Okere City Hosts GROW Project Team for Social and Environmental Impact Assessment

The sun rose early over Okere City on the 17th June 2025 as over 120 residents gathered to welcome a delegation from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. The occasion? A Social and Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) visit under the World Bank–funded GROW Project, which is set to invest $200,000 in building a shea butter processing factory and common user facilities that will benefit women at the heart of Okere’s emerging shea economy.

The delegation was led by Engineer Bernard Okuyo and Cuthbert Katusiime, the GROW Project’s Environmental Analyst. Their visit began on a lively note with cultural performances from a local dance troupe, who joyfully thanked the government and the World Bank for “betting on Okere City.”

Eng. Bernard Okuyo of MoGLSD

In his welcome address, Ojok Okello, founder of Okere City, shared the journey of building a community-centered shea economy. “For years, we have been outsourcing production. This new investment changes everything. It means value addition happens right here, in the hands of the very women who collect the nuts,” he said.

Facilities Designed With Women in Mind

The proposed industrial park will not just be about machines and output—it’s about dignity and inclusion. The project will establish a shea butter factory, a breastfeeding and sanitary room, a cultural heritage space, and market stalls, children’s play area —all tailored to ease the burden on women, reduce interruptions, and boost productivity.

Engineer Okuyo noted that Okere was selected because of its visible impact and proven commitment to women’s economic empowerment. Environmental Analyst Cuthbert echoed this, while also stressing the importance of managing any potential environmental risks. He commended the Ogora clan for generously donating land for the new industrial park.

Local Voices and Real Issues

During the community dialogue, residents raised critical concerns. A major one is the poor road access—a 5km stretch from Okwongo Trading Centre to Okere City that’s barely motorable. “We can’t process butter if we can’t move it,” one woman rightly pointed out.

Energy access is another issue. Okere is currently off-grid, and the factory will initially rely on a diesel generator. The GROW team urged Okere City to assess the cost of extending electricity lines from Okwongo and consider cleaner, more sustainable alternatives like solar hybrid systems.

Women Leading the Way

Women performing a cultural dance shortly before the ESIA exercise commenced.

The women in the meeting had more to say— not complaints, but visionary ideas. Esther, one of the community members, suggested that the factory be designed to process other crops during the off-season for shea. It was a timely reminder that rural development must be flexible, inclusive, and rooted in local realities.

Credit access was also a hot topic. Many women asked if the project would help them access finance. The GROW team clarified that credit is a key component, and Okere City could partner with banks under the GROW program. Mr. Okello also mentioned plans for Okere Village Bank to begin issuing soft loans soon.

A Step Toward a Rural Industrial Future

Okere City has already proven that rural transformation is possible. With this new partnership under the GROW Project, the village is one step closer to becoming a model of women-led rural industrialization. But for this to work, roads must be fixed, power must reach the village, and environmental care must remain front and center.

As the meeting ended, there was an air of cautious optimism—and deep gratitude. Okere City is not just dreaming of the future. It is building it.

About GROW Project

The Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project is a Government of Uganda Project, funded by the World Bank, implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda in all districts, Municipalities and Cities. It aims at increasing access to Entrepreneurial Services that enable female Entrepreneurs to grow their Enterprises from micro to small and small to medium in targeted locations, including the Refugee host districts.