Makerere University Empowers Youth as Job Creators at 2025 Entrepreneurship Congress
Two-day event ignites innovation and self-reliance among Uganda’s young entrepreneurs, positioning Makerere as a national hub for startup growth.
Student innovators showcase coffee-based products at Makerere University’s Freedom Square during the 2025 Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress & Youth Expo.
Kampala, Uganda As the curtains fell on the 2025 Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress & Youth Expo at Makerere University this evening, one message rang loud and clear: Uganda’s youth are ready to lead, build, and innovate.
Under the theme “Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain,” the two-day event transformed Makerere into a hub of energy and enterprise. Organized by the Entrepreneurship & Outreach Centre under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), the congress drew more than 600 students, along with policymakers, investors, and private-sector leaders.
“Our graduates must not wait for jobs. They must create them,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Makerere’s Vice Chancellor, during the opening ceremony. “This Congress shows that Makerere is not just producing academics — we are cultivating innovators.”
Youth Innovation at the Heart
Across October 16–17, students showcased more than 300 innovations ranging from digital traceability tools for coffee farmers to eco-friendly packaging and solar coffee dryers. The Freedom Square exhibition buzzed with color, music, and ideas, as youth entrepreneurs presented prototypes to investors and mentors.
“We came here with ideas; we’re leaving with action plans,” said Esther Namusoke, a third-year entrepreneurship student. “Makerere has given us the confidence to build, not just dream.”
Leadership and Collaboration
Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, served as Chief Guest, emphasizing government backing for youth-led enterprise.
Mr. Moses Nyabila, CEO of aBi Development Ltd, in his keynote, called on students to “turn coffee into gold” through value addition and branding.
Hon. Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo presented a case study on youth entrepreneurship in northern Uganda, illustrating real-world community impact.
Panel discussions unpacked topics like funding access, market storytelling, and inclusive innovation, drawing experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, NaCORI, BRAC, and private sector partners.
Makerere’s Mission: From Classroom to Company
The Congress highlighted Makerere’s evolution from a traditional university to a national incubator of innovation. Through the Entrepreneurship & Outreach Centre, Makerere plans to establish a Coffee Innovation Hub, where students can test, refine, and commercialize business ideas.
“We’re creating a bridge between research and business,” explained Dr. Isaac Ngoma, event coordinator. “This Congress proves that academia can be an engine of job creation.”
Empowerment in Action
Awards were presented to the most promising student ventures, with winners earning seed funding, incubation slots, and mentorship. Yet, beyond the prizes, organizers emphasized sustainability — ensuring youth projects continue beyond the event.
Mrs. Jacklene Arinda Akampwera, CEO of Jada Coffee, commended Makerere’s effort:
“The energy here gives me hope. These young innovators are redefining the future of Uganda’s coffee.”
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 Congress concluded, commitments were made by both university and government stakeholders to continue supporting youth entrepreneurship through structured mentorship and follow-up programs.
Makerere University’s leadership reaffirmed its vision: to turn the campus into a living laboratory of innovation — where Uganda’s next generation of changemakers are not waiting for opportunities, but creating them.
“This is not the Makerere of yesterday,” said one faculty member during the closing session. “This is the Makerere building Uganda’s future — one startup at a time.”
Martin Muduuli Reporter-The Urban Gazette
Date: October 17, 2025
Location: Makerere University, Kampala
Tags: #Makerere #YouthEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #MakENT2025 #UgandaStartups #BuildUganda
Makerere University’s 2025 Entrepreneurship Congress concluded today, inspiring over 600 young innovators to become job creators. The two-day event showcased 300+ student innovations, marking Makerere’s growing role as Uganda’s hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
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Makerere University, youth entrepreneurship, Uganda startups, coffee innovation, youth empowerment
