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CoBAMS First Class graduands share their stories

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Mirembe Joy Ssenfuma 

Joy Mirembe Ssenfuma
Joy Mirembe Ssenfuma

My name is Mirembe Joy Ssenfuma, I have pursed a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics from Makerere University and today I graduate with a First-class Honors degree.

This journey has not been as easy as it may seem; strong winds blew, thunders and lightening came along the way, but the Almighty did not forsake me. I thank my mum for her continuous financial and emotional support, my siblings, and friends for the support during this academic journey. I was able to achieve this through group discussions, full attendance of lectures (I attended almost 99% of physical lectures) and lastly, I prayed every day for God to gift me with knowledge and wisdom through my journey. I thank the Lord for this success!


Taaka Proscovia

Taaka Proscovia
Taaka Proscovia

I started my campus journey in 2018 when by I joined Makerere University on government sponsorship with 18 points. I was admitted to study a Bachelors of Arts in Economics degree. I had always wished to join Makerere University amongst all the Ugandan high institutions of learning and when I was offered this scholarship it was a dream come true.

It was a blessing being given economics as a course because I had always had passion for it.

My campus journey hasn’t been an easy one, there have been up-hills and downhills but with the right attitude, good friends, my parents, my lecturers and God above all, I have come to the end of the journey graduating with first class honors. It is exciting, glorifying and honouring to graduate with a first class surely I should say because this experience is something I will never forget. To anyone out there who looks forward to excelling he or she needs to focus, have the right attitude and put in his/her best because those were my major attributes towards this achievement


Habaasa Darius

Habaasa Darius
Habaasa Darius

My name is HABAASA DARIUS and I have been pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Economics degree from Makerere University where I am graduating with a first class degree with a CGPA of 4.70.

The reason I am graduating is because there are some people who held my hand at a point when my academic career seemed to have been aborted. My father refused to pay my school fees when I was in senior four and all hopes of ever completing my studies seemed to have been dashed.
A big appreciation goes to Mr Byamukama Remegio, the head teacher of St Mary’s College Rushoroza whom I shared my challenges with and he stood with me by allowing me to sit for UNEB before paying school fees since I could not afford it.

Thanks be to God who enabled me to get a scholarship from Cornerstone Leadership Academy which catered for my needs and school fees while in A’level where I even excelled at senior six with 19 points hence getting a government sponsorship.

It is on the basis of the above background that I always worked hard since I knew that academic excellence was one of the ways God would use to help me. I also did not want to disappoint those who were held my hand and invested their resources in me.
Makerere University was my dream campus and joining it was a dream come true for me which really motivated me further to work hard and realise my dreams. Campus life was not a walk over but I dedicated my life to reading my books and also serving God since I was even leading COBAMS fellowship in a bid not to ever disappoint God who made a way for me when there was no way.

Special thanks to my mother who never gave up on standing by my side despite not having money most of the times to support me financially and not forgetting Cornerstone Development Africa who sponsored my A’level and my lecturers at campus who constantly helped and advised me.


Paul Isingoma

Paul Isingoma
Paul Isingoma

Paul Isingoma is an ambitious, warm-hearted go-getter. His devotion towards success and excellence inform his mindful but competitive approach. Paul is fueled by his passion for being a professional economist and auditor with outstanding advisory expertise for both financial institutions and world economies. He considers himself a ‘forever student,’ eager to both build on his academic foundations in Economics and stay in tune with the latest developments in the Global Economy through continued studying.

During his stay at Makerere University, Paul achieved a first class degrees for all the six semesters throughout the three years at campus. The toughest time of study was during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic where there was limited interaction between lecturers and course-mates. Despite this, Paul devised newer means of staying in touch with his colleagues through online platforms and there was a strong determination towards being the best. The most interesting event at university was the election week for selection of new leaders. The spirit around campus was amazing and students used all kinds of strong vocabulary to win over the love of supporters.

Paul is forever indebted to the staff of School of Statistics and Planning for their unending effort and assistance towards his academic success. Ultimately, the achievement of such a great milestone has been possible due to the grace of God and Paul strongly remains grateful to the Almighty Lord for his undying love.


Karuhanga Kennedy

Karuhanga Kennedy
Karuhanga Kennedy

Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics

It’s true what they say that Makerere is the paragon of academic excellence in Uganda and to say that it never disappointed me would be an understatement. Here, one is in the hotpot of the “crème-de la -crème”. Nothing fails these students. I have found a distinct degree of ingenuity, hard work, determination and a combination of those plus all the others that I have not mentioned in this one place.

I believe that determination, commitment and a high degree of devotion should be the watchwords of anyone interested in making it at the prestigious hill. With the right mix of these, the right strategies are made as there’s no such thing as the “silver bullet” strategy to achieve one’s goal. Here, one’s flexibility plus grit matter a lot as these will enable one to even pass a course where they had a below average coursework mark.

Karuhanga wants to become a voice of authority within the economics and the finance fields. One could say the-go-to guy. This has and will push him to check every required box to achieve that. However, without piety, one cannot go far.


Helena Ahaisibwe Kaguma 

Helena Ahaisibwe Kaguma 
Helena Ahaisibwe Kaguma 

Course: Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Journey at Makerere University

As the last born child of a widow who lost her husband a few months before I got enrolled into university, the journey was already predestined to be a trifle tumultuous as I pursued my education at Makerere University. However, by the grace of God, my hardworking mother and elder siblings, I didn’t lack. Like all other aspects of life, nothing has come on a silver platter. This entire journey entailed many sleepless nights, walking in the rain from home (I was a commuting student) for some papers and many other hardships a student faces, especially as a female student. However, I am very proud to say that all the hardships paid off and have shaped me into a better, stronger and more resilient individual. I officially joined Makerere University on Thursday, 9th August, 2018.

Inspiration to work hard
My mother has always been the inspiration behind my hard work. She has been a great mentor and role model, always pushing me to be the best version of myself.

How I was able to get a first class

In all honesty, all the credit for all my success belongs to God. However, with regards to my own efforts as a student to succeed in my academics, I attribute this milestone to prayer, discipline, determination and lastly proper time management.

My motivation

I have always been driven by my passion to be exceptional in all I do in order to be in the best position to make a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate than me and to also make this world a better place for those who come after me.


Okwaimungu Jasper Ngira

Okwaimungu Jasper Ngira
Okwaimungu Jasper Ngira

I am an Alur from Pakwach District and now a first class graduate of a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Development Economics. I am passionate about things to do with the economy and livelihood improvement. Sports and networking are my hobbies.

I draw my motivation from within. I have had a clear path of where I want to be in the medium and long term and how I am going to get there. From day one I knew I had to read hard to achieve my dreams.

My family background has also been a push factor. I have only been able to attain this degree because of government sponsorship and also some private help. This made me focus all my energy on studies such that I can one day uplift our status financially.

Another big motivation has been the expectations that I carry on my shoulders from my family, lecturers, sponsor and friends. They have believed in me since day one and I knew I had to read hard to make them proud.  I have very many people to thank for their help along my journey to academic success. First and foremost, most my paternal Aunt Mrs. Angonifua Jolly and her husband Mr. Onoba Charles who have parented me since I was I was a child. Mr . Bitature Patrick has been a pillar in my life and I can’t thank him enough. My lecturers spotted my brilliance and helped nurture it the more especially Prof. Bbaale Edward, Dr. Suzan Kavuma and Mr Fred Kasalirwe.  My discussion group mates helped me a lot too, I want to thank them and also congratulate them for graduating. I would also like to study a Masters degree in Economic Policy and Planning if I can get a scholarship or sponsorship.


Amasha Patricia Sheilla

Amasha Patricia Sheilla
Amasha Patricia Sheilla

I am Amasha Patricia Sheilla, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics at Makerere University.

I have always loved numbers and so that inspired me to take on a statistical course.

Staying focused, having and interacting with the right people has enabled me to get a first class degree (Cumulative Grade Point Average – CGPA = 4.41)


Nalweera Alice

Nalweera Alice
Nalweera Alice

I am Nalweera Alice, a proud Muruli from Nakasongola District. I have a great passion for economics that is why I was inspired to undertake the course and it always gave me a push to focus and look forwards to a great performance.
My greatest inspiration has and will always be my father. He loves excellence in all aspects.

Going through Makerere University has been such a great experience for I adventured academically and socially.


Kapaska Evalyne

Kapaska Evalyne
Kapaska Evalyne

Today I graduate with a first class degree of Arts in Economics of Makerere University. I come from a small village in Ibanda District-western Uganda called Kyentaama. From there, I entered the gates of Makerere in August 2018 having attained 18 points from Citizen’s secondary school-Ibanda, which enabled me to get a merit government scholarship.

We stand today on the principle of the future, it is not a distant reality anymore, it begins here, it begins today. I entered Makerere as a child, but I am now leaving as an adult. Well, we did it, we all accomplished one of the major early milestones of our lives, university graduation. This is a major step in the journey of our lives, one that should be recognized for its immense significance. It is an act not only of personal commitment but also one of pride. We all worked hard to get to this day, and our work did not go to waste. Graduation is not an end goal in itself, it is instead a part of longer journey of life. I am glad and I thank God that He enabled me to get a first class degree.

When I was in my O’level, I was motivated by my elder sister and brother who were at Makerere university pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Bachelor of Arts in Education respectively. I loved studies and I worked and read very hard to also get to university, more importantly Makerere University. When I did my A’level, I worked very hard to be admitted on government which please my father. I promised him that I would get a first class degree, unfortunately, he died last year July and he has not been able to witness this day. (MHSRIP)

While at Makerere university, I chose good friends who could encourage me and advise me to attend all lectures from year one, and also consult on relevant course units for next semester even before it started. With the help of my OGs, OBs and the friends whom I made, we formed a discussion group where we could help each other in all course units. Truly, discussion groups, consultation with lecturers and students who were ahead of me for example Coleb Arinda last year first class graduand from Arts in Development Economics, and extensive reading were great factors that contributed to the success we are celebrating today.

While in my 3rd year first semester, my beloved dad passed away, I lost courage and thought that I was going to lose my first class but I kept praying to God to give me courage. My father always encouraged me to read hard so that I could get a first class. When I received my results of third year first semester, I had GPA of 4.16 which wasn’t a first class. I never gave up, continued reading and praying, God heard my prayers in the second semester and am graduating with a CGPA of 4.53.

I pray and hope that this gives me a brighter future that will help me achieve my career and life dreams.

For God and my country.
We build for the future.


Lillian Ahumuza

Lillian Ahumuza
Lillian Ahumuza

I am Ahumuza Lillian. I did Bachelor of Statistics and got a first class degree. What kept me moving in School was the idea that i always wanted to challenge myself to do better. I didnt get the 20 points i desired at A level and i promised myself to do better at University. My lecturer Dr. Dennis Wokiyi constantly encouraged me to work hard and he believed in me. I read very hard and my discussion group was always there for me. We shared ideas and researched on many topics. This first class is a result of hardwork, perseverance and consistency


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Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Business & Management

Brewing Innovation: 9th Annual Youth Expo showcases enterprises in Uganda’s coffee value chain

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Students exhibiting oil and cookies made out of coffee at the 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo in the Freedom Square on 17th October 2025. 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, 600 student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations, 16th-17th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Ritah Namisango and Monica Meeme

On 17th October 2025, the Makerere University Freedom Square was a beehive of activity as over 600 students from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) participated in the 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo.

Organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, the 2025 Innovation and Youth Expo, focused on Uganda’s most strategic Agricultural sector – COFFEE.

Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations including youth coffee brands, brewing demonstrations, agri-tech prototypes, live cupping sessions, among others.

The Youth Expo focused on amplifying youth-led innovations across the entire coffee value chain—from farm to cup, providing a hands-on, interactive platform for young entrepreneurs to exhibit their products, prototypes, and business ideas, while engaging directly with industry stakeholders.

By placing the youth at the center of the value chain, the Youth Expo demonstrated the untapped potential of innovation, creativity, and enterprise among Uganda’s next generation of entrepreneurs.

Student innovations for real-world impact:

The Director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, Dr. Sarah Bimbona, urged students to view their innovations not just as academic projects, but as the starting point for real-world impact.

“These innovations should not just end here or be seen as projects for marks. Continue nurturing those dreams, take them further, and make them a reality,” she advised.

She recognized the critical role of faculty and mentors, specifically appreciating them for their tireless support in guiding students through their innovation undertakings.

L-R: Dr. Kasimu Sendawula, Dr. Sarah Bimbona, Ms. Margie Faith Mubeezi, Ms. Shira Nahwera. 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, 600 student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations, 16th-17th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
L-R: Dr. Kasimu Sendawula, Dr. Sarah Bimbona, Ms. Margie Faith Mubeezi, Ms. Shira Nahwera.

Dr. Bimbona emphasized the importance of linking academic learning with practical enterprise, highlighting that student-led innovations have the potential to create meaningful economic and social change.

Students encouraged to embrace entrepreneurship:

The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng specified that entrepreneurship is one of the flagship initiatives of the College of Business and Management Sciences. He encouraged the students to seize the moment. “This is your opportunity to showcase your innovations, to interact with industry players, and to change your mindset from job-seekers to job creation,” he said.  “Let the entrepreneurship Expo awaken a new spirit in you-one that says-yes, I can make it.”

Associate Professor Akileng cited the story of Bill Gates as an example of what determination and innovation can achieve, reminding the students that greatness often starts from simple beginnings.  “There is no reason we cannot build something extraordinary from coffee and other local products,” he stated, emphasizing the value of entrepreneurship in national transformation.

The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng interacting with the student entrepreneurs at the Expo. 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, 600 student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations, 16th-17th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng interacting with the student entrepreneurs at the Expo.

The Dean, School of Business, expressed deep appreciation to the industry partners for their collaboration and generosity. “You have invested time, knowledge and financial support to be here. Thank you for supporting the Entrepreneurship Congress and Expo,” he remarked.

BRAC Uganda participates in the Expo:

The Communications Officer of BRAC Uganda, Ms. Barbra Ampaire, stressed that BRAC aims to equip youth with the tools and knowledge to discover and maximize their potential.

“We have supported thousands of youth through tailored programs in areas such as tailoring, livestock farming, agribusiness, financial literacy, and value addition. These initiatives are supported not just with training, but also with seed capital, equipment, and ongoing mentorship,” she said.

BRAC Uganda exhibits youth led innovations at the Expo. 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, 600 student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations, 16th-17th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
BRAC Uganda exhibits youth led innovations at the Expo.

Ms. Ampaire noted that Makerere University, being a hub for students and young innovators, aligns perfectly with BRAC’s focus on empowering youth while they are still developing their ideas and ambitions.

A case for domestic consumption and local processing:

One of the participants from the BRAC Scholar Transition Fund, Mr. Godwin Birungi, emphasized the need for domestic consumption and local processing, highlighting that exporting raw coffee reduces employment opportunities and stunts economic growth.

 “When we consume and process our coffee locally, we not only improve public health, but also create jobs and stimulate our economy.”

He encouraged young entrepreneurs to embrace patience, maintain consistency in their efforts, and stay focused on their goals, emphasizing that building a successful and sustainable business is a gradual process that requires dedication and resilience.

Coffee Grow Pig Booster. 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, 600 student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations, 16th-17th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Coffee Grow Pig Booster.

“Building a sustainable business takes time. Many successful entrepreneurs spent over a decade before making a profit. Find your passion, refine your strategy, and stay the course.” he said.

Student entrepreneurs speak out:

The Marketing Manager of Victory Cakes students’ enterprise, Ms. Keziah Nasenga, explained that the team offers two main product variations including coffee cupcakes with icing and those without, catering to different customer preferences.

She noted that the cupcakes are crafted using brewed coffee mixed with hot water, then blended with traditional baking ingredients such as flour, vanilla, and other flavor-enhancing components.

A student from the Ring Hair Stimulator group, Ms. Martha Alwe, said their product is a premium hair care solution designed to promote healthy hair growth, prevent breakage and hair loss in women, and enhance beard growth in men through a specialized beard oil.

Student entrepreneurs showcasing coffee products. 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, 600 student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations, 16th-17th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Student entrepreneurs showcasing coffee products.

“The full product line includes beard growth oil, hair shock treatment, hair spray, leave-in conditioner, and hair growth shampoo each carefully developed to address a wide range of hair care needs with quality and effectiveness,” she said.

The Marketing Manager of the team of Coffee Cupcake, Ms. Catherine Nasaazi, explained that the shampoo is enriched with sodium benzoate, tea tree oil, and other ingredients.

Precursor to the Youth Expo:

The 3rd Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress held on 16th October 2025 at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, provided a perfect transition into the 9th Annual Makerere University Youth Expo held on 17th October 2025 at the Freedom Square.

During the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress, students listened to lived experiences and case presentations from young, mid-level and senior entrepreneurs. The panelists who discussed topics on Market Readiness, Value Addition and Story Telling, as well as, Financing the Future, enlightened the students and upcoming entrepreneurs to creating impact, access to markets and capital, and breaking the barriers in a competitive world.

Students (in the background) participating in the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress on 16th October 2025. 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, 600 student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations, 16th-17th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Students (in the background) participating in the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress on 16th October 2025.

The students gained valuable knowledge from the Chief Guest-Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, and the Keynote Speaker- Mr. Moses Nyabila, CEO of aBi Development Ltd.

Mr. Rwabwogo challenged the young entrepreneurs to think beyond Uganda’s borders, when he highlighted that true entrepreneurship lies in producing goods that can compete on the international market.

“When you build a business that can sell in another person’s market, you are a hero or heroine because what you have done is disrupting the status quo, which praises imports over exports. In this country, for instance in Kikuubo business area, you hear statements such as my container is about to reach Uganda, and not my container is leaving the yard in Uganda and is taking avocado to Spain or another country. I want the language to change.”

Partners of the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo: Makerere University (Mak), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), National Coffee Research Initiative (NaCORI), BRAC Uganda, Tooke, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Vision Group, Mountain Harvest, Pepsi, Rainforest Alliance, Sumz, and the Banana Industrial Research & Development Centre. 

Writers: Ritah Namisango, Principal Communication Officer at Makerere University & Monica Meeme, a student of Bachelor of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University.

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

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Makerere University Young Entrepreneurs urged to prioritize value addition to enhance their innovation

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[L-R] Dr.Godfrey Akileng - Dean School of Business, Prof. Sarah N. Ssali - Ag. Vice Chancellor, Chief Guest - Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, and Gordon Katwirenabo-Assistant Commissioner, Quality Assurance and Value Addition, MAAIF at the Congress.

Young entrepreneurs from Makerere University have been urged to focus on value addition, quality and branding if their innovations are to grow into sustainable businesses in the country.

The call was made by several speakers during the opening of the two-day Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo (16th to 17th October 2025) hosted by Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences, under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain.

The annual event serves as a national platform for youth, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and private sector leaders to unlock youth-driven innovation.

The entrepreneurship congress and expo features over 600 students from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) showcasing more than 300 innovations, with a spotlight on the coffee sector. The expo is among the several initiatives that the University has launched to unlock the entrepreneurship potential of students and youth in Uganda.

Chief Guest – Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo

According to Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, the move was motivated by the high levels of youth unemployment in the country, which currently stands at 16.1 percent for those aged 18 to 30 (Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2024).

Addressing the participants during the Entrepreneurship Congress, the Chief Guest-Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, rallied students and youth to embrace entrepreneurship.

“Education can come from strange places. Everyone has gifts, talents, abilities and resources to utilize. In a country with many unmet needs, entrepreneurship is about what you change, he said.

Mr. Rwabwogo stressed the value of local innovation. “Not everything can be commercialised especially in a country that imports 90% of what it consumes. Identify needs that outsiders will never cater for-our language, culture, and food.  Those are unique strengths, he remarked.

Mr. Rwabwogo challenged the young entrepreneurs to think beyond Uganda’s borders, when he highlighted that true entrepreneurship lies in producing goods that can compete on the international market.

“When you build a business that can sell in another person’s market, you are a hero or heroine because what you have done is disrupting the status quo, which praises import. In this country, for instance in Kikuubo business area, you hear statements such as my container is about to reach Uganda, and not my container is leaving the yard in Uganda and is taking Ovocado to Spain or another country. I want the language to change.”

Representing the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University – Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Professor Sarah Ssali noted that the expo comes at a time when youth unemployment stands at 16.1 percent, which informs the university’s move to challenge this growing reality.

“I am glad to note that Makerere University continues to champion innovations and turning graduates from job seekers into job creators, and champions of societal transformation. The expo is Makerere’s attempt to strategically locate itself in the conversation around coffee being the biggest export earner in the country,” she said.

Statistics indicate that Uganda exported 667,037 kilograms of coffee worth US$162.36 million, highlighting the sector’s importance to the economy and its role as a key foreign exchange earner. Despite this, most youth are excluded from high-value segments of the coffee value chain, such as processing, branding, and export, often remaining confined to low-income farm labor.

According to Professor Ssali, this disconnect represents both a critical risk and an unprecedented opportunity. The expo, therefore, serves as a national platform for youth, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and private sector leaders to unlock youth-driven innovation across the coffee value chain, from climate-smart farming and agri-tech to processing, branding, and global market access.

Professor Sarah N. Ssali represented the Vice Chancelllor

She believes that by moving beyond subsistence farming towards ownership, innovation, and high value enterprises, the youth in Uganda can secure a greater share of the global coffee market while catalyzing job creation and sustainable development.

Dr. Sarah Bimbona, Director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, said several of the innovations on display have the potential to be scaled into viable enterprises. She added that these new ventures would build on the success of over 150 companies that emerged from previous editions of the entrepreneurship expo.

Dr. Bimbona used the golden opportunity to highlight three requests for support. She appealed for support, noting that the Centre has spent nine years nurturing over 1,000 business ideas annually, yet the impact of these ideas remains difficult to measure due to lack of resources for tracer studies. Commending Mr. Rwabwogo for accepting to become the Patron of the Centre, Dr. Bimbona requested him to amplify the Centre’s reach and support for youth, women and broader economic development.

On opening opportunities, the Centre offers guidance to entrepreneurs free of charge and seeks partnerships to connect student ideas with the industry. “We have the expertise and experience. We just need that extra push to remain relevant in the business community,” she stated.

Dr. Bimbona reiterated the transformative power of mentorship that is provided through the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre.

The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng specified that entrepreneurship is one of the flagship initiatives of the College of Business and Management Sciences. He encouraged the students to seize the moment. “This is your opportunity to showcase your innovations, to interact with industry players, and to change your mindset from job-seekers to job creation,” he said.  “Let the entrepreneurship congress awaken a new spirit in you-one that says-yes, I can make it.”

Associate Professor Akileng cited the story of Bill Gates as an example of what determination and innovation can achieve, reminding the students that greatness often starts from simple beginnings.  “There is no reason we cannot build something extraordinary from coffee and other local products,” he stated, emphasizing the value of entrepreneurship in national transformation.

The Dean, School of Business, expressed deep appreciation to the industry partners for their collaboration and generosity. “You have invested time, knowledge and financial support to be here. Thank you for supporting the Entrepreneurship Congress and Expo,” he remarked.

Associate Professor Akileng commended Dr. Sarah Bimbona, and the entire entrepreneurship team namely Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Dr. Kasimu Sendawula, Dr. Hanifah Nantale, Dr. Marion Nanyanzi, and Mr. Luke Muhwezi for nurturing student entrepreneurs at Makerere University.

[L-R]Dr. Kasimu Sendawula, Dr. Sarah Bimbona and Dr. Hanifah Nantale

The entrepreneurship congress featured a keynote address, and two panels focusing on: Market Readiness, Value Addition and Story Telling, as well as, Financing the Future.

The Keynote Speaker, Mr. Moses Nyabila, CEO of aBi Development Ltd, urged the government and private sector to establish an export fund to support young entrepreneurs in starting their businesses.

Mr. Nyabila explained that the fund would help young entrepreneurs launch simple start-ups that have the potential to grow into larger enterprises. The fund, he noted, would not only support production, but also empower entrepreneurs to handle basic packaging and export processes.  According to him, such an initiative represents a critical form of value addition.

Mr. Nyabila added that such initiatives would help challenge the current status quo, which prioritizes imports over exports. He used the expo as a platform to call on the government to shift the national mindset toward building Uganda’s presence in the global export market.

 During the panel discussions, contributors discussed several steps through which the young entrepreneurs can be equipped with skills that can help them to join the competitive market.

 Some of the panelists included: Bob Paul Lusembo-Head of Business Growth, BRAC Uganda Bank, Geoffrey Okidi-Financial Deepening Uganda, Nakabuye Flavia Bwire- Inclusion and Microfinance Specialist, and Sectrine Muganzi-Coffee Farmer and Youth Entrepreneur.

Other panelists included Jackline Arinda Akampwera-CEO Jada Coffee, Gordon Katwirenabo-Assistant Commissioner, Quality Assurance and Value Addition, MAAIF, Edwin Danze- Head of Marketing, Next Media Group, and Godwin Birungi- Founder, Rubungi Enterprises.

The panel discussing the coffee value chain.

The different Speakers acknowledged that while Uganda has no shortage of innovations, gaps in value addition and branding continue to undermine product competitiveness, reinforcing the stereotype that Ugandan products are of poor quality.

One of the panelists, Jackline Arinda Akampwera, CEO of Jada Coffee, noted that branding strongly influences perceptions of quality. In the same development, she argued that limited branding is also largely responsible for the misconception that Ugandan products are substandard.

“We have this perception that when we see a brand on a billboard, it must be of good quality. Branding is therefore central to entrepreneurship,” Arinda said. “In Uganda, there’s limited branding and value addition, which affects the marketability of our products,” she said

Arinda shared that before she joined the coffee business, she realized Uganda had no widely recognized coffee brands, despite being a top coffee producer. This inspired her to create a brand that would appeal even to non-coffee drinkers.

The congress was well attended.

“You don’t have to be a coffee consumer to know coffee brands—just like you don’t have to be a football fan to know who Ronaldo is,” she said. “That’s what branding does. Even if people don’t drink coffee, they should know that Jada Coffee exists. I came in to change the way the market operates.”

She added that this lack of branding also explains the low domestic consumption of coffee. To address this, Arinda began introducing coffee at social functions—events that traditionally only offered juices and sodas—as part of efforts to popularize local coffee consumption. 

One of the students contributes to the coffee discussion

Gordon Katwirenabo, Assistant Commissioner, QA and Value Addition, MAAIF agreed with Arinda. He stated that the government is very intentional in promoting value addition to the country’s produces.

“Value addition is very prominent in our policy framework. If you produce and get only money for production, then there is no value, and then you cannot achieve the economic importance and transformation that we need in our communities. So, through that were are very intentional in supporting value addition,” he said.

On his part, Godwin Birungi, Founder, Rubungi Enterprises noted that while branding is very important, branding alone is not enough if the products themselves lack quality. He argued that the two—branding and quality, must reinforce each other for a business to thrive.

“I realized that there is a need to be consistent in producing high quality products. The more you produce high quality, the more you lift your brand,” he said

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

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Business & Management

Press Release: Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo

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Front View of the reconstructed Main Building, Makerere University. Date Taken 8th November 2024. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Release date: October 15, 2025

                                              PRESS RELEASE

RE: Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo (October 16-17, 2025)

Over 60% of Uganda’s population is categorized as youth. According to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Makerere University is one of the institutions in Uganda with the highest concentration of youth. Annually, over 10,000 youth graduate from Makerere University to join the labour market. As they plan to transition into the job market, some of them, are hit by the hard reality of unemployment.  In Uganda, the youth unemployment rate (those aged 18 to 30) is 16.1% (Uganda Bureau of Statistics 2024).

To address this issue, Makerere University in partnership with the Government of Uganda, industry and the private sector, has been implementing programmes, to unlock the entrepreneurship potential of students and the youth in Uganda.

Through its College of Business and Management Sciences, the entity runs the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, committed to shaping Uganda’s next generation of entrepreneurs. The Center brings together members of the entrepreneurship ecosystem to discuss issues that are shaping entrepreneurial activities in the country.

This year, on the 16th and 17th of October, Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, presents to you-The Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo, themed, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain.

The Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo, spotlights one of Uganda’s most strategic Agricultural sectors-COFFEE. Over 600 students from the College of Business and Management Sciences at Makerere University, will showcase different innovations, with potential to be scaled into companies and business enterprises.

Focus on the Coffee Sector: By June 2024, Uganda had exported 667,037 kilograms of coffee worth US$162.36 million, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of the economy and a key foreign exchange earner. Despite this performance, the majority of Uganda’s youth remain excluded from the coffee value chain, often confined to low-income farm labor with limited participation in processing, branding, and export where the greatest value is captured (Uganda Coffee Development Authority).

With 78% of Uganda’s population under 30, this disconnect represents both a critical risk and an unprecedented opportunity.

Therefore, the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo at Makerere University, serves as a national convening platform for youth, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and private sector leaders to unlock youth-driven innovation across the coffee value chain, from climate-smart farming and agritech to processing, branding, and global market access. By moving beyond subsistence farming towards ownership, innovation, and high value enterprises, the youth in Uganda can secure a greater share of the global coffee market while catalyzing job creation and sustainable development.

  • 16th October 2025-Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress (8:00am to 3:00pm) at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.
  • 17th October 2025-The Innovation and Youth Expo (8:00am to 4:30pm) at Makerere University Freedom Square, featuring youth coffee brands, brewing demonstrations, agritech prototypes, and live cupping sessions. 

Key milestone: Dr. Sarah Bimbona, a Lecturer at the College of Business and Management Sciences, and the Director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, states that during the Congress and Expo, over 600 youth will be equipped with new skills to join and innovate in the coffee industry.

Chief Guest: Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairperson, Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID).

Keynote Speaker: Mr. Moses Nyabila, Chief Executive Officer, aBi Development Ltd.

Panel 1:  Market Readiness, Value Addition and Story Telling; and Panel 2-Financing the Future.

Some of the Partners: Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, National Coffee Research Initiative (NaCORI), BRAC Uganda, Tooke, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Vision Group, Mountain Harvest, Pepsi, Rainforest Alliance, Sumz, and the Banana Industrial Research & Development Centre. 

CONTACT PERSON:  For additional information, please contact: Ms. Ritah Namisango, Public Relations and Communication Specialist at Makerere University, College of Business and Management Sciences, Telephone contact: +256 702944224.

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

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