Africa-Press – Uganda. Junior Achievement (JA) Uganda hosted a vibrant and inspiring JA Social Equity Program (SEP) Seed Funding Awarding Ceremony at the Next Media Conference Centre, bringing together young innovators, educators, development partners, and key stakeholders to celebrate outstanding youth-led social enterprises.
The event showcased the creativity, resilience, and solution-driven mindset of young Ugandans committed to transforming their communities through impactful social projects. After a rigorous selection process, seven exceptional teams were awarded seed funding to advance and scale their innovations. The winning teams included: Agri Cool Team, Emun App Team, MPa Mpe, Masaka Unique Organic Animal Feeds, Eco Chic Decor, Uganda Eco Enterprises, and Luther Plastics.
These enterprises stood out for their originality, sustainability, and strong social impact – addressing critical community challenges such as agricultural productivity, waste management, technology-enabled services, and eco-friendly innovation.
Since the inception of the Social Equity Program in 2023, Uganda has consistently produced top-performing teams at the continental level. Notably, BedMot and Safisha emerged as champions in previous years, winning USD 9,500 and USD 8,500 in seed funding respectively. This year, Uganda continued its winning streak by emerging 1st Runner-Up with Agri Cool at the Africa Regional Afrinnovate Youth Challenge (AYC) competitions. Speaking at the ceremony, Matthew Ainomugisha, SEP Project Lead, highlighted JA Uganda’s growing impact in empowering young people with employability, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills. Key milestones include: 46,000+ direct SEP beneficiaries since 2023, 5,000+ youth-led social impact projects launched since 2023, Africa Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (AYC): Grand Prize Winners in 2023 & 2024; 1st Runner-Up in 2025.
These achievements underscore JA Uganda’s commitment to nurturing innovative thinkers and problem-solvers who are shaping Uganda’s future with bold, transformative ideas.
The 2025 SEP Seed Funding Ceremony was not only an awards event—it was a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when given tools, mentorship, and opportunity. With continued support from partners and the community, JA Uganda remains steadfast in building an inclusive, innovative, and entrepreneurial ecosystem where every young person can thrive.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Rachael Mwagale, Executive Director of JA Uganda, emphasized:
“Today is not just about handing over cheques. It is about celebrating courage, innovation, and the unstoppable potential of Uganda’s youth. The seed funding goes to youth-led enterprises turning ideas into impact; creating bright, boundless futures. I extend our deepest thanks to the Z Zurich Foundation and JA Africa support continues to make all this possible.”
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Abdul Makubuya, Senior Manager of Organisational Development, NSSF representing the MD, NSSF charged the youth in the room saying; ‘Success depends on discipline, which begins with small habits like managing your time effectively. Success isn’t magic, it’s discipline. And the journey gets clearer when you surround yourself with people who give honest, growth-driven feedback.’
‘Your biggest capital is your integrity because you will enter boardrooms to pitch but your integrity will be key. To the young people: let’s remain teachable, because while we know a lot, there is still so much more to learn’ – reaffirmed the day’s keynote speaker, Don Patrick Bujingo – the MD Aloesha Organics & President, MWF Alumni Network.
As the winning teams embark on the next phase of their journey, their stories serve as a powerful inspiration—encouraging many more young people to dream boldly, innovate fearlessly, and create change that reaches far beyond their communities.
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