Women entrepreneurs and young business owners in Kikuube District are increasingly turning to digital record keeping to improve business management, strengthen accountability and enhance financial independence both at home and within their communities.
The shift is being driven through the "Business Ku Ssimu Yo" campaign, an initiative implemented by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in partnership with Outbox Uganda and Mastercard Foundation. The campaign seeks to equip youth and small business owners across Uganda with practical digital and financial management skills using mobile phone technology.
During a business clinic held in Kikuube District, participants received practical training in digital business management, including how to record daily sales, monitor expenses, save customer information and track profits using simple mobile phone applications.
Facilitators encouraged entrepreneurs to move away from relying on memory or handwritten records, noting that such methods are often unreliable, poorly maintained or easily lost.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
According to the trainers, digital record keeping not only improves business organisation and accountability, but also increases entrepreneurs' chances of accessing loans and financial support from banks and savings groups.
They explained that financial institutions are more likely to support business owners who can provide clear records of income, expenditure and overall business performance over time.
For many women entrepreneurs attending the clinic, the adoption of digital record keeping is also transforming financial management within their households.
Several participants said using mobile phones to track business transactions has helped them separate household expenses from business capital, enabling them to better understand their profits and reduce unnecessary spending.
Others noted that digital records have improved transparency and trust within families because both income and expenditure can now be properly monitored. Some women also said the ability to track business performance has boosted their confidence and strengthened their participation in household decision-making, particularly on issues such as savings, school fees and investments.
Claire Gitete, Coordinator at the Federation for Small and Medium Enterprises, said digital skills are becoming increasingly critical for the growth and sustainability of small businesses, especially among women and youth in rural communities where many enterprises still lack proper financial management systems.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"Women are now able to monitor their businesses better, make informed decisions and build confidence both at home and in business through digital record keeping," Gitete said.
She added that many small businesses fail to grow because owners do not maintain clear records to support planning, accountability and financial decision-making.
Organisers of the clinic observed that although many young people already use mobile phones daily, a significant number are yet to fully utilise them as business management tools.
They said the Business Ku Ssimu Yo campaign is intended to bridge that gap by helping entrepreneurs understand how digital solutions can improve efficiency, increase profitability and connect them to broader economic opportunities.
Through the nationwide campaign, UNCDF and its partners are targeting more than 66,000 young people across Uganda with digital and financial literacy training aimed at building sustainable businesses.
Organisers believe empowering women and youth with digital skills will not only strengthen small enterprises, but also contribute to household stability, economic inclusion and long-term community development.
