Uganda celebrates women entrepreneurs with Business Conference and Awards Gala
The conference was moderated by Yvonne Mpanga, a Business Development Consultant and former UWEAL board member, who guided discussions on strategies to overcome barriers faced by women entrepreneurs.
The Month of the Women Entrepreneur (MOWE) concluded today with a grand Awards Gala Dinner held at the MOTIV Innovation Hub in Bugolobi.
The event, marking the 11th edition of this prestigious celebration, brought together key players from Uganda’s business community, government, and civil society to honor the achievements of women entrepreneurs who continue to drive economic growth and social change.
Organized by the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL), the oldest and largest women’s business organization in sub-Saharan Africa, this year’s gala followed a highly impactful Women in Business Leaders Conference.
The conference, held at the same venue, was centered around the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” underscoring the critical role of women in fostering economic development.
Stephen Mbogo Kirya, Assistant Commissioner in the Department of Technology, Research, Innovation, and Processing at the Ministry of Trade, represented the government at the event. In his address, he emphasized the importance of empowering women in innovation.
“Innovation is the cornerstone of progress, and empowering women in this space is essential for sustainable economic development. We must continue to create avenues for women to lead in technology and research,” he stated.
The conference was moderated by Yvonne Mpanga, a Business Development Consultant and former UWEAL board member, who guided discussions on strategies to overcome barriers faced by women entrepreneurs. Ms. Allen Olobo, a Gender Specialist from CARE International Uganda, delivered a keynote presentation on gender-transformative approaches to economic empowerment.
“Challenging social norms is crucial in creating an environment where women can thrive economically. Gender equality must be at the heart of our economic policies and practices,” Olobo highlighted.
The Awards Gala celebrated outstanding women entrepreneurs across various sectors, recognizing their contributions to innovation, leadership, and community impact. Winners included trailblazers in technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and social enterprises, each demonstrating resilience and excellence in their respective fields.
Speaking at the event, UWEAL officials reiterated their commitment to supporting women in business through capacity building, advocacy, and networking.
“These awards are not just about recognition; they are about inspiring the next generation of women entrepreneurs to dream big and achieve more,” said a UWEAL spokesperson.
This year’s MOWE also featured regional market days and business clinics across Uganda, benefiting over 1,500 women entrepreneurs, particularly those in the informal sector. These initiatives provided practical resources and networking opportunities to help women grow their businesses and access new markets.
As the evening concluded, the Awards Gala Dinner was a powerful reminder of the immense potential of women entrepreneurs to drive Uganda’s economic transformation. The celebration ended with a call for continued investment in women as a strategy to accelerate progress and foster sustainable development.
