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PIM Centre completes training of 23 Officers in Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis

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Approximately 23 officials from different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as from the Civil Society have completed training in the Program on Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR). The trainees received training in Basic Public Investment Management (PIM), Financial and Risk Analysis and finally Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis. The training culminated in the award of Certificates jointly awarded by Makerere University, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and Cambridge Recourses International.

The two-weeks training, which took place in Mbarara attracted participants from Ministries, Agencies, Academia and the Civil Sector. Speaking during the closing ceremony, Prof. Eria Hisali, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences where the PIM Centre of Excellence is hosted, said the Centre aims at creating a pool of experts who can write proposals and approve public investments.

He cautioned the public officers to clearly identify projects that can deliver economic growth and also encouraged them to work together. He said the Centre would organize an experience sharing workshop to do an M&E on all the trainees to see how effectively they are utilizing the acquired knowledge. He informed participants that the University Senate had approved the proposed PIM Masters, “Masters in Economic and Investment Modeling,” and encouraged them to apply once the program is approved by the National Council for Higher Education. He said the Centre was also in the process of drafting a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Investment Management. Prof. Hisali appreciated the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development for providing financial support to the Centre as well as CRI and NPA for the partnership in training.

Makerere University Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and Cambridge Recourses International two-week training in the Program on Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR), 22nd April-6th May 2024, Mbarara Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Willy Kagarura, the Centre’s manager said he was confident that the knowledge given to the participants will go a long way in ensuring they write the accurate investment proposals for the government to review.

He emphasized the importance of equipping individuals with the necessary skills to make informed investment decisions which will ultimately contribute to the economic development of the Country. Dr. Willy also highlighted the practical nature of the training, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for real-world scenarios in investment modeling.

Ms. Gertrude Aerone Basiima, the Assistant Commissioner of the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department emphasized the importance of the training, saying the goal of a project appraisal is to prevent bad projects from going ahead and good projects from being rejected. “This training is therefore aimed at ensuring that all stakeholders including Public Officials, Private Sector and Civil Society analysts develop and appraise investment projects in order to promote the economic and social wellbeing of the country,” she said.

Makerere University Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and Cambridge Recourses International two-week training in the Program on Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR), 22nd April-6th May 2024, Mbarara Uganda, East Africa.

She said the training arose out of the needs assessment that identified critical gaps by Officers in different MDAs with regard to undertaking Cost Benefit Analysis, Cost Effectiveness Analysis, preparation and cross-examination of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies.

“I hope that the training you have attained during the last 3 training sessions has equipped you with skills to conduct and review feasibility studies by putting into considerations the different perspectives of Banker/Lender, Project Owner, Country and Distribution of Externalities. While you are undertaking project development and appraisal, please remember these perspectives,” Ms Basiima said.  Ms Basiima emphasized the importance of considering various perspectives during project development and appraisal to ensure a comprehensive feasibility study. She encouraged participants to apply the skills acquired in the training sessions to conduct thorough analyses and make informed decisions.

She further appreciated the dedicated faculty team comprised of CRI resource persons, Hassan and Christiania. The Ugandan Faculty consisting of Dr. Willy Kagarura, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. John Sseruyage, Dr. Vincent Ssajjabi, Dr. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dr Ibrahim Mukisa, and Mr. Edwin Sentumbwe from Makerere University PIM CoE, Mr. Musimeta Hannington from NPA and, Mr. Ahaisibwe Joseph and herself from MoFPED

Makerere University Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and Cambridge Recourses International two-week training in the Program on Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR), 22nd April-6th May 2024, Mbarara Uganda, East Africa.

On his part, Mr. Hannington Musimenta, one of the faculty members from the National Planning Authority, emphasized the importance of the study, saying the NDPIII evaluation showed that the Country performed only to the tune of 17% because of poor projects. With this training and knowledge acquired by the different public officers, he was positive that the implementation of projects in NDP IV would be more successful and impactful leading to greater development outcomes for Uganda.

As part of the training, the team visited one government project in Kiruhura and Mbarara District titled the Reconstruction of Kyeshema Earth Dam. The dam was reconstructed to supply water to the cattle corridor during the dry seasons. The participants were able to evaluate a real-world project in relation to the theory obtained during training.  

The training was opened on April 22, 2024, by the Director of the PIM Centre of Excellence, Prof. Edward Bbaale, who called on the trainees to fully engage in the training sessions and actively participate in discussions to maximize their learning experience. He emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained to their work in order to achieve tangible results and make a difference in their workplaces. The director also highlighted the significance of networking and collaboration among participants, as this would foster a supportive environment for sharing best practices and innovative ideas. “By fostering a culture of continuous learning and knowledge exchange, the training program aims to empower individuals to drive sustainable development in Uganda”. He appreciated the MoFPED for the financing of the training and the nomination of the right people to train. The director emphasized the importance of participants actively engaging in discussions and practical exercises during the training sessions to maximize their learning experience. Additionally, he encouraged participants to take advantage of the resources and support provided by the program to implement their new skills and knowledge effectively in their respective roles.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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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.

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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

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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.

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