The insights from the study done by UWEAL revealed that lack of trade and market information was a predominant barrier faced by 83% of women entrepreneurs coupled with digital readiness in inequalities, high business costs and poor management skills.

In a dedication effort to foster women’s economic empowerment, the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs’ Association Limited (UWEAL) held its 10th Annual women in Business leaders conference, a pinnacle event to recognize successful women in business.

The two-day event which started with The Month of Women Entrepreneurs (MOWE) conference on November 29, was under the theme of Digitization Advanced Women in Trade.

The insights from the study done by UWEAL revealed that lack of trade and market information was a predominant barrier faced by 83% of women entrepreneurs coupled with digital readiness in inequalities, high business costs and poor management skills.

Conie Kekihembo, the chief executive officer of UWEAL, stressed that women contribute significantly to agricultural production yet their participation in value addition and trade both locally and internationally, lags behind their counterparts.

A contextual analysis reinforces the critical role of women’s leadership in driving economic opportunities given that women constitute 51% of Uganda’s population with women operating 25% to 33% of all businesses, however they encounter economic, legal and cultural obstacles hindering their ability to scale enterprises for substantial economic growth, said Kekihembo.

The two-day conference was crowned with an evening of awarding exceptional women entrepreneurs around Uganda in business officiated by Paulina Chiwangu the country Repressive of UN Women in Uganda.

Chiwangu called upon women to brace digitization of their business so they can compete for bigger markets globally as it’s also an easier way to access financial assists from financial institutions.

Let’s braces sisterhood in business and please men don’t ask everything we make from our businesses, Chiwangu cautioned men.

Lydia Ochieng Obbo (first sitting), the board chairperson of Uganda Women’s Trust, with other winners and guests after recieving the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs’ Association Awards at the The Annual Business Achievers Award and gala dinner at Kabira on Nov. 30, 2023. (Photo by Nicholas Oneal)

Lydia Ochieng Obbo (first sitting), the board chairperson of Uganda Women’s Trust, with other winners and guests after recieving the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs’ Association Awards at the The Annual Business Achievers Award and gala dinner at Kabira on Nov. 30, 2023. (Photo by Nicholas Oneal)

The Annual Business Achievers Award and gala dinner saw eight ladies and groups respectively waying away with prestigious awards named after prominent ladies who started UWEAL 36 years ago.

Dr. Jover Byarugaba, who runs Ebenezer schools and Ebenezer Mixed farm, was awarded with the T. Mbiire Award as the outstanding lady of the year.

Lydia Ochieng Obbo, the board chairperson of Uganda Women’s Trust, was awarded with the UWEAL Honorary Award followed by Jolly Banugire who was awarded with the I. Wanendeya Award for UWEAL Spirit.

Other winners included Bright Phiona with the UWEAL Regional Entrepreneur Award (East, West, North Region), Sharon Bency Acio with C. Kisumba Award UWEAL Rising Star (Youth), Ann Kalinzi with the C. Busulwa Pioneer Award, ROWASA the wives of UPDF soldiers won the A. Lubogo Community Involvement Award with the Uganda Revenue Authority taking the UWEAL Women Entrepreneur Advancement Award.

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