Uganda and Japan Launch Fourth Entrepreneurship Cohort for 83 Innovators

Uganda has selected 83 innovators for the fourth cohort of its Entrepreneurship Training and Mentorship Programme. The initiative is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into commercially viable businesses.

The programme is delivered through UJ-Connect, the Uganda-Japan ICT Industry Promotion Project. It is a partnership between the Government of Uganda and the Government of Japan, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) and the National ICT Innovation Hub.

Supporting Startup Growth

Selected innovators will receive practical entrepreneurship training and one-on-one mentorship. They will also access business development support and international exposure. Participants will refine their business models, protect intellectual property and explore new market opportunities. The programme also prepares startups to become investment-ready.

The initiative aims to strengthen Uganda’s innovation ecosystem. It equips entrepreneurs with the technical and business skills needed to grow sustainable enterprises.

Building Uganda’s Innovation Ecosystem

UICT Principal Dr. Frederick Kitoogo described the programme as an investment in Uganda’s long-term economic future. He said it equips innovators with the skills, networks and opportunities needed to build successful businesses.

Kitoogo added that programmes such as the ETM initiative help promote entrepreneurship while supporting job creation and economic growth through innovation-led enterprises. Through the Uganda-Japan ICT Industry Promotion Project, Uganda and Japan are supporting the growth of the country’s digital economy. The partnership also encourages technology entrepreneurship and helps ICT businesses compete in local and international markets.