The two-day closing ceremony of the Youth Startup Academy Uganda (YSAU) Accelerator Program, held from November 12-13, 2024, was a landmark event celebrating the achievements and growth of Uganda’s startup ecosystem. Hosted under the theme “Celebrating Innovation and Growth,” the ceremony brought together 41 graduating startups and key partners like NITA Uganda, the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) all committed to realizing Uganda’s entrepreneurial potential. This gathering marked a milestone in YSAU's journey, reflecting on progress for sustainable growth in Uganda's innovation landscape.

Barbara Mutabazi, Executive Director of Hive Colab, highlighted the ceremony as a testimony to the power of collaboration and resilience in driving economic transformation. “This event shows what can be achieved when we work together, and it is inspiring to see the impact of KOSME’s choice to make Uganda the first country to host this transformative program,” she remarked, thanking ITC and NITA Uganda for their critical roles in supporting the accelerator and Uganda’s young innovators.

Representing NITA Uganda, Dr. Collin Babirukamu emphasized the organization’s dedication to Uganda’s startup ecosystem, underlined by the government’s Digital Transformation Agenda launched in April 2023. “This roadmap is a promise to foster innovation, empower digital skills and strengthen the environment for entrepreneurship,” he shared. “Nita Uganda is to make Uganda a competitive digital nation and startups are central to this vision.” Moses Watasa, Commissioner at the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, echoed this sentiment, underscoring ICT’s role as a foundation for national progress and expressing gratitude to the Korean government for its continued support in Uganda’s digital transformation.

The ITC, represented by Escipion Joaquin Oliveira Gomez, Director of Enterprise Competitiveness, also reinforced the importance of international collaboration. “Investing in technology and cultural exchange enriches Uganda’s entrepreneurial landscape while helping unify Africa’s economic narrative. We are proud to be part of this journey,” he stated.

A highlight of the ceremony was Easy Ride Uganda’s signing of a new investment agreement with Korea's VenturePort CEO Wansung Park, which will expand their nationwide reach and improve response times for their clients. The deal is a testament to the powerful potential of international partnerships in strengthening local businesses and expanding market access.

To carry the program’s legacy forward, the YSAU Alumni Association was launched. This association will support ongoing connections among cohorts, fostering a network where ideas continue to grow and successes are built upon. Alumni associations help nurture professional growth and provide a community to share resources, solve challenges and maintain the program’s momentum. Representing the four YSAU cohorts are: David Brian Matsiko of Bringo Fresh for Cohort 1, Octevious Niwazeire of Sitellite Infusion Monitor for Cohort 2, Devin Itaaji of Canine Safaris Limited for Cohort 3, and Akello Cleopatra of Natura’s Nook Nutrition Limited for Cohort 4, each with their deputy representatives.

The event also featured an investment pitch session where 24 startups showcased their ventures to potential investors. Panel discussions on angel investing underscored Uganda’s unique investment landscape, with experts from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Inua Capital, Open Capital Advisors, and others focusing on high-growth sectors like agriculture, fintech, health tech, and manufacturing. The engagement was a crucial step in building long-term partnerships and opening doors for continued growth.

As the event concluded, YSAU celebrated its graduates and set the stage for future impact. With 41 startups now shaping Uganda’s economy, the program underscored the power of innovation, resilience and partnership in transforming ideas into scalable ventures. In her closing remarks, Barbara Mutabazi emphasized the importance of innovation that drives both economic and social progress. “The businesses we have seen here today are not only generating profit; they’re creating jobs, uplifting local farmers and fostering social change. This is the heart of impactful entrepreneurship in Uganda.”

With Phase One completed, YSAU looks forward to building on these successes, inspiring a new generation of Ugandan entrepreneurs.