Seven Ugandan startups win $20,000 each in seed funding from NSSF’s Hi-Innovator program
Seven small businesses in Uganda have each secured seed funding of approximately $20,000 through the Hi-Innovator program, an initiative jointly run by the National Social Security Fund.The program is run jointly together with the Mastercard Foundation.The recipients are Marjoz Farm Stores Limited, Ebenezer Energy Saving Stoves Limited, Kaps Circle Company Limited, Dreck Ventures Limited, Classic Baking and Catering Limited, Crested Resources Limited and Afro Lube Limited.Launched in August 2020, the five-year initiative focuses on raising the visibility of enterprises that are not considered attractive to traditional investors and would otherwise struggle to attract the financing and technical support they need to grow.Women and youth-owned businesses have been given some preference.Hi-Innovator is being implemented by Outbox and supported by several Entrepreneurship Support Organisations (ESO’s), including the Stanbic Business Incubator Limited (SBIL), a subsidiary of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited.“We want to remind you that this will be the start of a new journey. More hard work, focus and commitment, are needed. For those who have not gone through today, do not give up. Use the skills, knowledge and networks you have attained during this period to refine your business ideas and become better while positioning yourselves for other opportunities,” said Patricia Ainembabazi, a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at NSSFDubbed the ‘Ignite cohort’, the seven winners emerged after a day of robust pitching involving 13 business owners in total and before a panel of three Investment Committee members at the SBIL offices in Kampala.“Entrepreneurship is lonely. You need partners and that is one of the reasons why we exist as the Incubator. Everything that we are doing here, is about the transformation of Uganda. As the Stanbic Incubator, we are driven by our mandate that runs on three key pillars of access to finance, access to markets, and business operational skilling. Therefore, do not limit yourself but show ambition,” said Stanbic Incubator’s Chief Executive, Catherine Poran.During the pitching, the business owners were assessed on problem-solving; business models and sustainability; market potential and scalability; impact- especially on women and youth, and finally the composition of their team.Prior to pitching, the entrepreneurs underwent a rigorous five-day boot camp session where different entrepreneurial modules were undertaken.Patricia Temba, a Program Administrator at NSSF Hi-Innovator said, “Winning the $20,000 award gives the entrepreneurs an opportunity to join the accelerator program, where they will then participate in a rigorous six-month process. This process includes work planning, mentorship sessions, and access to Business Development Service providers, all aimed at addressing barriers to scale and enabling them to unlock additional follow-on funding beyond the initial $20,000. By the end of this process, the businesses will be investor-ready and bankable.”“This is a provisional $20,000 financing award. As per policy, these seven businesses will undergo due diligence, which will determine the unlocking of the financing,” Temba added.As of April 2024, the Hi-Innovator initiative has trained 29,000 entrepreneurs, availed seed-funding and technical assistance to 330 businesses, built the capacity of 13 ESO partners, and reached out to over 150,000 youth and women.https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/seven-ugandan-startups-win-20000-each-in-seed-funding-from-nssfs-hi-innovator-program/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum