UWEAL Urges Communities: See Women as Partners, Prioritize Health for Entrepreneurial Success
This inspiring counsel was a key message delivered at the Women Entrepreneurs Interface Day – Market Baraza & Garage Sale, a two-day event dedicated to empowering, educating, and promoting women in business.
By Ali Lukomo
Communities across Uganda have been called upon to view women as integral partners in societal development, rather than solely as homemakers whose primary role is to raise children. This inspiring counsel was a key message delivered at the Women Entrepreneurs Interface Day – Market Baraza & Garage Sale, a two-day event dedicated to empowering, educating, and promoting women in business.
The event, organized by the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association (UWEAL) at Kingdom Kampala, commenced on November 1st and will conclude on November 2nd, 2025. It serves as the official launch of the “Month of the Women Entrepreneurs,” a dedicated period aimed at uplifting and promoting women in business across Uganda.
UWEAL Chairperson Elizabeth Kasenene set the tone for the interface, emphasizing that both women and the community must prioritize health before striving for business success. “A healthy woman is the foundation for a wealthy nation,” Kasenene reiterated, aligning with the event’s overarching theme, “Healthy Woman, Wealthy Nation,” which underscores the critical link between well-being and economic empowerment.
Dr. Raymond Mugume, a renowned mental health specialist, captivated participants with an insightful session on mental health and business resilience. He reminded women that a healthy mind builds a strong enterprise, encouraging them to find a balance between ambition and self-care.
Dr. Mugume also advocated for women to be fully recognized for their entrepreneurial contributions, stating that they should “be allowed to enjoy the benefits as an entrepreneur and given a chance to exercise their duties when the opportunity arises.”
Targeting over 500 women entrepreneurs from across Kampala, the event brings together health practitioners and development partners for two days of wellness, networking, and enterprise engagement.
Activities include mental health dialogues, market days, sensitization about the “Grow” project, and capacity building sessions on the Women Entrepreneurs Platforms (WEPS).
The diverse agenda also features fitness sessions, a car washing drive, a garage sale, and a vibrant market exhibition showcasing innovative products from women entrepreneurs. These initiatives collectively focus on promoting women’s health and productivity, recognizing good health as the indispensable foundation for sustainable entrepreneurship.
Connie Kekihembo, the Executive Director for UWEAL, outlined the association’s future plans, including the establishment of a dedicated resource center where women can learn to operate and manage businesses effectively. Kekihembo pledged to advocate for this initiative at the parliamentary level, ensuring that women entrepreneurs are fully catered for, including access to essential information technology resources.
The Women Entrepreneurs Interface Day – Market Baraza & Garage Sale is poised to be a pivotal event, fostering a stronger ecosystem for women in business and advocating for a societal shift towards recognizing women as invaluable partners in progress.
