The Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL), hosted the Annual Business Achievers’ Awards and Gala Dinner at Kabira Country Club.
At the colorful event, attended by women entrepreneurs, representatives from the public and private sector, leading and exceptional women entrepreneurs in various categories were recognized and honored.
The Awardees:
• Dr. Jover Byarugaba Abahikye – T. Mbiire Award for Woman Entrepreneur of the Year: Dr. Jover Byarugaba Abahikye, a multifaceted entrepreneur, Founder, and CEO of Ebenezer Schools, and a Director of Pearl Engineering Company Ltd, received the prestigious T. Mbiire Award. Her impact spans education, construction, healthcare, and agriculture, embodying excellence in diverse sectors.
• Jolly Banugire – I. Wanendeya Award for UWEAL Spirit: Jolly Banugire, the force behind Jostar Limited in real estate, was honored with the I. Wanendeya Award. With a remarkable entrepreneurial journey, she defied norms, diversified into textiles and handbags, and boasts a real estate portfolio including 15 residential units.
• Bright Phiona – UWEAL Regional Entrepreneur Award (East, West & North Regions): Bright Phiona, the visionary leader behind Tooro Gallery Foundation, received the UWEAL Regional Entrepreneur Award. Her organization, established in 2014, empowers women through handcraft skills, creating income-generating opportunities.
• Sharon Bency Acio – C. Kisumba Award for UWEAL Rising Star (Youth): Sharon Bency Acio, the Managing Director of ReadySprout Uganda Limited, received the C. Kisumba Award. Her venture shifted focus to soybean value addition, contributing to health initiatives with products like “joysoy and joymillet flour.”
• Ann Kalinzi – C. Busulwa Pioneer Award: Ann Kalinzi, the Founder of Tooro Gallery Foundation, was honored with the C. Busulwa Pioneer Award. Her journey, starting with addressing the struggles of young women, has evolved into a transformative force in handcraft skills and livelihood improvement.
• ROWOSA – A. Lubogo Community Involvement Award: The Reach Out Wives of Soldiers’ Association (ROWOSA) received the A. Lubogo Community Involvement Award.
ROWOSA stands as a vital umbrella organization, empowering the wives of Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers, fostering self-reliance and enhancing the overall well-being of soldiers’ families.
• Lydia Obbo – UWEAL Honorary Award: Lydia Obbo, a highly experienced lawyer and Senior Partner at Frederick Francis and Associates Advocates, received the UWEAL Honorary Award for her impact on women entrepreneurs which spans over 40 years, contributing to legal practice, corporate governance, and private sector training.
• The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) – Women Entrepreneur Advancement Award: Uganda’s government revenue collection agency was acknowledged for its exceptional efforts in trade facilitation for women entrepreneurs. URA’s commitment to engaging with women in business through tax education workshops and the Women Trade Facilitation Framework (WTFF) has significantly contributed to the economic empowerment of over 5,032 women members.
The UWEAL CEO, conveyed a powerful message to the women entrepreneurs, expressing, “Tonight, we celebrate not just your achievements, but the spirit of resilience, innovation, and leadership that defines each of you. Your success stories are beacons of inspiration, illuminating the path for others.”
UWEAL continues to champion the cause of women entrepreneurs, fostering a thriving ecosystem for women in business.
