a tree shed in Luwero town council........................ 26
Picture 5: A bar soap making machine in Wobulenzi ............................................................................ 28
Picture 6: A biogas processing pit in Wobulenzi....................................................................................... 47

8 |
Executive Summary
ackground
The Government of Uganda (GoU)
like so many other countries has committed
to a wide range of international, regional
legal and policy Instruments that call for
elimination of all forms of inequality against
women. The Government has moved to
show its commitment to eliminate all forms
of violence and inequality against Women
by promulgation of a number of laws and
policies, key among these is the Domestic
Violence Act 2010, The Land Act and the
Penal Code Act. Despite this progress in,
research shows that inequalities persist in
the way paid and unpaid work is divided
between women and men; the fact that
women remain the sole caregivers at home
with limited access to economic resources
which remain mainly male dominated. In
employment for example, women receive an
averagely lower pay than men in the private
sector for the same amount of work with a
male to female wage gap standing at about
39 per cent1
.
The links between persistent violence and
discrimination against women and lack of
economic empowerment are featured in the
Uganda National Development Plan yet
inadequate measures have been taken to
address these fundamental issues. In a bid to
address the economic injustices against
women, the East African Sub-regional
Support Initiative for the Advancement of
Women (EASSI), the Uganda Association of
Women Lawyers (FIDA-Uganda) and
National Association of Women
Organizations in Uganda (NAWOU) are
implementing a four year joint project on
women’s economic justice in Luwero district
with financial support from Forum for
Women and Development (FOKUS). The
1
The state of Uganda population report 2013 reports that
the Male to Female wage gap is about 39%
project is being implemented in thirteen (13)
sub counties of the district targeting two
women groups in each of the sub counties
as the primary beneficiaries. In order to
determine the current situation (status quo)
which would help in project monitoring and
evaluation, this baseline survey was
conducted to inform the partners of the
groups’ current state, the current socio-
economic and legal factors affecting the
women in Luwero. This survey further
determined the indicator values for the
project at the baseline level.
omen groups
The partners of the project
identified 26 women groups in
Luwero, which will benefit from the
interventions. These groups were assessed
as part of the baseline for their
organisational and management capabilities,
production and value addition potential, as
well as their product marketing abilities and
potential.
On the organisational and management
aspects, the survey reports that all but one
was legally registered and six possessed
copies of the Constitutions that govern their
operations. All groups have management
teams most times comprised of the
Chairperson, vice chairperson, the secretary
and a treasurer. The management teams do
organise meetings regularly to ensure group
activities are carried out in line with their
respective constitutions. However, certain
gaps exist in group dynamics, especially the
management aspects, skills to lead and
motivate, team building and networking
skills. In two groups with vulnerable and
marginalised members, counselling skills a
major gap. Further skills gaps identified
included; Financial management,
accounting, logistics management and
records management.
B
W

9 |
In terms of production and value
addition, most of the groups use rudimental
methods to produce the products/services
ranging from agricultural products (raw form
and processed), apparels, crafts, bakery
products, and catering services. These
methods include use of hand-hoes to till the
land, seed broadcasting instead of lining,
poor post-harvest loss management and
produce storage. The production processes
are affected by lack of modern technology
and techniques which overall affects
efficiency and quality. Those in agro
processing lack critical machinery, and the
few processing plants lack significant
capacity to manage large orders. The
packaging and preservation of processed
products is still very poor, with the clients
preferring established goods to those
produced by the women in Luwero. Value
addition is generally lacking and majority of
the groups sell un-processed products at
very cheap prices. In some extreme cases,
middle-men buy the produce while in
gardens even before harvesting period, and
in most of such scenarios farmers get the
lowest price. The desperation to obtain cash
income is a driver of adhoc market trends
and uncoordinated sale of produce.
However, there is evident potential if the
women are supported to improve their
production processes, value addition and
adoption of environmentally sustainable
approaches to revitalise their enterprises.
arketing and selling; the fact
that products are of poor quality
limits their competiveness in
regional and international markets. As such,
on average, women sell about 90% of their
products within their sub counties at very
low prices. Women have no information of
available markets and they lack the means
and requisite skills to create linkages to
storage and market systems that ensure
their products aim at the highest possible
price. Due to poor transport systems,
women struggle to meet demands that are
far away from their localities and this is
exploited by shrewd middle men. Most of
the groups lack stalls/shops at key
marketing points where they could show-
case their products. The perishability of
some crops means they cannot be shelved
for a long time. Mechanisms to reduce post-
harvest losses and product preservation are
needed; otherwise most women are forced
to sell perishables at the earliest opportunity
and such desperate measures inhibit better
prices. The poor quality of packaging of
products contributes to low sales outside
Luwero. There are a number of market
opportunities that different groups
mentioned including: Kampala-Kisenyi
market for Maize products; the different
pork joints in Kampala for the piggery, the
different super markets in Kampala for
processed juice, cakes, cookies; the national
trade fairs for showcasing the arts and crafts,
apparels products; East African community
markets, the Juba (South Sudan market), and
the Eastern Congo markets for all
agricultural products.
egal concerns were not many save for
the internal governance issues related
to the adherence with aspects of
group constitutions and their
operationalization. Such issues included time
keeping, defaulting on payment of
contributions and loans, indiscipline and
misuse of group resources. Much as a
handful of groups mentioned lack of
knowledge in commercial laws, it is
advisable for all groups to be sensitised
about the basic commercial laws and
principles in Uganda and the region.
Domestic violence which inadvertently
affects the women and how they progress in
their businesses/groups was reported as an
area where women could get legal
assistance. While it seems domestic violence
is still pronounced, women remained
‘touchy’ in their discussion and presentation
about the same – a pointer to the manner in
which these issues remain with predisposed
privacy. The biggest form of domestic
violence was economic violence as reported
M
L

10 |
by the District Community Development
office.
ocio-economic indicators
Understanding the socio-economic
indicators of the targeted women was
important, as it helps the interventions to be
well tailored to the needs and environment
in which the women operate. The average
age of the women in the groups was
determined as 40 years. One in every two
women did not complete primary education
while 8.3% had never had any formal
education, about 13% completed primary
and 20% had attended but failed to
complete ordinary level education. Lack of
education and illiteracy are factors often
linked to failure of businesses since business
aspects like financial management, research,
marketing and partnership building need
some form of literacy to be successfully
done. In terms of marital status, 61% were
married, 18% widowed, 11% separated, 8%
single and 2% divorced. About 43% of the
women reported to be the heads of the
households where they lived which points to
the weight of dependants under their care.
In terms of occupation, 63% of the women
were engaged in crop farming, 10% in
market vending, 4% in crafts making and the
rest were engaged in retail shops, baking,
casual labour, hotel services, charcoal
dealing, saloon/hair services, brewing of
alcohol and brick making. About 31% owned
land, and almost 1 in every two women did
not own any productive asset2
. Poverty and
limited income were the main reasons for
women not owning land. In terms of
participation in the EAC markets, none of the
women had sold products to the EAC
markets with majority saying they had no
knowledge about the EAC markets. About
21% of the women were PWDs. There was a
whole group with PWDs and this explains
2 According to the survey, productive assets included a
business, land, an automobile, a building or monetary
savings of over 1M Ugx.
the high percentage compared to the
national average of 7%.
wareness of rights and laws
Awareness of women rights and laws
was assessed. From the criteria used
a woman who mentioned three types of
rights was judged to know her rights. About
46% of the women knew their rights. Only
3% of the women could mention two laws
that guarantee women rights in Uganda.
This evidently suggests that the women have
limited knowledge of their rights and the
laws that provide for those rights.
Henceforth, these women remain exposed
to economic, social and political dis-
empowerment without fortification.
Women’s Participation in leadership
positions is very important as it facilitates
women empowerment; about 36% had held
a leadership position in politics and
business. In terms of decision making in the
District LG structures, about 75% of the
women reported to have participated in
decisions in the district LG structures
(starting from LC 1 to LC 5). Low education is
partly responsible for their limited
participation in leadership roles which
explicably hampers their progress in
expressing their views and ensuring an
equitable democratic governance process.3
hallenges and Recommendations:
The challenges noted were in form of
the project management aspects, the
groups and exogenous factors that should
be managed to ensure project effective
implementation and success.
In terms of the challenges specific to the
Project management; limited coordination
between the project team and the district
officials was pointed out but largely
3
Education is one of the most critical areas of
empowerment for women, as both the Cairo and Beijing
conferences affirmed. It is also an area that offers some of
the clearest examples of discrimination women suffer.
S A
C

11 |
attributed to the nature of the project still in
its initial stages.
Group related challenges revolved around
capacity to organise and manage groups,
capacity to produce and add value, and
capacity to manage finances, loans and
accountability. Additionally the lack of
market information and linkages, as well as
poor production technology, poor
packaging and branding of goods were
glaring gaps across the groups.
Exogenous factors included the political
environment characterised by
electioneering, where different groups were
interacting with the women and hence
affecting the progress of the project. The
political instability associated with elections
cannot be under looked either. In terms of
climate, the long dry seasons that heavily
affect Luwero are a cause of concern to the
crop farmers. Luwero’s rainfall patterns are
quite un-predictable and scanty.
Government’s imposition of taxes on
agricultural inputs is a major threat as prices
of inputs have gone up, thus famers are
unable to use them more regularly.
Government’s failure to meet the Maputo
declaration on agricultural spending of 10%
is a risk whose persistence could prove
detrimental to agricultural projects.
ecommendations
Under the project management
aspects; strengthening partner
coordination is first and foremost significant.
A coordination committee should be set up
to manage the coordination issues of the
project, including communication through
one voice acting on behalf of the
partnership. The committee should have a
clear communication plan of engaging all
stakeholders.
It is recommended that working relations
with the district officials be strengthened,
specifically with the DCDO and Production
offices. To the extent possible, the project
teams should work with the CDOs in the
different sub counties to ensure that project
activities are harmonized with district
programmes and activities.
Timely, phased and coordinated
implementation is important, therefore it is
recommend that the implementation
committee develops an implementation and
monitoring plan that will enable strict
adherence to timing of implementation of
activities, since failure to do so could affect
those activities that are dependent on
completion of others.
Group specific recommendations are
mainly centred on capacity building to
enhance skills in; enterprise selection,
innovations, processing and new
technologies, management and leadership,
market research and proposal writing,
financial management and accountability,
loan acquisition and management, and
marketing. Creation of marketing linkages
and providing information on markets is
very important. The weak groups should be
facilitated to benchmark with the successful
ones.
Overcoming the political risks requires the project steering committee to implement the
communication plan and clearly communicate the project goals and purposes to all the
concerned stakeholders as regularly as possible. In order to overcome the challenges caused by
prolonged droughts, improved varieties of crops that are drought resistant should be introduced
by the partners. Additionally, innovative ways of irrigation should be explored since some of the
farmers have proximity to rivers.
R

12 |
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background
The Government of Uganda (GoU) like so many other countries has committed to a wide range of
international and regional legal and policy Instruments that call for elimination of all forms of
inequality against women. Key among these are; the Convention of Elimination of all forms of
Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action (1995), the
Millennium Development Goals Declaration (MDGs, 2000), the African Charter on Human and
Peoples Rights (1981). The Government of Uganda has moved to show its commitment to
eliminate all forms of Violence and inequality against Women by promulgation of a number of
Laws and Policies, key among these is the Domestic Violence Act 2010, The Land Act and the
Penal Code Act.
Women Empowerment is the third of eight MDGs. The links between persistent violence and
discrimination against women and lack of economic empowerment are underlined in the Uganda
National Development Plan. Yet, thus far, insufficient measures have been taken to address these
issues. In particular, women continue to face severe legal and cultural obstacles to ownership of
property, including land and inheritance. Unequal opportunities between women and men
continue to hamper women’s ability to lift them-selves from poverty and gain more options to
improve their lives. In Uganda, research shows that inequalities persist in the way paid and
unpaid work is divided between women and men; the fact that women remain the sole caregivers
at home, with limited access to resources. More to this, women receive an averagely lower pay
than men in the private sector with a male to female wage gap that stands at about 39 per cent.
(State of Uganda Population report 2013). According to the UNHS (2005/06), male-headed
households hold more than twice the land size held by female-headed households. This is a
disadvantage to women who are interested in producing high-value agricultural commodities for
export, or using the land as collateral to access financial capital for investment in other formal
business ventures. Nevertheless all hope is not lost; women do possess the ability to change their
own economic status, as well as that of the communities and countries in which they live.
Women are unaware of their rights and existing mechanisms to enforce them, including relevant
regional East African Community (EAC) opportunities. National macro-economic policies like
economic liberalisation, privatisation and deregulation weakened the ability of farmers to
organize collectively through associations and cooperatives, exposed them to external
competition, and removed the progressive role of the state in development. Current trends of
government imposing taxes on Agricultural inputs, together with continued failure to increase
the agricultural budget to 10% as required by the Maputo protocol, have negatively impacted on
the women. The positive constitutional framework for women's rights has not been supported
with relevant law reforms for example in domestic relations and land laws.
1.2. About the Economic Justice project for Women:
In order to contribute to addressing the Economic injustices against women, the East African
Sub-regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI), The Uganda Association
of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Uganda) and National Association of Women Organizations in Uganda
(NAWOU) are implementing a four years joint project on women’s economic Justice in Luwero
with the financial support from Forum for Women and Development (FOKUS). The Project is a

13 |
four year project that will be implemented in the district of Luwero covering 13 sub counties4
.
The project seeks to strengthen women's access to economic justice and their capacity to
organize, network at various levels and take collective action for improved access to information,
resources and markets for sustainable livelihoods. It will enable women to have own income that
will improve their lives and that of their families and communities. With financial independence,
information, rights awareness and advocacy strategies, women will have a voice to engage at
local, national and regional levels on policy frameworks and their implementation. By
strengthening the individual women and local women’s associations, a stronger women's
movement and citizen’s engagement in nation building will be realized.
1.3. Objectives of the Baseline:
The purpose of this baseline study is to provide an information base against which to monitor
and assess the project’s progress and effectiveness during and after implementation. The
baseline survey additionally provides an assessment of indicators at the base line level (August
2015).
Specific Objectives of the baseline survey
The baseline survey had the following objectives:
i. To collect data that will further inform program managers in planning of the project.
ii. To serve as the first measurement of indicators.
iii. To further establish indicator targets which will be used to measure the projects’
performance
1.4. Methodology of the assignment
The baseline survey was conducted in four phases including: (i) planning and inception, (ii) data
collection, (iii) data analysis and synthesis of information, and (iv) developing the Baseline Report.
The survey was conducted in the 13 sub counties of Luwero, targeting women groups that were
purposively selected (26 groups). We surveyed 300 women in the different groups.
1.4.1 Sample size determination
The sample size (No. of people to be included in the survey) was determined using the proven
Probability sample size selection formula by Yemen and taking into consideration the total
population (458,158) according to UBOS 2014 Census) for Luwero District. Based on the total
population (N=458,158) in the Luwero districts the Yamane formula below was used to calculate
the sample size.
4 The thirteen Sub counties being covered include: Butuntumula, Kamira, Kikyusa, Luwero, Luwero TC, katikamu,
Zirobwe, Bamunanika, Wobulenzi TC, Kalagala, Nyimbwa, Makulubita, Bombo
n=
z2p 1;p N
z2P 1;P :N e 2
Whereby;
N = Total Population size for 6 districts 458,158)
e = level of precision or permissible error which is assumed to be 0.05.
Z = value of the standard normal distribution given the chosen confidence level
of 95% such that z= 1.96 at 95% level).
P = probability of success estimated at 0.5

14 |
We assumed a proportion (P) = 0.5. Given that members would be randomly sampled in
the groups visited, a 95% confidence level at 5% level of precision/degree of error has
been assumed. Using the above formula, the total sample size becomes 384 members as
calculated below.
Table 1: Number of respondents per Sub County
#
Sub County
Anticipated No.
of Group
members
Actual No. of
Group
members
interviewed Percent (%)
1 Bamunanika 30 22 73.33
2 Kalagala 30 31 103.33*
3 Kamira 30 29 96.67
4 Kikyusa 30 27 90.00
5 Zirobwe 30 10 33.33
6 Bombo Town Council 30 15 50.00
7 Butuntumula 30 29 96.67
8 Katikamu 30 11 36.67
9 Luwero Town Council 30 38 126.67*
10 Luwero 30 15 50.0
11 Makulubita 30 30 100
12 Nyimbwa 30 30 100
13 Wobulenzi Town
Council
30 13
43.33
Total 390 300 76.92
* The actual number of group members interviewed exceeded the number (30) anticipated initially.
1.4.2 Methods used for data collection
a) Key informant Meetings
A number of key informant meetings discussions were held with Luwero district officials, and key
civil society partners in the district in the areas of women empowerment. A list of people met has
been attached as Annex 2.
b) Document review
A number of documents were reviewed to inform the baseline study, among others these
included the Luwero District Development plan, the Luwero Statistical Abstract, the Results Matrix
of the project, the Project Proposal, a Needs Assessment report on Agribusiness in Luwero5
and
other studies done by the partner organisations in Luwero district.
5 Needs Assessment was undertaken to generate information to help EASSI develop a proposal for supporting women’s
involvement in agribusiness in Luwero District
n=
0.25 z2 N
z2 0.25 :N e 2
=
0.25 X 1.962 X 458,158
0.25 X 1.962 :458,158 0.05 2
=≈384

15 |
c) Survey of women
We surveyed women in the different groups and obtained vital socio-economic information, as
well information related to the various project components.
1.4.3 Study Limitations
a) The baseline survey team was delayed by the late receipt of Women group lists to be
surveyed.
b) The two types of lists of groups had different group names which was mostly confusing to
the baseline team and delayed field work.
c) One group was not assessed because it had not been mobilised, while two groups were
none existent as per the information on the group list.
d) Some group leaders/members could not be reached, as they were busy with their work in
their families and enterprises.

16 |
2. BASELINE FINDINGS
This chapter presents the baseline findings including the Luwero contextual analysis, the group
assessment showing the enterprises, the capacity gaps and the individual assessment showing
demographics, knowledge of laws, ownership of productive assets and engagement in business.
The discussion is based on what was reported by the women during the survey mainly. It should
be interpreted in the context of the sample of women in the different groups.
2.1 Luwero District demographic characteristics
Location and population2.1.1
The district lies north of Kampala, between latitude 20 north of the Equator and east
between 320 to 330. The total area of Luwero district is approximately 2,577.49 Square
Kilometres. It is bordered by Mukono and Wakiso districts in the south, Nakaseke in the
west, Nakasongola in the North and in the East is Kayunga district. The District is divided
into ten Sub counties and three Town councils. The 2014 Population and Housing census
reveals that Luwero district has 458,158 persons of which 225,728 are males (49.27%) and
232,430 females (50.73%), with total household of 105,729. The annual average growth
rate between 1991 to 2002 and 2014 remained high at 2.5 percent. Zirobwe (45,797),
Katikamu (43,671), Luwero TC (42,734) and Nyimbwa (36,687) are the most populated sub
counties while Bombo T.C (26,370) and Kamira (26,290) are the least populated sub
counties.
Sources of Household livelihood2.1.2
Majority of the households (66%) depend on subsistence farming as their source of
livelihood.6
Dependence on subsistence farming as a source of livelihood was more
prevalent in rural areas at 76 percent compared to 22 percent in rural areas. Only 16
percent of the households were dependent on employment income, while 7 percent
depended on business enterprises.
Percentage of population below poverty line2.1.3
According to recent poverty survey reports7
, on average Luwero was found to have about
20 precent individuals living below the poverty line, which was lower compared to the
National average of 31.1 percent. However, Kamira Sub County had the highest poverty
rate of 32.3 percent followed by Kikyusa at 25.9 percent, while Wobulenzi Town council
had the lowest poverty rate 4.3 percent.
6 Luwero District Statistical Abstract 2012
7 Uganda Poverty state 2014

17 |
Management &
Support Services
9%
Finance
10%
Planning
0%
Health
14%
Education &
Sports
54%
Community Based
Services
0%
Production &
Marketing
6%
District past expenditure2.1.4
Figure 1: Luwero district past expenditure analysis
An analysis of the District past expenditure shows a general bias to administrative and
education services, which leaves the agricultural sector (Production and marketing)
extremely underfunded. As seen in figure 2 above, the sector only received 6% of the
total budget in the past three years. Likewise, the Community based department, under
which gender equality and women empowerment activities are provided, received an
equivalent of 0.2 %, approximately an average of UGX 35 Million. The underfunding to
the agricultural sector and the community development departments justifies further the
need for supporting women empowerment in the district.
2.2 Groups Assessment
The Project for Women economic justice in Luwero aims at empowering women groups
to improve their economic potential and subsequently the livelihoods of the women and
families involved. The partners (EASSI, FIDA and NAWOU) identified 26 groups, two from
each of the thirteen sub counties to benefit from this Project. The Profiles of each group
is attached as Annex 1.
Group Organization and Management2.2.1
The group organisation was assessed using the following criteria: registration status,
availability of a copy of the constitution, availability of minutes of meetings, regularity of
meetings, availability of leadership teams, changes in leadership, type of enterprises, and
amount of capital. All the 23 groups identified had a management committee or
executive team responsible for leading and organising the members. The management
team normally consisted of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, and a treasurer.
Some groups had a publicity secretary. Some groups had men, which partly contradicted
the objective of empowering women groups. However, no man was involved in the
survey. All but one group reported to having a constitution although only six groups
were able to present copies of these constitutions. All the groups reported to hold
periodic meetings. 12 groups met on a weekly basis and others on a bi-monthly or
monthly basis. All groups reported to change leadership periodically, some on an annual

18 |
basis and others bi annually or after five years. Below are samples of some of the
constitutions in English and Luganda.
Picture 1: Copies of constitutions and a registration certificate
The constitutions largely contained names of the members, the principles governing
group operation, the areas of focus and interest (enterprises) and the penalties for no-
compliance with the constitutions by any member. Abiding by the rules of the
constitutions was a major challenge in most groups.
Three groups (Mango Juice, Bamunanika Women’s group and Annonya Women’s groups)
were a collection of individuals engaged in different enterprises and coming together just
to save money and secure loans. These did not have group collective enterprises.
The table below shows the different groups surveyed the years of registration, the
membership numbers, the regularity and days of meetings and the amount of capital
raised. As shown in the table 3 below, the groups in blue were the most organized and
those in red were the least organized.
Table 2: Group composition
Name of group Sub county Date/
year of
registration
Number of
members
Regularity of
meetings
Cumulative
Capital
raised
(UGX)
Kamu Kamu Women’s Group Wobulenzi Town
Council
2008 30 Once a months 100,000
Luwero Town Council women
Group
Luwero Town council
South East Zone
1999 100 Once a months 12,000,000
Timbasanga Group Zirobwe 2001 30 Twice a month 600,000 +
Land.
Wabigali Women’ Group Kamira 11/8/2015 35 Every Saturday of
the week.
2,500,000
Magezi Bugaga FAULA Group Kikyusa 2010 30 Every Wednesday
of the week.
200,000
Agalya-Awamu Women Group Nyimbwa 12/9/2011 60 Once a month 3,000,000
Luwero Women’s Disability
association.
Luwero town Council. No date of
registration
30 Every two
months.
1,000,000

19 |
Kavule Community
development Group
Kikyusa 2013 26 Every Thursday of
the week
5,000,000
Twekulakulanye Women’s
Development Group
Kalagala 2010 35 Once a week Not Sure of
the capital
Kyosiga Kyokungula women’s
Group
Makulubita 2007 18 Every Monday of
the week
5,000,000
Gakuwebwa Muno Kamira 2013 60 Every Thursday of
the week.
500,000
Akusubiza Women Group Bututumula 2011 30 Every Sunday of
the week
1,000,000
Kwegatta Gemanyi Luwero Sub County 2007 30 Every Thursday of
the week.
500,000
Tubebumu Women’s Group Makulubita July,2015 34 Every Wednesday
of the week.
2,000,000
Bukolwa Women’s Group Wobulenzi town
Council
2/5/2006 30 Twice a month 200,000
Bajabasaga women’s Group Nyimbwa 2009 67 Weekly 10,000,000
Annonya Women’s Group Bamunanika 2005 30 Every Monday 5,000,000.
Aniyali-amanyi women’s Group Bututumula Not yet
registered
60 Twice a week 200,000
Tukolelewamu Kalagala 2013 25 Every Thursday of
the months.
2,000,000
Katuka Women’s Group. Katikamu 2000 20 3 times in a
month
500,000
Mango Juice Women’s Group Kati kamu 2002 20 Monthly Individual
capital
Bamunanika Women’s Group Bamunanika Not aware 30. Once a week 7,000,000
Bombo Women’s Living with
HIV( BWOLA)
Bombo town Council 2015 220 Once in three
months
4,000,000
From the table above, the groups coloured in blue were the most organized, in terms of
management and having a common objective of a group while those coloured brown
were least organized, with limited organization. The reasons for this categorisation are
shown in the table below to enable further action by the project team.
Table 3: Classification based on organisation and management of groups
# The Most
organized
Justification
1. Kamu Kamu
Women’s
Group
(Wobulenzi)
The group is seven years old; with a well-established management team of
five people that organizes monthly meetings. They keep records of the
meetings and have a constitution that guides their operations. They specialize
in enterprises such as Poultry, Piggery, Maize, coffee, Matooke. There is a high
potential for value addition.
2. Luwero Town
Council
women Group
This is a well-established group of 15 years, with a constitution and the only
group under the Luwero District Women’s network. This group has a
management team of five, meets monthly and keeps records. A copy of the
constitution and the records were obtained by the survey team. The
enterprises included; Tailoring, Briquettes, Liquid Soap, Crafts and Bakery. The
group is among the very few that sell processed products.
3. Wabigali
Women’
This group was newly registered (August 2015) but very organized. It holds
weekly meetings through which member contributions are made. They

20 |
Group (Kamira) reported to have 2,500,000 UGX in capital. They had a management team of
seven and kept records of their minutes. They engaged in large scale maize
farming and crafts making.
4. Magezi
Bugaga FAULA
Group
(Kikyusa)
The group was registered in 2010 and has a constitution, whose copy was
obtained. The group is led by a team of five people who are elected and
changed after two years. It raises funds through the member contributions.
The group meets every Wednesday and keeps records. The records of the
group are kept by the secretary. The enterprises include; Ground and
processed nuts, Sweat potatoes mushroom growing
5. Agalya-Awamu
Women Group
(Nyimbwa)
The group was registered on 12th September, 2011 and had a constitution; It
raises its capital from membership fees. The group meets monthly. The group
changes its leadership after 2 years. The group has a leadership structure
constituting of a chairperson, Secretary, and treasurer. The group possess a
constitution and the group meetings are well minuted and kept. The group
has very good crafts products that have good market potential. Some of the
other enterprises include; Livestock, Crop farming, crafts and Poultry.
6. Timbasanga
Group
(Zirobwe)
Registered in 2001, it has a constitution, keeps minutes of meetings held every
two months, keeps records and has a secretary. The group is led by a
chairperson, a vice and a treasurer. The group has good enterprises of banana
plantations, passion fruits, and fishing. They have good plans of ensuring each
woman in the group owns and acre of crops.
# Least
Organised
Groups
Justification
1. Bombo
Women’s
Living with HIV
(Bombo)
The group was registered in 2015 and has a constitution. However, with over
200 members, this group faces management challenges, and with men
involved in the running of the group, it lacks a clear plan to empower women.
The group enterprises of sweaters had been halted for over a year. They also
operated a saloon.
2. Aniyali-amanyi
women’s
Group-
(Butuntumula)
This group was not formally registered and it had two pigs and two cows as
the only enterprises.
3. Tukolelewamu
(Kalagala)
This group had no enterprises. Its main activity was saving and distributing the
money to individuals. They lacked a clear vision of what they wanted to do as
a group.
4. Katuka
Women’s
Group
(Katikamu)
The group leaders failed to meet the survey team, and this raised suspicion.
Some of the group members could not tell us the name of the group. The
group had no group enterprises to show case, and some of the individuals
were engaged in charcoal selling, which contravenes the ideals of the project.
5. Mango Juice
Women’s
Group
(Katikamu)
This group is a collection of individuals from different villages. It was not
possible to meet more than two of the members. We didn’t see a copy of the
constitution, and the group had no common group enterprises.
6. Bamunanika
Women’s
Group
This group lacked group enterprises. It was a collection of individuals who
couldn’t tell when the group was established. A copy of the constitution was
not seen, and a lot of people looked unsure of what the group was doing.

21 |
Group enterprises2.2.2
The groups had different types of enterprises that they were engaged in ranging from
Crop farming products, animal husbandry, crafts, apparels, hiring out plastic chairs, and
savings. Most of the groups had a savings component where the members brought
money into the group on a periodic basis, and this money was used for investment into
group enterprises, or distributed to members to invest in individual enterprises. The table
below shows the groups, enterprises engaged in, markets where products are sold and
monthly income.

22 |
Table 4: Group enterprises/products
# Name of the group Enterprises/ Products Markets where products
are sold
Quantity of produce per
month/season
Income per month/season
1. Agalyaawamu Women’s
Group (working together)
 Livestock
 Crop farming
 Crafts
 Luwero
 Kampala
50 bags of potatoes/Month
300 crafts / Month
Potatoes: 7,500,000 per season
Crafts: 1,500,000 per month
2. Bukolwa women’s Group  Livestock i.e hens, Goats and
pigs
 Luwero markets
 Wobulenzi markets.
8 piglets per season
12 trays a months
Piglets: 160,000 per season
Eggs: 90,000 per month
3. Katuka Women’s group  Crop farming
 Second hand cloths
 charcoal
 Wobulenzi markets
 Luwero district markets.
20 bags of charcoal a months
900 bunches of matooke /months.
Charcoal: 800,000 per months.
Matooke: 3,000,000 per season.
4. Mango juice Women’s
Group.
 Agro processing
 Natural juice
 Candles
 Liquid soap, Bar soap and
Bathing soap
 Herbal Vaseline
 Luwero markets.
 Trade shows Hospitals.
Production made on order Agro Processing: 100,000 /months.
Natural Juice:100,000/months
Soap:150,000/Months
Candle:150,000 per months
5. Timbasanga Group  Crop farming
 Passion fruit
 Fish farming
 Markets in Luwero district. 80 bunches of matooke per months
20 bags of passion fruits a season.
Matooke : about 600,000/months
Passion fruit 2,000,000 / season.
6. Bajabasaga Womens’s
Group
 Agro processing
 Cookies
 Juice Processing
 Potato farming
 Luwero district markets Production is dependent on client
demand or orders.
Potato farming: 100,000 / month.
Agro processing:100,000
7. Bamunanika Women’s
Group
 Livestock
 Crop farming
 Savings
 Luwero markets 600 kgs of maize per season.
20 banches of matooke per months.
300 layers per six months
Maize:1,000,000/season
Bananas: 300,000/Months
Layers:1,000,000/six months
8. Annonya Women’s Group(
Searching For
Development)
 Livestock
 Farming
 Business
 Luwero district and sub
county markets.
10 Bunches of matooke
500 Kgs of maize a months
Matooke :100,000/Months
Maize:250,000 /season
9. Aniyaliamanyi women ‘s
Group
 Livestock
 Piggery
 Kampala markets The group is majorly involved in
savings and 2 pigs.
They earn about 200,000 Shillings
a year from savings(Interest)
10. Wabigali Women’s Group.  Crop farming  Kamira sub county markets 500Kgs of maize per season Maize: 300,000 a season.

23 |
are sold
month/season
 Crafts making
 Savings
30 pieces of mats/months Crafts(Mats): 300,000 per month
11. Tukolelewamu group
(Team work)
 Briquette making
 Saving loan
 Kalagala market 400,000 pieces a month. Briquettes: 100,000 per month.
12. Magezi Bugaga group
meaning knowledge is
wisdom
 Crop farming,
 Savings and mushroom
growing
 Markets in Kikyusa sub
county.
4 sacks of ground nuts per season
1 sack of sweet potatoes per season.
Ground nut: 800,000 per season.
13. Tubebume meaning
Togetherness
 Piggery
 Savings (loans)
 Makulubita local market. The group currently owns 5 pigs. Interest on loan: 30,000 per month.
14. Kwegatta Gemanyi  Livestock
 Crafts
 Soap making.
 Luwero district Markets.  200 pieces of bar soap per months
 150 layers chicks.
Soap: 400,000 per months.
15. Kyosiga Kyokungula
women; Group
 Livestock
 Poultry and Savings
 chairs and plates
 Luwero markets

 300 hens per year,
 It also has 5 pigs, 350 plates, 50
chairs
Hens:100,000/ Months Hiring
chairs: 50,000 /Months
16. Twekulakulanye women
Development Group
Group savings  Group savings. Savings are worthy 1,000,000 shillings. The Group saves about 100,000
per months.
17. Kavule Community
Development Group
 Poultry farming
 Soap making
 Savings.
 Markets around Luwero
district
 200 hens per six months
 200 litres of liquid soap per months
 Bars of soap per months.
Hens: 200,000 per months
Liquid soap:150,000 per months
Bars of soap: 250,000 per months.
18. Luwero Women’s
Disability Association
Bee keeping.  Luwero district. The bee keeping projects has just
started
No yields yet
19. Bombo women Living with
HIV Group(BWALA)
 Textile and tailoring,
 Crafts ,
 Saloon
 Group savings.
 Bombo Kampala  100 sweaters,
 6 craft bags in months.
 Saloon ;20 people per months
 Sweaters:1,000,0000 per months
 Crafts:120,000
 Saloon: 100,000 per months

24 |
are sold
month/season
20. Luwero Town council
women’s Group
 Livestock
 Crop farming
 Textiles, Crafts.
 Briquettes
 Bakery
 tailoring
 Luwero district markets 50 tie and die pieces per three months
Other products made on order.
1,000,000 quarterly
21. Kamu kamu women’s
Group.
Livestock
Crop farming Textile
and tailoring
 Wobulenzi market. 600 hens
10 pigs.
Hens :250,000 per months
Pigs: 800,000 per four months.
22. Akusubiza Women’s
Group.
 Saucepans
 Chairs.
 savings
 Butuntumula market
 Other markets at the
district level
50 plastic chairs for hire.
Soft loans to members.
Chairs :200,000 per months
23. Gakuwebwa Muno(Team
work)
Savings activities
It also gives loans to members.
 The products are sold at
district levels.
It receives about 2,000,000 shillings
monthly from members as contribution
for savings.
The group invests the saved
money into farming and animal
keeping at a personal level.
AS seen from the table, the groups have various products sold to mainly local markets in the sub counties. Some groups sell to the same markets but
were not organised to transport jointly because of poor coordination. In terms of income per month/season, the groups with the highest incomes
included: Agalyaawamu Women’s (1,800,000) per month, Katuka women’s group 3,300,000 per season, Timbasanga 2,600,000 per season, Bamunanika
2, 200,000 per season, Luwero town council (1,000,000 quarterly). There were groups earning as little as 200,000 per month such as Akusubiza Women’s
group. One of the groups only saved money and had no investment in enterprises (Twekulakulanye women Development Group). Tubebume group
was mainly a savings group with some five pigs to show for an enterprise. One other group that had no monthly income was the Luwero Women
Disability Association which had just started a honey business.

25 |
Potential for expansion2.2.3
Most of the groups had potential for expansion of the products base (increase
production) and value addition. For example the groups engaged in passion fruits
farming, matooke growing, Maize farming, and Poultry all had the ability to add value to
their products, increase shelf life of products and
their marketability while earning better prices.
Adding value would improve products and make
them more competitive at the national and
regional markets. For example, the Mango Juice
group which makes fresh juice would compete
better if they added preservatives, and packaged
their products better. The groups engaged in
bakery had good products that needed better
packaging, branding, and marketing. The crafts
would be better if well packaged and branded.
Maize farming would be more profitable if the
maize is processed into maize floor, packed and
sold. Products like these in picture 3 would be more marketable if well packaged and
branded.
Picture 3: Products from Luwero women’s group
Expansion in terms of acreage and production
scale is another area of potential growth for
most groups. Some groups had the potential but
lacked funding to increase on the acreage of
their farms, as well as mechanisation (i.e
Timbasanga and Agalya-awamu. Increasing
acreage and mechanisation means that groups
can take on bigger markets and meet
expectations. Some groups mentioned the lack
for start-up capital as a major obstacle to
achieving their plans (i.e Katuka Women’s group, Bukolwa Women’s group, Kamu Kamu
Women’s group, Akusuubiza Women); this was further confirmed by the district officials
who mentioned that asset financing would be a good way to support the women.
Improving production technology is another area of potential expansion. Most of the
groups were using rudimentary tools to produce their different products. Better
machinery would improve the level and quality of production, as well as efficiency. ‚
Expansion into new markets is another area of potential improvement. If the groups
increase their levels of production, improve the quality and add value to products, then it
will be inevitable to find new markets. Currently most of the groups sell in their local
markets (Sub counties) about 90% of their products despite Luwero district being located
along a major highway to South Sudan, with proximity to Kampala and other regional
markets.
Picture 2: Passion fruits in Zirobwe

26 |
Marketing and Market linkages2.2.4
From the survey, most groups sell the products within their localities which earn them
limited proceeds. Other than the shops and kiosks that are in the urban areas and rural
growth centres across the district, there are daily, and weekly open markets where traders
sell their merchandise including agricultural produce. These markets are located in both
urban and rural areas of the district and along the highways. Some women sell their
products under tree shades as seen in the picture 4 below.
Picture 4: Women selling their products by a tree shed in Luwero town council
Marketing of the products is a big challenge for the different groups. Most of the groups
sell their products in the sub counties where they produce from. Connecting them to
better markets would require them to improve the quality and quantities of the products
in many ways.
Groups complained a lot about middle-men, who buy their produce at low prices and sell
them to Kampala and juba at better prices. This is partly because groups are not
organised to collectively store and transport their goods to the final buyers. In some
cases the middle men book the entire garden before the crops are well matured and this
booking is done at almost ten times less the final price the middle men would earn.
There are a number of market opportunities that different group members have
identified as shown in the table below.

27 |
Table 5: Potential market opportunities
# Products Potential market
1. Maize, Ground nuts, and other
cereals
Kisenyi market, Kampala, Juba
2. Pigs/goats Various Butchers and Pork joints in Kampala,
3. Processed juice, cookies, cakes Super markets in Kampala, and the EAC
regional markets
4. Art and Crafts International markets in the USA, Europe
5. Apparels Owino market, various schools in Luwero and
Kampala
6. Fresh fruits (pineapples, passion
fruits, matooke, Potatoes, etc
Kalerwe market, Nakasero market, Juba
markets, and Congo markets.
7. Liquid soap, bar soap and
Vaseline
Education institutions/ health facilities in the
country
In addition to this, groups would benefit from market information, showing which
products are marketable in which markets, as well as opportunities to show case their
products in various markets and trade shows. Additionally, linkages to trade organisations
and bodies like the exports body, the chamber of commerce would expose them to more
clients and new ideas. The groups would want to improve their marketing potential by
obtaining stalls and shops where to showcase their products especially in the town councils.
They need information on available markets and avenues for advertising their products.
Capacity Gaps2.2.5
Various capacity gaps were identified within the various groups. These needs were either
organisational, production related or marketing related.
Organisational and management capacity gaps included lack of good leadership and
management skills from the management/executive teams. It was mentioned time and
again that the leader’s lacked the skills and expertise to lead and manage women with
diverse interests. In almost all the groups,
the issue of women groups being
characterised by idle talk and gossiping
were common. It was for example
mentioned in one of the groups that
women often abandon the groups due to
gossiping and idle talk that affects their
morale.
Therefore, skills in people management, counselling, team work; leadership and public
speaking were mentioned as being critical. Imparting such skills in the leadership would
go a long way in improving how the women leaders manage the group, interact with
other people/business partners and take the groups to the next level.
In one of the groups with People living with
HIV/AIDS, one member said she was tired of
people talking about her and saying she was
about to die. She said such talk makes her want
to quit the group.

28 |
Production skills gaps; Groups, in their various functional areas expressed need for
refresher trainings, or trainings to enable them produce better quality products that are
competitive. More importantly
they expressed desire to improve
the production process and be
more efficient. Some of the
trainings mentioned included:
Making of liquid soap, making
candles, making fresh packed
juice, making bar soap, making
Vaseline and herbal medicines,
improved crop farming
techniques, and improved animal
farming techniques. Those that
were already applying these skills
would like to get refresher
training and new skills to improve
efficiency. Improving technology to aid value addition is a key goal for most groups. As
seen from picture 4, groups that had such machines that process products, had and edge
over those that didn’t.
Marketing information and Marketing skills gaps
All the groups expressed lack of adequate information on the available markets that
could help boost their sales and stimulate increased production. Providing market
information on available markets and linkages in the country and the region would be
useful. In addition, imparting skills for marketing and selling is recommended to improve
the ability of the groups to sell to the users and not middle men. Groups lacked
marketing infrastructure like stalls and outlets in the major townships where their goods
can be displayed. Some groups decried the high transport costs as the main obstacle that
hindered them from selling to clients outside their sub counties. Related to this is the
inability of the groups to pull resources and jointly store and transport their products.
Legal capacity needs2.2.6
Legal needs were not so common in the different groups apart from the internal needs of
groups related to the adherence with the group constitutions. Such issues included time
keeping, defaulting on payment of contributions and loans, indiscipline and misusing of
group resources. Such issues could be solved within the groups by the guidance of legally
aware leaders. The leaders of these groups can be trained in basic commercial laws.
One issue that had a bearing on the performance of the groups was domestic violence
which affected women in their homes thus potentially distracting their engagement with
the group activities. Recent surveys indicated that 58% of women in Uganda believe that
a husband is justified to beat his wife for specified reasons8
. This shows how rooted the
vice of ‘wife beating’ and other violations of women rights in Uganda are. Some women
expressed the need to be helped as their husbands did not support their participation in
business activities and groups. Some men, it is reported fear that their wives, if
8
The Uganda Demographic Survey (UDHS) 2011
Picture 5: A bar soap making machine in Wobulenzi

29 |
economically empowered would be disrespectful to them. On another hand, the women
were faulted for becoming irresponsible under the guise of engaging in group activities.
As one woman from Katikamu Sub County reported; ‚after the group meeting, some
women don’t head home immediately but engage in idle talk around the village, which
enrages their husbands‛. More to this, some women have been faulted for squandering
family resources under the pretext of using these to support their groups. The DCDO of
Luwero noted that she gets a lot of cases in her office of child neglect, failure to provide
needs which when further scrutinized show that women sometimes mis-use their
husband given capital and thus run the whole family into a financial crisis. Therefore
domestic violence, economic violence and child neglect are some of the legal needs that
can be addressed.
Land grabbing and wrangles is another area which directly impacts on the ability of
women to do business. Women as is the norm in most of Uganda do not own land as
already noted in this survey, only 31% reported to have land ownership which in most
cases is joint ownership with their husbands. Cases of land grabbing and wrangles are
prevalent and should be addressed by the partners.
2.3 Group member’s assessment
Introduction2.3.1
It was important to assess the women who are being targeted, to understand the socio-
economic environment and context in which they operate businesses. As such questions
about their education, marital status, household size and leadership, income and
disability were asked. Such aspects are important to understand as the project team sets
out to work with these women. Additionally, assessment of their needs in terms of
business knowledge and capacity, legal needs, organisational needs and knowledge of
markets was done. Understanding these elements (indicators) at the baseline would be
helpful in future, when a final evaluation is done, to compare and determine how well the
women have fared.
Socio-economic Indicators2.3.2
The average age of the women was 40.13 years, the youngest was 18 and the eldest was
80 years. Understanding the age of these women is particularly important, as it helps
examination into the nature of challenges they are faced with.
i. Education
The women’s highest education levels were determined. The results show that the highest
level of education attained by majority of the women (48%) is incomplete primary. This
means that majority of the women in the groups did not complete primary education and
were most likely illiterate. The figure below shows the different levels of education and
the percentage of women completing various levels of education.

30 |
Figure 2: Highest education level attained
Education is a fundamental human right as well as a catalyst for economic growth and
human development (World Bank, 1993 and Okidi et al., 2004). Recent studies have
shown that education level has a bearing on the performance of business given the
important functions that require literacy like financial management, accounting,
reporting, market research and proposal writing. Indeed, some of the most organised
groups were those whose leaders had completed primary education. Attending
Functional Adult literacy classes can be a better approach to help the illiterate women in
the various groups, to grasp the basics of reading and writing in order to boost their
business management skills.
ii. Marital Status
We determined the marital status of women in the different groups. About 61% of the
women were married, 18% were widowed and about 8% were single, while 11% had
separated and 2% were divorced. Those that had separated gave various reasons for
separation ranging from disagreement on participation in business and sharing of
business proceeds, to sickness, and promiscuity. Marital status has limited relationship
with the economic status of women and their livelihoods. It is perceived that married
women generally have a supportive hand from their husbands in terms of taking care of
the family, unlike those that are widowed or divorced or not married but this could not be
proved in the analysis. In cases where husbands are responsible and supportive, it would
be expected that the married women will be more stable in business as the pressure to
divert business capital to family needs is less.
iii. Female headed households
We determined the household heads where the women lived, primarily to determine the
responsibility load of the women. A household head is a person in the household
acknowledged as the head by other members either by virtue of their age, or social
standing or responsibility (UBOS 2012). The results show that nearly 50% of the
households were headed by the husband/spouse of the women, while 43% of the women
were the household heads themselves. This means that a lot of pressure is on these
women to provide education, health care and food for their children and other
0 10 20 30 40 50
No formal education
Complete Primary
Incomplete Primary
Complete O’ Level
Incomplete O’ Level
Complete A’ Level
Incomplete A’ Level
Vocational education
University degree
Others
8.3
13.3
43.3
8.7
19.7
2.3
0.7
2.7
0.3
0.7
Percentage (%)
Education Level

31 |
dependants. It is intriguing how 61% of women are married yet only 50% come from
households where their husbands are heads. This means that about 10% of the women
(approximately 30 women) are heads of their households even when they are currently
married. Perhaps this is by virtue of their responsibilities or lack of it on the husband’s
part as the definition of a ‚household head‛ infers.
Figure 3: Relationship to the household head
The average household size was 5.95 persons. This was higher than the Luwero district
average household size of 4.2 persons and the national household size of 4.7 persons.
This means that the women’s dependency burden is slightly higher than the national
average due to the big household sizes. In some of the households we visited, women
were taking care of grand children who were orphaned by their children that had died
due to HIV/AIDS.
iv. Economic activities engaged
Asked on what their main occupation was, majority of the women (63%) were engaged in
agriculture, about 10% in market vending, while 4% were in crafts making and the rest
were in retail shops, baking, casual labour, hotel services, charcoal dealing, saloon/hair
services, brick laying and brewing. The average monthly income of the women was
approximately UGX 158,836. This could be an important indicator to measure the impact
of the project on the women’s income at the end of the project. As seen from the
economic activities, some women are engaged in charcoal trade, which is not a
sustainable venture in environmental terms and more so for this project that specifically
has a component of ensuring environmentally sustainable measures are used in the
enterprises developed.
v. Women with Disability and forms of disability
Disability is not inability, it is said. However women with disability ought to be given
special consideration to ensure their economic rights are guaranteed as the other women
43.3
49.7
0.7
4.7
1.3 0.3
percent (%)
heads of the households

32 |
with no disability. Further analysis shows that the average income of women with
disability was slightly lower than the ordinary women.9
About 21% (63) of the women lived with a disability as compared to 7% national average.
The main reason for this high value is because some of the groups were purely for PWDs
which significantly increased the proportion of the PWDs in the sample. The most
common forms of disability were determined and are presented in the table below. Table
5 below shows that about 72% had a physical hand cap, 33% had visual impairment and
6% had auditory impairment.
Table 6: Forms of Disability
Knowledge of women rights2.3.3
Women were asked to mention some rights as a way of gauging their knowledge on
women rights. A woman that mentioned at least three rights that are enshrined in the
National constitution of Uganda was adjudged to know her rights. From the survey, 44%
of the women were able to mention at least three human rights as seen in the figure
below.
Figure 4: Percentage of women with Knowledge of women rights
From the figure above, 56% of the women were not able to mention at least three women
rights thus deemed not to know their women rights. Some of the rights mentioned by
9 The Northern Uganda Survey of 2010 estimated that 72% of people with disabilities in the Northern Region of
Uganda were living in a state of chronic poverty.
Not aware of
their rights
56%
Aware of their
rights
44%
Form of disability Percentage based on
responses
Percentage based on
cases
Physical Handicap 64.7% 71.7%
Visual Impairment 29.4% 32.6%
Auditory impairment 5.9% 6.5%
Total 100.0% 110.9%

33 |
those who attempted included; the rights: to education, association, reproductive health
choices, children bearing, family planning, worship, assemble, life, participation in
leadership, equal treatment, inheritance of property, economic empowerment, and
freedom.
Knowledge of national laws on women rights2.3.4
Women were asked to mention at least two national laws on women rights, out of the
300 women interviewed, only 3% of the women were able to mention at least two
national laws. This shows that the level of awareness is low. Some of the women were
able to mention one law, among those mentioned by most women was the national
constitution, Children’s Act, Marriage and Divorce Bill, Domestic Violence Act,
Employment Act and Inheritance law.
Participation in leadership2.3.5
Women were asked whether they had participated in any position of leadership either
politically or business wise. This was intended to gauge their exposure and ability to
influence decisions. It was determined that 36% had held a leadership role while 64% had
not held a leadership role as shown in the figure below:
Figure 5: Holding positions of leadership in business or politics
The main leadership positions in politics or business that were mentioned by the different
Women are shown in the box below:
Box 1: Leadership positions held by women in Politics and Business
 Chairperson
 Vice chairperson
 Secretary
 Councillors
 Movement Youth leader
 Treasurer
 Women representative
 PWD representative
 Chief whip
 Community resource mobiliser
 Female youth coordinator
 Information officer
 Village Health Team (VHT)
 Sub County Chief- Buganda Kingdom
36.3%
63.7%
YES, ever held a
leadership position
Never held a
leadership position

34 |
0 10 20 30 40 50
Land
Business enterprise
Savings of UGX 1million
Automobile e.g Car or Motorcycle
House for rent
No productive asset
31.33
22.33
0
2
3.67
48
%
These positions were held in the following different places/institutions: Local Councils
(LCs); NRM Party; Women Groups engaged in IGAs; SACCOs and VSLAs; Luwero Town
Council; Luwero district ; Buganda Government and Health Centres
Participation in decision making2.3.6
The Beijing platform for action calls for measures ensuring women’s equal access to and
full participation in power structures and decision-making. Women’s participation in
decision making is fundamental to democratic governance. Women were asked whether
they had participated in making decisions at the village/cell or parish/ward level or district
level of administration. 75% of women had participated in decision making, while 25 %
had never. This is a good indicator showing women’s involvement, in making decisions
that affect their welfare. For those that had never participated in decision making, they
advanced reasons such as lack of interest in politics, not being informed of meetings, and
illiteracy as the major cause for their non-participation.
Ownership of Productive Assets2.3.7
Ownership of product assets like land is very critical for women to engage in business.
Land ownership in Uganda is dominated by men, with women only owning about 20% of
registered land (UDHS 2011). Women were asked to mention which productive assets
they owned from a list including (Land, a business enterprise, Savings of 1 M UGX,
House/s for rent, and none of the above).
Table 18 below shows that out of the 300 group members who participated in the survey,
48% did not own any productive asset.
Figure 6: ownership of assets
From the table above, it is clear that about 1 in every two women interviewed did not
own any productive asset. The percentage of women interviewed that own land is 31%.
Meaning that about 69% do not own land yet they are in business. There was no woman
who had savings of above one million Uganda shillings, while about 22% own a business
enterprise as shown in the figure 7 above. It is important to note that most of the assets
held by women are jointly held with their spouses while men are more likely to be sole
owners.

35 |
88.1
5.6 2.4 2.4 1
Reasons for not owning Land2.3.8
Asked why they did not own land, most women said the lack of money (88%) was the
main reason. Some said cultural practices (6%) and others lack of legal aid (2%). This
means that if women are empowered economically, then they can buy their own land and
break the cultural barriers that limit their potential to be economically competitive. The
Figure below shows the percentage of responses on the main reasons for not owning
productive assets.
Figure 7: Main reasons for not owning any of the assets
While the issue of lack of money to purchase land is pronounced, the underlying factors
like poor saving cultures and high dependency ratio must be underlined. True, some of
the women lack the saving culture that would spur them to greater levels in business, but
also the high number of dependants per woman (about 6) is a proxy indicator of how
money is used.
Capacity Building Interventions2.3.9
In order to improve the capacity of the different groups, a number of trainings will be
conducted on various aspects. We asked the women to choose from a list, the trainings
they wanted most and the trainings in the figure 9 below were mentioned.

36 |
Figure 8: Most wanted Trainings
About half of the women believe that training in production methods would be good,
while about 36% believe that training in management and organisation of a business
would be good. The women were further asked to choose any other training they would
want to enhance their business ability and groups growth and the following were
mentioned (Accounting and finance (33%), Costing/pricing 33%), enterprise selection
(21%), Logistics and supply chain (20%) and record keeping (11%).
Access to EAC markets2.3.10
One of the goals of the project is to create access to EAC markets through developing
market linkages for the various groups. We established that no woman was selling in the
EAC markets. The reasons why the women were not selling in the EAC markets were
determined. Majority of the women (64%) noted limited transport, limited production
(26%), and low quality of products (26%). Therefore, as the project creates EAC market
linkages, the important aspects of transportation, quantity and quality must be equally
addressed. Some of the regional market opportunities that the women mentioned could
be exploited included the following: Kampala Markets (60%), Luwero Markets (36%), other
towns in Uganda Markets (19%), EAC markets (8%) and others.
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Legal literacy
Value addition
Marketing
Management and organisation of a
business
Production methods
2.6
18.5
20
36.4
51.3
Percent (%)
Trainingpreferredtoimproveown
business

37 |
3. INDICATOR BASELINE VALUES
Each project/ Program must be evaluated for performance and must have indicators of
performance. An indicator is defined as a quantitative or qualitative measure that provides
information on a programme’s status. It can be used to monitor performance, measure
achievement or determine accountability.
The indicator measures (baselines) of the project presented below will be used to measure
periodic progress. The Mid-term and end evaluation will be measured against the base line
values presented in here. A panel survey that follows up the selected groups will determine
the impact of the project on the women’s livelihoods. In addition to the socio economic
indicators already discussed, these baseline values will be useful in the Monitoring and
Evaluation functions of the project. The table shows the baseline values for the indicators
that were taken from the project results matrix10
.
On a whole, some of these indicators are quantitative while others are qualitative. Some
modification has been made to the indicators, to make them SMART (Specific, Measurable,
Attainable, Realistic and Time bound), without changing the original measure and values.
Table 7: Indicator Matrix
Results Indicator Indicator
Definition
Baseline Data
source
Target
in 2018
Outcome:
Women are more
economically
independent (in
the Luwero
District)
Percentage of women
in trade in the program
area Luwero.
This measures the
number of women
in trade as a
percentage of the
total population in
Luwero.
22% of women
own businesses
(this has been
used as a proxy for
measuring women
in trade since
there are no
reliable specific
district data on the
women in trade
Baseline
Survey-
August
2015
Average monthly
income of women
This measures the
median income of
the women in the
groups.
UGX 72,724 Baseline
Survey-
August
2015
The proportion of
women who own land
This looks at the
percentage of
women that own
land
31% of the women
in the target
groups own land
Baseline
Survey-
August
2015
Proportion of women 's
groups legally
registered
This is the
percentage of
women groups
out of the total
groups assessed,
that are registered
legally.
96% of the groups
survey were legally
registered
Baseline
Survey-
August
2015
10
The project’s result matrix shows how casual linkage of the different results (outcomes and outputs and their
respective indicators.

38 |
Definition
Baseline Data
source
Target
in 2018
Output 1:
Women's access
to justice
strengthened.
Rights awareness, legal
literacy and
participation in decision
making of women
The percentage of
women with
knowledge on
their rights
46% of the women
know their rights
Baseline
Survey-
August
2015
The percentage of
women that
participated in
decision making at
the LG levels.
75% of women
participated in
decision making
Baseline
Survey-
August
2015
Percentage of
women with
knowledge of
national laws
Enacted and Enforced
laws, policies and
guidelines supporting
women's economic
rights at the local level
The number of
laws that have
been enacted at
the district level,
that support
women’s
economic
empowerment.
1 law was enacted
(the Gender policy
by the district)
Baseline
Survey-
August
2015
Proportion of women
owning productive
assets like land,
businesses and income.
The percentage of
women that own
land out of those
surveyed.
31% owned land
Baseline
Survey-
August
2015
The percentage of
women that
owned a business
enterprise.
22% owned a
business
enterprise
Baseline
Survey-
August
2015
Output 2:
Women
organised in
influential and
sustainable
groups whose
members enjoy
economic
development.
No of women groups
equipped with
capacities for improved
organising, production
methods, value addition
and marketing by the
end of 2016
Measures the
number of groups
that have been
equipped to
organise better,
produce better,
add valued and
market their
products
Zero groups
equipped with
organisation skills
Baseline
Survey-
August
2015
Zero groups
equipped with
Production and
value addition
Zero groups
equipped with
Marketing skills
Number of women
groups that are
members of Luwero
women District network
by end of 2016.
This looks at
women groups
that are registered
formally with the
Luwero Women’s
District network.
Only one group is
a member of the
Luwero Women
District Women
network
Baseline
Survey-
August
2015
Percentage of women
groups that collectively
market their products
Measures the
number of groups
that collectively
market their
products with
None of the
groups was
involved in
collective
marketing of
Baseline
Survey-
August
2015

39 |
Definition
Baseline Data
source
Target
in 2018
other groups. goods.
Output 3:
Women actively
particpate and
benefit from the
East African
Common Market
and platforms
No of women
participating in the East
African Common
Market
Measures the
number of women
that are selling
their products to
the EAC markets.
0 (zero)were
participating in the
East African
Common markets
Baseline
Survey-
August
2015
No of regional market
opportunities/linkages
made for goods
produced by Luwero
women
Measures the
number of market
opportunities
created for women
groups in Luwero
Zero market
linkages created
for goods made in
Luwero,
Baseline
Survey-
August
2015
Volume of trade from
Luwero women's groups
to the regional markets
0 volume of goods
from the groups
Baseline
Survey-
August
2015
3.1 Outcome 1: Women are more economically independent
The outcome is about economic independence which can be measured by many indicators.
The indicators chosen by the project to measure this outcome are:
a) Percentage of women in trade in the program area Luwero; This is a Luwero district
indicator that measures the percentage of women in Luwero that are in business. Using
this indicator to measure the the project is risky in two ways. First, the project could be
successful in increasing the number of women in business but because of other factors
in Luwero, the number of women in business in Luwero may go down. Therefore the
indicator incorrectly measures the project success. Secondly there was no credible
source of data to show the percentage of women in business in Luwero, and no
guarantees that this will be available to enable assesssment at mid and end levels. The
suggestion is to use a proxy indicator that measures number of women who own
business enterprises. As determined from the survey, 22% of women own business
enterprises, at the baseline (August 2015). Future mid term and end term evalautions
will measure against this to determine the progress made by the project.
b) Another important indicator can be the average monthly income of the women, which
was UGX 72,724 at baseline. This is the median income of the women. A typical average
income was affected by extreme values of a few women who earn a lot of money,
thus affecting the average.
c) Proportion of women who own land; this was determined at 31% (which is the
percentage of women who own land in the groups).
d) Proportion of women’s groups legally regisetered: 96% of the groups were legally
registered according to the baseline findings.
3.2 Output 1: Womens’ access to justice strengthened
This output is related to strengthening women’s access to justice through their economic
activities. As already seen women were faced with a number of legal challenges while doing

40 |
business including land grabbing, denial of right to engage in business, group diciplinary
issues, and lack of knowledge in commercial laws.
Indicators
a) Increased rights awareness, legal literacy and participation in decision making. This
indicator has three areas of measurement including; rights awareness, legal literacy
and participation in decisions making. The survey findings address each one of
them as follows;
i. Rights awareness: 46% of the women know ther rights
ii. Legal literacy: 3% of the women have legal literacy ( knowledge of laws)
iii. Decision making: 75% of women particiapted in decision making
b) Increased enactment and enforcement of laws, policies and guidelines supporting
women's economic rights at local, national and regional levels: The suggestion is that
this indicator be limited to the local level (Luwero) where the Project will have a
mandate to advocate for change of laws and polices related to women’s economic
rights under this project. As such, it has been determined that one Law had been
enacted at the district-the Gender policy.
c) Increased number of women owning productive assets like land, businesses and
income: 52% of women owned productive assets like Land, Businesses, and property.
We recommended that the indicator changes to: Percentage of women owning
productive assets (disaggregated by Land, and business. It was determined that 22%
own a business, while 31% own land.
3.3 Output 2: Women organised in influential and sustainable groups whose members
enjoy economic development.
Indicators
a) Women groups equiped with capacities for improved organisation, production
methods, value addition and marketing by 2016. All the assessed groups lacked
capacity in organising, management, prodcution and marketing. They all had
some capacity gaps in leadership, where leaders lacked leadership and mentoring
skills. Production processes were fraught with inneficient tools and technology and
marketing skills were principally lacking. In order to add an element of
measurement to this qualitative indicator, a second indicator can be added:
Number of women groups trained in Organsing, production methods, value
adddtion and marketing.
b) Number of women groups that are members of Luwero women District network by
end of 2016. Only one group was a member of the Luwero district women network- the
Luwero Town council women’s group.
c) 26 women groups in Luwero have influential voice on productive assets, marketing
and related policies by 2018: This indicator was re-formulated at the Baseline validation
to : Percentage of groups that collectively market their products.

41 |
3.4 Output 3: Women actively participate and benefit from the EAC Common Market and
platforms:
Indicators
a) No of women participating in the East African Common Market: Zero women
were participating in the East African Common markets according to the survey.
b) No of regional market opportunities/linkages made for goods produced by
Luwero women: There are no market linkages for goods made in Luwero, save for a
few individuals with personal contacts in the EAC markets.
c) Volume of trade from Luwero women's groups to the regional markets: 0% of
goods currently sold in the EAC markets.

Baseline Survey (2015) on the Economic Justice Project in Luwero
42 |
4. CHALLENGES AND BOTTLENECKS
The challenges that could hinder the achievement of the project goals have been internalised
through a process of discussion with the key stakeholders at the district, the women in various
groups and through review of various documentation. This section is divided into three sub
sections: challenges faced at project level, challenges faced at the groups’ level and exogenous
factors that could affect project success.
4.1 Project coordination challenges
The baseline team observed limited coordination between the three partners and
between the district and the partners in the initial stages of the implementation of the
project. Such challenges can partly be attributed to the fact that the project is just
beginning, and the different activities are beginning to take shape. Given the nature of
the project with three partners, it is most likely that the process of shaping their
engagements to collectively achieve the project objectives could take time. Nevertheless,
better coordination within the project, with the district and communities will be
invaluable.
4.2 Women and Group specific challenges
4.2.1 Some Women groups are inactive and lack independence
There are many women groups in Luwero district that are not active due to failure to raise
start-up capital or where businesses have collapsed due to inability to dispose-off bad
loans or due to poor management. Some of these groups have been selected under the
‚not so established groups‛. This puts into doubt as to whether they will be sustainable.
Some of the women interviewed in particular groups did not know the names of fellow
members or the name of the group to which they belonged. This brings into question the
commitment and honesty of such groups. The baseline team was warned by the district
officials that certain groups are ‚target groups‛ which perpetually live in a ‚limbo‛, only to
resurrect when there is an opportunity for funding or support.
4.2.2 Women’s lack of land ownership increases vulnerability
One of the major hindrances women faced in business is lack of land ownership either
due to marginalization and cultural practices or lack of money to buy it. This leads to dis-
empowerment and increases vulnerability of women. Since women do not own land, they
cannot control the proceeds from the land they use for agriculture, nor can they access
loans due to lack of security. While some women have started buying and owning land, it
is still a common challenge. In our survey, we determined that only 31% of the women
reported to own land, yet about 43% of women were heads of their households. This is a
clear indication that women being household-heads does not yet, guarantee ownership
to land.
4.2.3 Poor quality products
While women in Luwero have formed groups and produce products such as liquid soap,
crafts, farm products like fruits, cereals, the quality of products is poor and this affects
their ability to be competitive beyond their localities. The products are inferior in
packaging, performance and durability to those from established manufacturers. The
reason for poor quality is partly the limitation in capital and technology availability. For

43 |
example, some of the soap produced is reported to harden once opened and exposed to
light as opposed to other soap products from established manufacturers. Another case
was where candles produced by one group were romoured to be highly flammable and
susceptible to causing fires. One of the arguments for poor quality is that women do not
think beyond Luwero while producing, they have no vision for selling their products to
the capital city and outside the country.
4.2.4 A few individuals dominate some groups
The baseline team noted that some groups are built around a family or strong
personalities (politicians and business people) who use these groups to their advantage. It
is recommended that each group be carefully investigated before they can be trusted
with any support or investments11
.Some groups have individuals who dominate the
decisions making processes. It is also a big worry that some groups had men, who appear
to be at the fore-front of running activities of those groups. While this may not be
entirely bad, it has to be further examined to determine the likely consequences.
(Examples of groups with men included: Timbasanga group in Zirobwe, Bukolwa in
Wobulenzi T.C, Kyosiga Kyokungula in Makulubita S/C).
4.2.5 Inadequate start-up capital
The challenge of inadequate capital was raised in almost all the groups. As one of the
major challenges capital shortage is responsible for the failure of many groups. Those
that raise capital through loans face problems with loan repayment and end up closing
business due to the heavy interest repayment plans while there are those that cannot get
loans due to lack of sufficient collateral like land.
4.2.6 Inability to meet huge demand and large orders
Most groups produce on a small scale and are unable to meet huge demands. For
example one of the crafts groups was asked to supply 200 baskets but was unable to do
so in the allotted time, thus making it difficult for the groups to get big contracts. Related
to this is poor technology that is inefficient to produce for large markets. Most of the
groups still use crude methods to produce some of the crafts and other products.
Interconnected to this is small scale farming and poor technology; the challenge of
farming on a small scale and not being able to use mechanized techniques due to the
small plots and lack of capital, affects the ability to produce on a large scale to meet the
demands of bigger dealers.
4.2.7 Poor Packaging and branding
Brand recognition is critical in selling and thus branding and marketing are important
attributes that businesses must adopt to increase market share. There are challenges of
poor packaging and branding of products. As such some products are not purchased
because they are poorly packaged and lack brands.
4.2.8 Exploitation by middle men
There are middle-men who exploit the famers. They are faulted for giving farmers unfair
prices. Farmers and business men need to create their own contacts with the final buyers
11
In one group in Bamunanika, the women were being asked not to talk to the baseline team by a clique from one family

44 |
to be able to get a good price. The middlemen sometimes buy crops while they are still in
the gardens at very cheap prices. Middlemen were reported to book mangos at the time
the trees flower for UGX 60,000/= per tree and sell the mangoes at 500,000 when the
mangoes are grown. Whereas middle men exploit the women, it is not their problem but
that of the market system that the women operate in.
4.2.9 Storage facilities
There is a general lack of storage and preservation facilities particularly for fresh produce.
Storage facilities are limited and these affect the ability of farmers to pull their produce
and sell in bulk. If storage facilities/cold rooms were available, farmers would collect their
produce, to transport and sell collectively to enjoy reduced costs.
4.2.10 Individualism in some groups
While groups have been formed, it was common to find individuals more focused on
individual products that are different from what the group subscribes to. In some
extremes, some groups had no particular products but every individual was doing their
own business. It is difficult to help such groups that lack common products as it reverses
the purpose of having a group12
.
4.2.11 Lack of value addition
Agribusiness in the district takes the form of selling produce in their raw form often
attracting small sums despite a huge potential for processed goods and ease of access to
market due to the proximity to the capital city and the location on the highway that
connects to both the DRC and South Sudan.
4.2.12 Lack of security to access loans
Despite the existence of financial institutions including banks; microfinance institutions
(MFIs); Savings and Credit Co-operatives (SACCOs); and Village Saving and Loan
Association (VSLA) schemes, financing for groups is not being effectively done because
women cannot access serious financial services from banks due to lack of security
(because they culturally don’t own land).
4.2.13 Gender limitations
Gender limitations ultimately affect the ability of women to control the entire production
chain especially the production and marketing components of the value chain. It was
difficult to find a women group that does not rely on men to do certain activities. There
are some activities that men do, that women rarely do like; operating a tractor, operating
a maize mill, crop spraying, slaughtering animals, etc. It is reported that women leave
some business to men, i.e carpentry, brick making. This explains why some groups still
have men who are believed to do certain duties.
4.2.14 Domestic violence
One of the main forms of domestic violence is economic violence which is rated as the
number one form of domestic violence in Luwero. In this form of violence, women are not
allowed to own land, or to control proceeds from sale of produce in a homes. In other
12
A particular example was Katuka group in Katikamu.

45 |
cases women are not allowed to participate in businesses. Due to such restrictions, battles
and fights ensue leading to domestic violence that is physical. Women who suffer
physical domestic violence lack the confidence to engage in business and more often
than not will not attend group meetings.
4.3 Exogenous factors
4.3.1 Un-predictable Political environment
The Project is being implemented in a period of electioneering, where various political
aspirants are vying for political office at various levels of governance. There is a threat
that communities may try to link the project with political affiliations or motives. More to
this, as the election period draws close in early 2016, history shows that political violence
cannot be ruled out especially if the expectations of the electorates are not met and fully
managed. These may create an unanticipated risk for the project
4.3.2 Droughts and dry spells
Most of the sub counties in Luwero, especially in the Northern parts face prolonged
droughts through the year. This is a major risk for those groups with crop farming
enterprises. The other issue is heavy rains which have been common lately attributed to
climate changes.
4.3.3 Increased taxes on inputs and depreciation of the shilling against the dollar
The recent introduction of taxes on agricultural inputs (2014/15 budget) has been a
negative step in the direction of modernising agriculture and improving the livelihoods of
80% Ugandans that depend on agriculture, more so the women. Women in Luwero have
already expressed their resentment at the high prices of agricultural inputs. Worse still,
the Uganda shilling has had an unprecedented depreciation against the dollar of up to
30% from May to September 2015. This affects the prices of Agricultural inputs that are
mainly imported. ‚Many farmers in the country have resorted to using fake agricultural
inputs on the market, because the genuine ones are very expensive due to the 18% VAT‛
(the Commercial officer Luwero district). This risk, if not well managed could derail the
efforts of value addition and mechanisation of agriculture.
4.3.4 Government of Uganda’s limited funding to the agricultural sector
Uganda’s current funding to the agricultural sector is below 4% of the national budget a
complete violation of the Maputo Declaration. This declaration was made in 2003 in
Mozambique by African heads of states to commit 10% of the respective countries
national budgets to agriculture. This Declaration was reinforced by the 2014 Malabo
Declaration where heads of state recommitted their countries to invest more in
agriculture. The agriculture sector employs about 66% of Uganda's total labour force, and
the vast majority especially the poor men and women in the rural areas directly or
indirectly depend on it. The Poor services in agricultural research, seed multiplication,
extension services and disease control, are a ramification of underfunding and ultimately
trickle down to affect the poor women in agribusiness.

46 |
5 RECOMMENDATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES
5.1 Project specific recommendations
5.1.1 Improving partner coordination
A coordination committee should be set up headed by one of the partners or a joint
team from each of the three partners. This committee would meet and discuss project
implementation challenges and activities on a quarterly basis. The committee should
entrust one partner with the duty of engaging other stakeholders on behalf of the
partnership. This committee will ensure better coordination with the district
administration and technical staff.
5.1.2 Improve the timing of activities
Timely, phased and coordinated implementation is important and we recommend that
the implementation committee develops an implementation and monitoring plan that will
enable strict adherence to timing of activities since failure to do so could affect those
activities that depend on other partners. The monitoring plan should be discussed
monthly to ensure that all likely milestones are met and any implementation challenges
are ironed out by the respective partners.
5.2 Group specific recommendations
5.2.1 Capacity building
a. Enterprise selection, management and leadership skills
The groups expressed great desire to be educated on enterprise selection and marketing.
This requires identifying specific value chains where they have comparative advantages
and providing the necessary support to further develop those value chains. It is advisable
that all the groups be trained on management, leadership, motivating workers, team
building and team work.
b. Market research and proposal writing
Groups would benefit from knowledge on how to conduct market research to determine
who and where their clients are. This would improve the marketing of their products.
Additionally some groups would benefit from proposal writing skills to enable them
participate in applying for grants and funding from various partners who fund small scale
enterprises.
c. Financial management and accountability
Imparting skills and ideas on loan acquisition, loan management, financial management
and accountability, and financial reporting skills will be very important, to enable the
enterprises become sustainable.
d. Marketing, sales and market linkages
Marketing and sales training is recommended to enable the groups identify markets and
sell their products. Furthermore, establishing new market linkages is advisable, within
Kampala, and other towns, the EAC, Congo and south Sudan. The partners should also
support the groups to connect to various associations like AGRINET, UEPB, UNCCI and

47 |
various trade shows. Some NGOs like UNITRUST in Luwero have market connections for
products like briquettes and should be engaged. Additionally, building capacity for
bulking and collective marketing is recommended. Developing stalls where goods can be
marketed is seen as a viable option to some groups especially those that are close to the
Kampala Juba high-way.
e. Training in innovations, processing, and new technologies
Many groups expressed desire to be educated in being innovative and processing various
products like liquid soap, bar soap, candles, fresh juice, cakes, and preserving perishables.
5.2.2 Addressing Legal gaps
a) Address group legal needs
The groups need legal knowledge on how to interpret their constitutions, and
relating them with the national constitution in governance of groups. Groups had legal
needs like dealing with meetings and loan defaulters. There are cases of embezzlement
and poor financial management, which require legal interpretations. Issues of domestic
violence, land grabbing which affect women should be addressed through sensitization
and community dialogues to educate men and women on the necessary laws and means
of redress when confronted with such situations.
a. Improve access to land
Women’s access to land is marred with cultural practices and unfair treatment from the
clans. As assessed, about 43% of the women are household heads, yet only 31% owned
land. This is partly attributed to the practices that a woman cannot own land. FIDA
should work with communities to sensitize on land laws, commercial and contracts laws,
human rights and gender, and other legal issues.
b. Sensitization on Domestic violence
With FIDA coming as one of the partners, should help women groups with members that
face domestic violence, to have their husbands educated and advised against
denying their wives the right to be economically active. FIDA will be well positioned to
sensitize women about their rights, so they are not intimidated or denied these rights.
5.2.3 Benchmarking with other groups
Successful groups should be identified and used as best practices to help those that are
still developing and improving. Some of the success stories that can educate other
groups include: Timbasanga group in Zirobwe (matooke, passion fruits), the Luwero TC
women group (Tie and dye, paper beads, Fruit juice, herbs from hibiscus), Agali awamu
Women’s Group (Nyimbwa-Crafts).
5.2.4 Addressing Environmental sustainability measures
Most enterprises need to adopt
environmentally sustainable
approaches to production. Some enterprises
dealing with charcoal need to switch to
briquettes, while those that use electricity
can adopt renewable energy techniques like
Bio-gas. For example in one of the groups
they were using bio gas for energy
Picture 6: A biogas processing pit in Wobulenzi

48 |
processed from cow dung. Those engaged in crop farming need training in soil
conservation and utilization of organic methods of fertilization.
5.2.5 Negotiate for better Agricultural financing;
There are Banks, MFIs that provide agricultural financing but the interest rates are very
high about 15% in addition to asking for collateral before a loan is secured. The
cooperative societies would be the best options but these normally have limited financing
options. Negotiating for better rates by the partners is recommended.
5.2.6 Asset financing
Asset financing can be one of the interventions by the partner, since most groups claim
that lack of capital and technology as a major hindrance to their expansion and
improvement. This ensures that direct cash financing which has its own risks, is not an
option.
5.3 Risk mitigation measures
5.3.1 Improve communication and working relationship with the district structures
It is advisable that the project steering committee from the outset, clearly communicates
the project goals and purpose to all the concerned stakeholders as regularly as possible,
to avoid mix-up with the political groups. Further to this, working with the district
administration more closely will go a long way in pacifying any political risks arising from
the election period. In case political violence occurs, it is advisable that project security
be provided for at least during the voting and announcement of results period.
Furthermore Project staff should keep away from engaging in electioneering and know
the do’s and don’ts of the specific areas they would be working in.
5.3.2 Overcoming the drought
It is advisable that innovate ways of irrigation be explored to help farmers produce crops
during dry seasons, so they can fetch good prices of their produce. It is reported that
when crops like tomatoes are produced through the off season, they fetch as much as
four times the price they would fetch during their season. Only through improvised
innovative irrigation techniques, can this be achieved. Improved varieties of crops that are
drought resistant should be introduced.
5.3.3 Lobbying government to increase agricultural funding
The project partners should join the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF)
representing interests of more than 20 million smallholder farmers, and other civil society
organisations in lobbying government of Uganda to increase funding to the agricultural
sector in the next financial year. Farmers can also be educated on the implications of the
dollar volatility on the cost of inputs and how this can be managed in the short run, for
example by buying in large quantities to avoid buying in future when the dollar
appreciation is expected. Further, the partners should lobby government to reduce or
remove taxes on agricultural inputs which will continue to hurt the agri-business sector.

49 |
ANNEXES
Annex 1: Profiles of the groups
Name Timbasanga Group
Location Zirobwe
Date of
registration
2001
Number of
members
30 (6 of the members are men)
Type of
enterprise
Crop farming (Matooke, Passion fruits), Fish farming
Amount of
capital
600,000 UGX, (5acres of land) Capital raised through musical performances and savings of the group members. Each member
contributes 50,000 to the group on a monthly basis.
Organization
and
management of
the group
Registered in 2001, it has a constitution, keeps minutes of meetings held every two months, keeps records and has a secretary. The
group is led by a chairperson, a vice and a treasurer. The group which was majorly founded as a music group has not changed leaders
in the last 10 years.
Marketing of
products
The group produces about 40 bunches of matooke per month with an average price of 15,000 UGX for each (about 600,000 UGX) per
month, and 20 bags of Passion fruits per month. These products are all sold in readily available Zirobwe markets. The group faces
challenges of transporting the produce to the market as they have no vehicle and hiring vehicles increases the costs of production.
Potential of the
group
The group potential is very high, with very good agricultural products. The farming methods and quality of crops of this group is quite
high and can be used as a model for some of the groups. The group would benefit from value addition such as processing the passion
fruits into fresh and packed juice, or processing the matooke into chips.
Quality of the
goods
The quality of goods is very high. One factor that threatens to affect the quality is the long dry spells that hit Zirobwe sub county.
Potential for
expansion/new
products
There is potential for acquiring more land and increasing the acreage of production to benefit more women. The group intends to
reinvigorate the fish farms which had dried due to the dry season. The group requested for an irrigation facility to maintain the crops
during the dry seasons.
Market Linkages There are available markets in Kalerwe, Nakasero which the group would like to exploit, especially if they can get their own vehicle to
transport the produce to the markets. Furthermore, the group would want to sell processed fruit juice and matooke chips to the EAC
countries if they acquire the needed processing machines and skills. The group also believes that fish is very marketable and therefore

50 |
Name Timbasanga Group
should be one of the products they produce all year.
Group Capacity
Needs
The group wants training to improve the work ethics of the members, some of whom do not want to work hard. They also want team
building training to enable them work together as a team.
They want training to improve the matooke planting and harvesting skills. They also want training in cheap and practical irrigation
methods utilizing the river Rwassari in Zirobwe.
Training in sales and marketing would also be helpful, to improve their marketing and selling, especially if production is increased.
Training in processing and packaging of fruit juice and matooke chips.
Legal/Litigation
Issues
Since it is a singing group, they would like advice on how to secure copy rights for their music and to take action against those that
pirate the music.
Pictures of
Products/enterpr
ises
Name Katuka Women’s Group
Location Katikamu, Lutamu
Date of registration 2000
Number of
members
20
Type of enterprise Matooke, Second hand Clothes and charcoal
Amount of capital 500,000 (raised through savings of the group)
Organization and
management of the
The group says they have a constitution but this was not seen by the baseline team as the chairperson was not available for
interviews. This group looks newly formed as some members are not aware of the group name, and group members. The group

51 |
Name Katuka Women’s Group
group meets three times in a month and they change leadership annually. It is the chairperson who keeps records. We couldn’t ascertain
the leadership structure as the leaders were not available for interview.
Products produced
and marketing
The group produces matooke and charcoal. They also say they sell second hand clothes. The products are sold within the sub
county Apart from one stall of charcoal that seemed to be personally owned, we did not see the other products of the group.
Potential of the
group
The potential is poor, with products like charcoal that are environmentally unsustainable. It is advisable that the group picks up
more environmentally sustainable enterprises i.e. Briquettes to replace the ordinary charcoal.
Quality of the
goods
The quality of the goods could not be ascertained, as they were not on display anywhere. The group generally looks dis-organized
or newly formed and the inability to meet the leaders raised more suspicion about its seriousness.
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The group produced 20 bags of charcoal per month and 900 bunches of matooke. The potential for expansion is limited as there
was no clear engagement in a viable enterprise. The members however mention that they would wish to engage in Hiring out
plastic chairs and tents.
Market Linkages The market linkages available for the group include the Kampala market for charcoal, which fetches a better price.
Group Capacity
Needs
The group faces capital limitations.
They would want to learn better agricultural practices.
They expressed need for training in savings, financial management and marketing.
They should be trained in alternative livelihood options that are environmentally friendly like briquettes
Legal/Litigation
Needs
No Legal needs mentioned
Pictures of Products

52 |
Name Mango Juice Women’s group
Location Katikamu Sub county
Number of
members
20
Type of enterprise Juice processing from Mangoes, candle production, liquid soap, bar soap, bathing soap production and herbal vaseline.
Amount of capital There is no group capital, as this group has individually owned enterprises operated from different villages but coordinated by the
group.
Organization and
management of the
group
The group was started by a woman leader who mobilized women from different villages to form a group. They say they have a
constitution. This group is unique, as the members come from different villages and were only united in the group through the
Women councilor of Katikamu. They converge at Katikamu wherever they meet to sell individual products. What is captivating about
this group is that some members have massive enterprises, some of which are environmentally sustainable with good potential. The
group has a leadership structure comprised of the chairperson and her vice, the treasury and a secretary. These later keeps minutes
and records of the group. They change leadership after every two years.
Marketing of
products
Products are marketed individually. The fruit juice is produced mainly on demand or when there is a trade show. Other products like
soap are produced when they have orders from schools and health facilities. The members noted that marketing of their products is
a problem, since they lack the collective effort of marketing and selling. It would be good to open up an outlet collectively, where
these products are marketed. The group sells 80% of their products within the district and about 20% to Kampala markets. They
claim their juice has a shelf life of 6 months before it expires.
Potential of the
group
The group has good potential to produce high quality products if their production processes can be improved. They have more
potential to sell and market their products collectively. Some of the products like juice were not available since it was an off season
for mangoes.
Quality of the
goods
The quality of goods seen was fairly okay, although the clients normally prefer more established products from big players. It means
more value addition and improvement of existing products can help improve the quality and marketability of products.
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The potential for expansion is immense with some individual projects than could be adopted for the group. Some of these products
can be produced on a large scale and marketed in the EAC. Further to this, the group members can be unified to produce together
and realize economies of scale through collective production and marketing.
Market Linkages Markets are available for all soaps, candles and fresh juices in schools, and other institutions of learning. Kampala and EAC markets
are also potential buyers of these products
Group Capacity The group has capacity gap in technology for processing of their products, for example they produce the juice using their hands

53 |
Name Mango Juice Women’s group
Needs and the candles using ordinary tools. They wish to improve on the packaging and sealing of packed juices, as well as labelling and
branding of the products. In order to improve the market availability, the groups require linkages to various trade shows in the
country and EAC, where they can show case their products. They also need skills in advertising and marketing as well as financial
management. More trainings are needed in:
 ideology and team work
 Financial management training
 Leadership and management training
 Refresher training in making some of the products already produced
Legal/Litigation
Needs
 Business law knowledge and awareness (business registration and partnerships)
 Writing business contracts and proposals
 Addressing domestic violence cases that affect women in trade
 Gender education and sensitization of their husbands to respect their income generating ventures.
Name Bukolwa Women’s Group
Location Bukolwa wobulenzi T.C
Date of registration 02/05/2006
Number of members 30
Type of enterprise Livestock ( Piggery, Chicken-layers, and goats) and brick laying
Amount of capital 250,000 (Cash), Pigs/Chicken/Goats.
Organization and The group has a management team, meets twice a month and changes leadership annually. The group has a constitution,

54 |
Name Bukolwa Women’s Group
management of the
group
although a copy could not be obtained by the time of the interview. The group has some men.
Marketing of
products
About twelve piglets are produced per month, and 12 trays of eggs per month. The piglets and the eggs are sold off to buyers
from the sub county. Due to lack of capital and resources, piglets are sold off while young at a cheap price. One of the challenges
they face are the middle men who offer unfair prices for the products.
Potential of the
group
The group has potential to expand the piggery and chicken farms to produce more eggs and pigs.
Quality of the goods The quality of animals is good according to the group leaders.
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The group would like to expand the current investment in poultry as there is ready market in the sub county and in Kampala
markets. However, the limitation of capital is a major hindrance. Further, the group wants to diversify and have cows to be able to
sell milk and process yoghourt. There is a dairy plant in Luwero that can take the milk products.
Market Linkages There are markets in Luwero and Wobulenzi for the pigs (two pork joints) and eggs in super markets.
Group Capacity
Needs
They expressed need for the following trainings;
 Counseling skills for the group leaders
 Modern skills in livestock farming especially cows, pigs and chicken
 Provision of market information and linkages
Legal/Litigation
Needs
 Legal awareness on business management
 Legal education on groups and constitutional interpretation
 Domestic related violence challenges that affect the work of the groups

55 |
Name Luwero Town Council Women’s Group
Location Luwero Kizito Zone, South East
Date of
registration
1999
Number of
members
100
Type of
enterprise
Tailoring, Briquettes, Liquid Soap, Crafts and Bakery.
Amount of
capital
12,000,000 (Town council budget and district gender office.
Organization
and
management of
the group
The group is formally registered with a constitution, a copy of which was obtained. It is led by a committee of 5 members. The group
meets once a month and keeps records through the secretary. The group is a member of the Luwero Women District network. The
leaders are changed after five years depending on performance.
Marketing of
products
The products are mainly sold in the town council through display on the group offices. The group believes that more markets in
Kampala and the EAC can be explored, especially if goods quality is improved. The group still uses crude methods to produce some of
the products.
Potential of the
group
The group has massive potential and would benefit from asset financing through modern machinery to do bakery, liquid soap and
tailoring work. The group would wish to diversify into livestock farming, especially poultry.
Quality of the
goods
The goods are of good quality in terms of the local market but quite inferior compared with international markets.
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The group has potential to raise capital and diversity into other products. Most importantly, the group should strengthen the current
product lines and improve market linkages.
Market
Linkages
Supermarkets, Hotels, Kampala and the EAC markets.
Group Capacity
Needs
 The group aspires to build a women resource centre and a shop for displaying the various products.
 The group wants a process of facilitating its members to visit other groups in the region, and learn from them (production and
marketing processes)
 Group needs mentorship to improve its cohesion and team work.
 Skills in weaving and bakery.

56 |
Name Luwero Town Council Women’s Group
 Skills in value addition to the various products
 Skills in marketing of their goods
Legal/Litigation
Needs
The group had no legal needs
Pictures of
Products

57 |
Name Kamu Kamu Group
Location Wobulenzi West
Type of enterprise Poultry, Piggery, Maize , coffee, Matooke
Amount of capital 1,000,000 (raised from member savings)
Organization and
management of the
group
The group is led by a committee of five people and has a constitution that guides the management. They have a record book kept
by the secretary in which all meeting minutes are recorded. They changes leadership every two years.
Potential of the
group
The group has potential for value addition for products like coffee and maize, which can be sold to regional markets. Indeed the
group reckons that with added value, and expanded markets, they could grow into a big organization.
Quality of the goods The Quality of the goods is rated as good by the group members. The group argues that limited financial support/capital affects
their ability to improve the quality.
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The group has good product lines which they can strengthen by adding value and improving the marketing aspects.
Market Linkages The group would like to exploit the emerging markets in south Sudan
Group Capacity
Needs
The group expressed need for training in:
 Record keeping
 Poultry keeping (good medicines and food for the chicken)
 Modern farming practices
 Marketing
 Training in production of Liquid soap, candles
Legal/Litigation
Needs
Some of the legal needs are internal revolve around discipline issues such as defaulting on payment/contributions by group
members, and late coming for meetings.

58 |
Name Kamu Kamu Group
Group Name: Akusuubiza Women Group (Having Hope)
Location: Kyawagambi Village, Kyawagambi Parish, Butuntumula Sub County
Number of Members 30
Type of Enterprise Hiring out Plastic chairs, tents and catering utensils. The group has 50 plastic chairs.
Amount of Capital 1,000,000 UGX which was raised through group saving schemes
Organisation and
Management of the
group
The group was registered in 2011, and while they claim to have a constitution, we were not able to obtain a copy. They meet every
Sunday of the week to discuss progress and plans, they have a chairperson, a vice chairperson, a secretary and treasurer. Records
are kept in the records kit with four padlocks kept by each of the leaders. Leaders are changed every year.
Marketing of the
products:
Products are stored in an outlet shop in the sub county, and hired out to individuals and different organisations that have
functions. The market for hire of these products has been within the sub county alone. One of the reasons for not hiring their
products outside the sub county is lack of market information. They believe the market for these products is big, but isn’t exploited
for lack of information and linkages to these markets.
Potential of the
Group
The group’s Potential is above average considering that they have products that can fetch significant income. However the group
lacks innovative products from natural sources thus limiting their ability to add value. The group should be advised to diversify
and engage in agriculture.
Quality of Goods The products are of good quality, a chair is hired at three hundred Ugandan shillings per day
Potential for The potential to improve on the existing products exists. The group plans to venture into actual catering services, events

59 |
expansion/new
products
management and music system hire. However there is potential for diversification into maize farming as pointed out by the
chairperson. However the group needs financial support (capital) to be able to venture into these new services.
Market Linkages There are markets available at the district level that they would want to tap into.
Group Capacity
Needs
The group needs the following skills:
 Accounting and financial training
 ICT training
 Training in crop farming and best practices for maize growing
 Training in agro processing especially for maize produce
 Financial literacy and savings training
 Products value addition training
 Knowledge on how to start up and manage a business
Legal/Litigation
Needs:
The group needs guidance on how to manage discipline and disciplining of members who violate the group rules.
The main legal challenge they face is that of defaulting members.

60 |
Group Name: Gakuwebwa Muno ( team work)
Location: Buwanuka Village, Kitendeli parish, Kamira S/C
Type of Enterprise Savings and giving out loans to members
Amount of Capital 500,000
Organisation and
Management of the
group
The group says it was formed in 2013, meets every week and keeps records for its meetings. We were not able to get a copy of the
constitution and the minutes of meetings. They have an executive team including a chairperson, Vice chairperson, a secretary and a
treasurer.
Production The group saves money, and gives money to members at the end of the year, not exceeding the amount they saved with interest.
They save about 2,000,000 UGX per week. There was no specific product that the group was producing.
Marketing of the
products:
N/A
Quality of Goods N/A
Potential of the
Group
Since the group has savings, it can invest them in a productive activity in agriculture. The group would like to invest in maize
growing and making handcrafts
Potential for
expansion/new
products
N/A
Market Linkages They target the Kampala market
Group Capacity
Needs
They need financial literacy training (including saving, financial management and accounting, and investment)
They need training crop growing and animal keeping.
Legal/Litigation
needs:
Some of the issues that need legal assistance include: Failure by members to follow the constitution, defaulting on loans by some
members, absenteeism by some members.
Pictures of Products N/A

61 |
Group Name: Luwero Women’s disability Association. (LUWODA)
Location: Kasana market, Kiwogozi, Luwero Town council
Date of registration N/A
Type of Enterprise Bee keeping
Amount of Capital 1,000,000
Organisation and
Management of the
group
The group for PWDs. Although it’s divided into groups two (Adults and Youth)
The youth group is involved in bee keeping and the adult group is involved in personal business. There is also a big problem of
personal means of transport since most of the people are disabled.
Marketing of the
products:
It’s only the youth that practice bee keeping
They believe the market for these products is big, but isn’t exploited for lack of information and linkages to these markets.
Potential of the
Group
Bee keeping in the great lakes region has significant potential if well marketed and value added to it.
This is because honey is a rare commodity that is used in making very many products.
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The potential to improve on the existing products exists. The group plans to venture into animal keeping, Envelope making,
tailoring and making of cosmetics
Market Linkages The group would like to exploit markets in EAC and outside countries.
Group Capacity
Needs
 Leadership training
 Capacity building
 Skills in proposal writing
 Training in drawing attainable work plans
 Modern bee keeping methods.
 Product value addition
Legal/Litigation
Needs:
 The group has not yet experienced any form of legal issues
The group however needs assistance in lobbying for the disabled from the government and other agencies.

62 |
Group Name: Luwero Women’s disability Association. (LUWODA)
Group Name: Kwekulakulanya Women’s Group
Location: Bugabbo, Ndegeya Parish, Kalagala Sub county
Type of Enterprise The group is majorly involved in savings
Amount of Capital The chairperson was not sure of this
Organisation and
Management of the
group
The group was registered in 2010, and they are majorly involved in saving as women. The saved money is occasionally lent out to
the members with a low interest rate. The total amount with the interest earned from the borrowers is divided amongst the
members. On every seating, each member contributes some money which is not less than 2,000.
Despite having said they possess a constitution, no copy was availed to the baseline team.
Marketing of the
products:
N/A
Potential of the
Group
The group is only involved in savings; the group could however be supported to use the savings to operating viable enterprises.
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The group, capital permitting would like to diversify and engage in other activities that can earn extra income for the group
Market Linkages There are markets available at the district level and in Kampala that they would want to tap into.
Group Capacity The group needs the following skills:

63 |
Needs  Modern mushroom growing practices
 Modern farming methods
 Market awareness
 Training in economic empowerment
Legal/Litigation
Needs:
The group needs guidance on how to manage discipline and disciplining of members who violate the group rules.
Pictures of Products N/A
Group Name: Kyosiga kyokungula( You reap what you saw)
Location: Makulubita B, Makulubita Parish, Makulubita Sub county
Type of Enterprise Poultry, piggery, hiring out chairs and plates and
savings
Organisation and
Management of the
group
The group was registered in 2007, managed by an executive team constituting (chairperson, Secretary, Vice chairperson and
treasury). The group meets every Monday of the week and they raise their capital through members’ contributions (10,000 Per
sitting).
There are some few men in the group, who they claim are new members.
The group reports to having a constitution although no copy was available for verification. However, the meeting minutes were
available.
The group also changes leadership after one year.
Marketing of the
products:
They market their products in Luwero but are open to tapping into new market opportunities in Kampala and EAC.
Potential of the
Group
The group is able to produce 300 hens per year. This implies that given enough resources and the necessary training, these figures
would change. The group has potential to run a catering business.
Quality of Goods The quality of the goods is good
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The group is planning to buy tents for hire
They also want to start producing briquettes from garbage
They would also like to start producing biogas
Market Linkages The group would like to tap into markets in Kampala such as Nakasero and some in the EAC most especially Kenya.

64 |
Group Name: Kyosiga kyokungula( You reap what you saw)
Group Capacity
Needs
 Management and leadership
 Making briquettes and bio gas
 improving production processes
Legal/Litigation
Needs:
There are no legal needs
Group Name: Tubebumu Group ( togetherness)
Location: Kalasa village, Makulubita parish, Makulubita Sub county
Date of registration July 2015
Type of Enterprise Savings and small loan
The group bought pigs and distributed them to different members.
Organisation and
Management of the
group
This group was registered in July 2015. It is managed by a committee of seven people including a chairperson, treasurer, secretary,
two accountants, timekeeper and the person in charge of discipline.
It meets and saves money every Wednesday of the week and each member saves 10,000 UGX which is given out to different
members depending on the savings made.

65 |
It possesses well-kept records which are kept by the treasurer.
The group also has a constitution which clearly stipulates the dos and don’ts of the group members.
Marketing of the
products:
N/A
Potential of the
Group
Other than savings made by the members, The group is also involved and piggery business. When the pigs produce piglets the
piglets are distributed members in equal proportion and in a rotational manner.
Potential for
expansion/new
products
This group is involved in savings and giving out soft loans to members. The group chair chairperson said that demand for loans is
higher than the money available to them to lend out, therefore, if they could be supported with a sizable amount of money to lend
out and trained on how interest earned can be invested in farming and other productive ventures, this would lead to the group’s
growth and subsequent financial empowerment.
They plan to engage in poultry farming pending availability of resources.
potential of the
Group.
 The group has potential to become a Microfinance institution.
Market Linkages The group would like to tap in foreign markets such as Juba (South Sudan) and USA.
Group Capacity
Needs
The group would like to be trained in the following skills;
 Management
 Skills in poultry and piggery rearing
 Financial literacy i.e. how to manage money
 Economic empowerment to the women
Legal/Litigation
Needs:
None

66 |
Group Name: Kwegatta gemanyi Association( Team Work is Power)
Location: Bunyaka, kagugo, Luwero sub county
Type of Enterprise Poultry ,savings ,crafts and soap making
Organization and
Management of the
group
This group has both men and women including widows and the disabled people. They meet every Tuesday of the week and at
every meeting each member contributes according to his or her capacity (2000-10000) as part of his or her savings. They change
leaders after 2 years.
Marketing of the
products:
They market their products in Luwero although if trained and made aware of new markets they are open to tapping in new market
opportunities in Kampala and EAC.
Potential of the
Group
The group is involved in crafts making, soap and poultry farming but on a small sale.
Quality of Goods All the products are rated at 100% meaning they are good. They can easily be marketed in the EAC markets
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The group intends to make briquettes, Jewry, craft bags and Mushroom growing. They would love to be exposed to how similar
groups in other countries to learn how they function and flourish.
Market Linkages The group would like to attend and participate in trade fairs organized in Kampala and if possible be linked to some markets in
Kampala.

67 |
Group Name: Kwegatta gemanyi Association( Team Work is Power)
Group Capacity
Needs
 Training in market research
 Training in value addition
 Training on women rights
Legal/Litigation
Needs:
 The legal issues are handled by the group disciplinary committee and other committee members
 Legal issues of dealing with defaulters
 Training in how to draft and interpret constitutions
Group Name: Magezi Bugaga(FAULA) Group( Knowledge is wisdom
Location: Kimanzi , wakanya, Sub county
Type of Enterprise Ground and processed nuts, Sweat potatoes, mushroom growing, Savings and loans
Organisation and
Management of the
group
The group was registered in 2010 and has a constitution; The group is led by a team of five people who are elected and changed
after two years. It raises funds through the member contributions.
The group meets every Wednesday. The records of the group are kept by the secretary. At the time of the survey, copies of both

68 |
the constitution and meeting minutes were available
Marketing of the
products:
They market their products in Luwero town and its surrounding area.
The group produces four sacks of ground nuts a season
Potential of the
Group
The group has potential to grow as it produces unique farm products such mushrooms. There is need for good preservation
methods and value addition to be able to compete internationally.
Quality of Goods The quality of the goods is good. However no value is added to them
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The group is planning to buy tents for hire
They also want to start growing fruits
They would like to start making hand crafts.
Market Linkages The group would like to tap into Kampala markets like Owino market.
Group Capacity
Needs
 Marketing strategies,
 Record keeping
 Value addition and product packaging
Legal/Litigation
Needs:
The group has not had many legal issues other than defaulting members.
Group Name: Kavule Community Development Group
Location: Kavule, Wakanaya Parish,Kikyusa Sub county
Type of Enterprise Poultry, soap making, Savings and loans
Organisation and
Management of the
group
The group was registered in 2013 and has a constitution; the group meets every Thursday of the week with its records kept by the
secretary. It changes its leadership after two years and the chairperson is the head of the 6 people committee which oversees the
day to day running of the group.
Marketing of the
products:
They market their products majorly in Luwero
Potential of the The group produces about 200 hens in six months, 200 litres of liquid soap and 15 cartons of bars soap a months.

69 |
Group Name: Kavule Community Development Group
Group
Quality of Goods The quality of the goods is excellent
Potential for
expansion/new
products
They have the potential and members are passionate about growth of their group but are constrained by limited capital.
They recommend the following in order to have the potential of their group improved:
 Provide them with better seedling varieties for farming
 Support them with good pesticides
 Training in good and modern farming practices.
Market Linkages The group would like to tap into markets in Kampala such as Nakasero
Group Capacity
Needs
 Management and leadership to improve the leadership committee’s functions
 Training in financial management
 Improving production processes.
Legal/Litigation
Needs:
 None
Group Name: Tukolewamu( Lets work together)
Location: Kyampisi, Kayindu Parish,Kalagala Sub county

70 |
Group Name: Tukolewamu( Lets work together)
Type of Enterprise They are involved in briquettes making, Savings and loans
Organisation and
Management of the
group
The group was registered in 2013 and has a constitution; the group meets every Thursday of the week with its records kept by the
secretary. Leadership has never been changed since the group’s inception and they attribute that to having leaders who are good
and trust worthy. The group has both men and women.
Marketing of the
products:
The products are sold in the Sub county of Kalagala
Potential of the
Group
The group produces about 400,000 pieces monthly
Quality of Goods The quality of the goods is rated at 50%.
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The group needs capital to expand into farming business especially maize, beans, bananas and poultry.
Support on sensitizing the population about the advantages of using briquettes would be helpful, since these are environmentally
friendly energy options.
Market Linkages The group would like to tap into markets in Kampala such as Nakasero
Group Capacity
Needs
The group needs support in:
 Training in management and leadership
 Skills in briquette making
 Skills in modern farming
 Creating awareness of the advantages of using briquettes instead of charcoal
Legal/Litigation
Needs:
None
Pictures of the
Products
None was seen!
Group Name: Bombo Women living with HIV group (BWALA)
Location: Namaringa,Namaringa, Bombo TC
Type of Enterprise Hair Saloon, crafts, sweaters and Savings.

71 |
Organisation and
Management of the
group
The group was registered in 2015 and has a constitution; It raises its capital from membership fee, welfare contribution and
donors. The group meets once in three months. This group unifies women and some men living with HIV in Bombo TC.
Marketing of the
products:
They market their products in Luwero
Potential of the
Group
This group produces an average of 100 sweaters per month. They are however challenged with steady and reliable markets for the
sweaters.
Quality of Goods The quality of the goods is excellent.
Potential for
expansion/new
products
About 70% of the products of this group are sold around Bambo TC. Their ability to expand business is affected by limited capital.
The group intends to procure chairs for hire, venture into catering services, make liquid soap and build a home for the people
living with HIV.
Market Linkages The group would like to tap in markets in EAC and America
Group Capacity
Needs
Training for the group is needed is areas such as:
 Management and leadership
 Starting and sustaining a business enterprise
Legal/Litigation
issues
Issues to be tackled
 Domestic violence because of HIV
 Land issues
 Abuse of human rights

72 |
Group Name: Agalya Awamu Women’s Group(Working together to yield results)
Location: Sedertula, Nyimbwa Sub country
Type of Enterprise Livestock, Crop farming, crafts and Poultry
Organization and
Management of the
group
The group was registered on 12
th
September, 2011 and has a constitution; It raises its capital from membership fees. The group
meets monthly. The group changes its leadership after 2 years. The group has a leadership structure constituting of a chairperson,
Secretary, and treasurer. The groups possess a constitution and the group meetings are well minuted and kept.
Marketing of the
products:
The group markets and sells its products in Luwero district, but believe that some of the crafts products like mats are very
marketable in foreign countries. The group wants to get agents in Europe and the USA, to market their crafts products.
Potential of the
Group
This group produces about 300 craft products (mats and baskets) monthly and about 50bags of potatoes. Most of these products
are however sold in Luwero and Kampala. There is no trace of what is sold in the other EAC markets. The group has potential to
sell in foreign markets, especially if the products are improved in quality, packaging and branding.
The group members have realized that the local market for their products is not good since most people can make these products
at home.
Quality of Goods The quality of the goods is fairly good, but goods can be improved with better packaging and branding.
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The group has a variety of crafts products that can fetch good income. What is important is creating markets, and improving the
products. The agricultural enterprises can be improved through use of improved seeds and improved farming methods.
Market Linkages The group would like to tap into markets in EAC and America
Group Capacity
Needs
The group has a number of training needs that include:
 Training in leadership,
 Networking and business development
 Innovation and creativity
 Use of technology to improve agriculture
Legal/Litigation
issues
The group seeks to be educated on national and international business laws and how they can remain legally compliant in their
attempts to trade internationally.

73 |
Name Bamunanika Women’s Group
Location Lubiri Zone, Kyampisi, Bamunanika S/C
Date of registration Not known
Type of enterprise Livestock, Crop farming and saving
Amount of capital 7,000,000 raised through member contributions
Organization and
management of the
group
The group has a constitution and is managed by a committee of five people that changes annually. The group meets every month
to discuss group activities. Member contributions depend on each person’s ability. The group does not have any enterprises at
group level, but a number of individually managed enterprises are in place. The products are mainly farm products such as maize,
bananas, poultry and goats.
Marketing of
products
The individuals cumulatively produce over 600 kgs of maize per season, 20 bunches of banana monthly with each going for about
15,000 cassava and goats. This implies therefore that, given guidance on group development and management issues, the
individuals in the group have great potential to produce as a group and earn more income. Some products such as cassava were
reported to be affected by price fluctuation which makes farmers use them for home consumption.
Potential of the
group
The group’s potential is hindered by the lack of group enterprises, although some of the individual products can be easily taken up
by the group.
Quality of the goods The quality of goods is high. One factor that needs to be worked on is the issue of post-harvest handling as most group members
do not have good storage facilities. This affects the quality of produce and the marketability.
Potential for
expansion/new
products
There is potential for engaging in poultry farming for the group. Some of the group members already have big poultry houses
which underutilized. Training in poultry projects can be helpful to guide the group towards this direction.

74 |
Market Linkages There are available markets in Kalerwe, Nakasero which the group would like to exploit, especially if they can access cheap means
of transportation
Group Capacity
Needs
The group wants training to improve leadership and management aspects, to enable all members commit and own up the group
activities. The group wants guidance on adding quality to some of the products that individuals are producing.
It also needs guidance and training in team building and financial literacy.
Legal/Litigation
issues
Since the key uniting factor to the group is saving, the group faces a challenge of defaulters and needs legal knowledge to be
handled.
Group pictures
Name Annonya Women’s Group( Search for Development)
Location Kiwebya, Kyitemi parish, Bamunanika Sub county.
Number of members 30 Members
Type of enterprise Livestock, business and various agriculture items.
Amount of capital 5,000,000 which is raised through contributions from members.
Organization and
management of the
group
The group is managed by a committee of seven people who are changed after 3 year. The records of the group are kept in a
records kit with three padlocks which are kept by different people. This group is united by savings while the enterprises are
individually owned. The group is constrained by limited farming land coupled with poor farming methods. The group holds
meetings monthly, and has a constitution.
Marketing of
products
Currently marketing of products is done on an individual basis. When the group enterprises are developed, there is interest in
selling products in Kampala.
Potential of the
group
The group potential is high in terms of raising money as they have a well streamlined formula to save and share their dividends.
They also exercise transparency in their activities as evidenced by the manner in which they store their records. There is however
need to guide them on selection of enterprises that are profitable in their sub county.
Quality of the goods N/A
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The group would like to venture into farming (bananas) and piggery business, where they would sell piglets. With about 5M UGX
in capital, the group can raise more money and engage in other enterprises.
Market Linkages There are available markets in in Juba South Sudan and Kampala the group would like to adventure into.
Group Capacity The group wants training in value addition for the bananas to produce products that are more competitive in the market.

75 |
Name Annonya Women’s Group( Search for Development)
Needs The group also wants to be trained in marketing and pricing of products.
Legal/Litigation l
Needs
N/A
Group picture
Name Aniyalimanyi ( Who knew the ladies of Butuntumula would come up)
Location Kaziga Village , Bamugolodde, Parish, Butuntumula Sub country
Date of registration Not yet Registered
Number of members 60 members
Type of enterprise Livestock, Piggery
Amount of capital 200,000 raised through contributions from members for savings
Organization and
management of the
group
The group is headed by a chairperson and other committee members who include the secretary, finance, disciplinary and treasurer,
The minutes of the meetings are written in a book and kept by the treasurer. The group leadership is changed after two years. The
group had no constitution.
Marketing of
products
The group does not have many products apart from two pigs and two cows. This group looks newly formed and not yet well
established. The products are not sold as yet, but are distributed to the group members.
Potential of the
group
The group needs support to expand the piggery and livestock projects.
Quality of the goods N/A
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The group plans to engage in maize farming and on a large scale in the future.
Market Linkages There are available markets in Kampala they would like to exploit.
Group Capacity
Needs
The Following trainings would be helpful for the group:
 Training in management and leadership
 Training in modern farming
 Training in marketing
 Training in financial literacy, savings and investment.

76 |
Legal/Litigation
Needs
The group needs training in financial laws
Group picture
Name Wabigali Women’s Group
Location Wabigali village, Kabunyatta Parish, Kamira Sub county.
Date of registration 11-8-2015
Number of members 35 members
Type of enterprise Crop farming, Crafts, Savings
Amount of capital 2,500,000 raised through contributions from members
Organization and
management of the
group
The group was registered in August, 2015 and minutes of their bi-weekly meetings are well documented. The group is led by a
seven member team that includes the chairperson and her vice, secretary, treasurer, publicity and two other members from the
group.
Marketing of
products
The group markets and sells its products in Luwero district, but would like to exploit markets in Kisenyi in Kampala. They would
also like to exploit markets in Tanzania in future.
Potential of the
group
The group produces about 17,500kgs of maize per season, which can be processed and sold as maize flour at a better price. The
group could improve its crafts products and sell them to international client.
Quality of the goods The quality of the maize is good, and if processed into floor can be sold to various institutions of learning.
Potential for
expansion/new
products
The group plans to expand maize farming to a large scale in the future. The group also has plans to practice animal farming,
poultry keeping and growing sweet potatoes as a group.
Market Linkages There are available markets in Kampala such as Kisenyi that they would like to exploit.
Group Capacity
Needs
 The group has various capacity gaps that can be addressed as follows:
 Training in adult education to improve literacy
 Training in public speaking to improve the confidence of members and enable them participate in decision making
 Training in value addition especially for maize,
 Skills in mushroom growing
Legal/Litigation
issues
None

77 |
Name Wabigali Women’s Group
Group picture
Group Name: Bajabasaga women Group
Location: Nyimbwa sub county
Type of Enterprise cookies, juice processing and potatoes porridge( food for sick people)
Amount of Capital 10,000,000 in a year raised through personal savings (loans to members)
Organisation and
Management of the group
The group was registered in 2009; it’s divided into two sub groups and they do meet weekly. It has a constitution and
management team and holds weekly meetings.
Marketing of the products: The products are produced on demand or order (targeting functions).
They are mainly marketed in Luwero and during trade shows.
Potential of the Group The group has potential to perform better; they are however constrained by lack of preservatives to keep the juice fresh,
limited market and poor packaging.
In order to produce better quality products, the group needs a blending machine, preservatives for the juice and branding
and packaging materials.
Quality of Goods The quality of the processed goods is not good when compared to other products in the market.
Potential for expansion/new
products
The group intends to produce briquettes as an alternative enterprise, which would support the group are other enterprises
that require heating. Additionally, UNITRUST promised to get market for their briquettes.
Market Linkages The group intends to market briquettes to UNITRUST which is located in Wobulenzi. UNITRUST is an NGO that supports

78 |
environmental sustainable ventures.
The briquettes can also be marketed to Bombo barracks which houses over 5000 women who could be potential clients.
Group Capacity Needs Skills are needed in:
 Leadership and management training
 Counselling of group members
Legal/Litigation Issues The group has the following legal related issues
 Land related wrangles
 Domestic violence experienced by the members of the groups
 Business rights

79 |
Annex 2: List of people interviewed
Name Position Institution
Katasi Florence District Community
Development officer
Luwero District LG
Edith Nakiggude Senior Community
Development officer
Luwero District LG
Henry Lule Senior Entomologist Luwero District LG
Kayimba Moses Senior Commercial Officer Luwero District LG
Christine Nansubuga Commercial Officer Luwero District LG
Jimia Musa Senkanja Chairperson District women
Council
Luwero District LG
Nansonzi Magarete Chairperson Luwero District Women
Development Association
Joseph Kinene Project Officer EASSI
Jenifer Apolot Legal officer FIDA (U)
Mulondo Kennedy Team Leader UNITRUST
Rutaraka Claudius Coordinator NGO Forum Luwero

80 |
Annex 3: Terms of Reference
1.0 Introduction/Background
In spite of the legal and policy reforms in Uganda, women’s rights remain elusive. Women have
limited influence in decision making due to their vulnerability to rights abuse as a result of socio-
economic barriers that promote male dominance and legitimize unequal power relations
between males and females. Women are unaware of their rights and existing mechanisms to
enforce them, including relevant regional (EAC) opportunities. National macro-economic policies
like economic liberalization, privatization and deregulation weakened the ability of farmers to
organize collectively through associations and cooperatives, exposed them to external
competition, and removed the progressive role of the state in development. These policies
exposed women who form a majority of farmers to exploitation and recent increased taxation on
agricultural inputs will likely worsen their vulnerability. There is economic injustice in agriculture
characterized by unequal division of labour, land is owned and controlled by men, with women
owning only 20% of registered land. Women have no decision making power over the marketing
of produce and income generated thereof (DHS 2011). Women have inadequate information on
markets, extension services, value addition, financial services and existing business opportunities
at local, national and regional level such as the EAC common market which relegates them to less
lucrative agribusiness.
In order to contribute to addressing the injustice, EASSI, FIDA and NAWOU are implementing a
four years Joint Project on Women’s Economic Justice in Luwero with the financial support of
FOKUS. The project seeks to strengthen women's access to justice and capacity to organize,
network at various levels and take collective action for improved access to information, resources
and markets for sustainable livelihoods. It will enable women to have own income that will
improve their lives and that of their families and communities. With financial independence,
information, rights awareness and advocacy strategies, women will have voice to engage at local,
national and regional levels on policy frameworks and their implementation. By strengthening
the agency of individual women and local women’s associations, a stronger women's movement
and citizen’s engagement in nation building will be realized.
1.1 About the implementing organizations
1.1.1 EASSI
The East African Sub-regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI) is
mandated to follow up the implementation of commitments to the African and Beijing Platforms
for Action in the Eastern African sub-region1. EASSI’s current strategic plan prioritizes 5 key areas:
Women’s Rights and Gender Equality; Gender and Economic Development; Gender and Conflict
Prevention and Post Conflict Reconstruction; Gender and Governance; and Emerging Regional
and International Paradigms.
Under Gender and Economic Development, EASSI is cognizant of the need for a greater emphasis
to gender as a development approach, in order to ensure sustainable economic growth and
poverty reduction. EASSI aims at ensuring that a nexus exists between gender equality, women’s
rights and development.

81 |
1.1.2 about FIDA
The Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Uganda) is a premier Women’s rights
organisation that is the pioneer of legal aid and public legal education in Uganda. Established in
1974, FIDA-Uganda has a track record of women and human rights defence and are committed
to being a passionate, trusted, fearless and uncompromising defender of women’s rights. FIDA-
Uganda fights against legal impunity by raising awareness of rights and the mechanisms to
enforce them, thuscontributing to women asserting and claiming their rights while concurrently
enhancing the capacity of the law enforcement agencies to protect women. FIDA-Uganda
undertakes strategic/public interest litigation aimed at law and policy reform for the protection of
women. FIDA-Uganda also monitors the justice systems’ adherence to international human rights
standards in delivering justice to women. FIDA-Uganda has observer status with the ECOSOC and
the Africa Human Rights Commission.
1.1.3 About NAWOU
National Association of Women Organizations in Uganda (NAWOU) is an umbrella for women
organizations in Uganda. It was formed in 1992 and registered by the NGO Registration Board,
Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Kampala as number S.5914/787. NAWOU is affiliated to the
International Council of Women and a member of the International Council for Social Welfare,
and has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
NAWOU was formed to address the concerns of women with an aim of improving their social,
political and economic status. NAWOU was formed by women activists ‚To promote the growth
of a strong women’s movement in Uganda that claims the rights of women and enhances their
social economic status.‛ To achieve this mission, NAWOU undertakes mobilization of individual
and group members for networking, generates packages and disseminates information to
members, builds the capacity of members for advocacy, representation and gives direct support
to her members.
2.0 About the Assignment
2.1 Overall objective of the baseline
The purpose of a baseline study is to provide an information base against which to monitor and
assess the project activities’ progress and effectiveness during implementation and after the
project is completed in regard to women’s economic in Luwero District.
2.2 Specific Objectives of the baseline survey; this baseline survey has the following objectives: 1.
to collect data that will further inform program managers in planning of the project 2. To serve as
the first measurement of indicators 3. To further establish indicator targets, which will be used to
measure the projects’ performance?
2.3 Scope and focus of the assignment
The consultant will lead the preparation for and actual data collection in the district of Luwero in
selected sub-counties.

82 |
3.0 Roles and responsibilities: The consultant will be required to lead on all the tasks below, in
consultation with EASSI, FIDA and NAWOU;
 Review relevant literature at district, national and regional level
 Develop a suitable data collection tools
 Train the researchers on how to use the tools.
 Supervise the data collection in the field
 Data analysis and quality assurance
 Compile final report in electronic and hard copy form, incorporating EASSI, FIDA and
NAWOU comments
4.0 Deliverables
 The key deliverable will be:
 Inception report with data collection tools
 Draft report
 Final report both in hard (3 copies) and soft copy form

Final report base line survey for women's economic justice project luwero

More Related Content

Viewers also liked

Recently uploaded

Final report base line survey for women's economic justice project luwero