Gen Muhoozi Launches MK Fund: Up to Shs1M Non-Repayable Grants for Youth Innovators

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba launches the MK Fund offering non-repayable Shs1 million seed grants to young Ugandans in agriculture, manufacturing, and ICT. 30% reserved for women; applications open soon via dedicated website.

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has unveiled the MK Fund, a fresh youth empowerment initiative that will dish out non-repayable seed grants of up to Shs1 million to promising young innovators in commercial agriculture, local manufacturing, and ICT.

During the inaugural meeting of the MK Fund Board of Trustees held in Fort Portal, Gen Muhoozi who chairs the board explained that the fund is designed to reach underserved groups, especially urban youth, while complementing existing government efforts like the Parish Development Model (PDM).

“The only payback we expect is the success of the recipient,” he stated, adding that a dedicated review committee will assess applications to ensure transparency and impact.

Applications will soon be accepted online through a new official website, complete with clear eligibility guidelines.Key features of the MK Fund include:Initial capital of Shs1 billion, with plans to grow the resource base for wider reachAt least 30% of grants reserved for female applicantsRegional balance to ensure beneficiaries come from across the country.

A small secretariat to handle daily operations, monitoring, and evaluation of funded businesses

The high-profile Board of Trustees includes: Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng, Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze, Veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda and Edwin Karugire (Secretary).

Gen Muhoozi emphasized that the ultimate goal is to help young Ugandans turn innovative ideas into job-creating, livelihood-improving businesses.