Yesterday, we held a Xente Lite onboarding session for entrepreneurs who have expressed interest in the RISE/E Access to Finance Fund.
Facilitated together with the team from Xente, the session introduced the entrepreneurs to the digital platform that will support transaction tracking, financial management, and credit assessment under the blended finance initiative. Participants were equipped with practical knowledge on how to register, transact, and build a digital transaction history which is a key factor in determining financing eligibility and loan amounts.
The session also gave entrepreneurs the opportunity to ask questions, deepen their understanding of the financing process, and strengthen their readiness for the next phase of the RISE/E Access to Finance Fund rollout.
#RISEE #InspiringImpact
Are you a young Ugandan entrepreneur with a growing business?
Do you want to scale up your business? The RISE/E Programme is designed to empower young entrepreneurs LIKE YOU!
This is an exciting opportunity to upgrade your skills, resources and networks to scale up your business and amplify your impact. Apply NOW: /x/zUXJKUMi
We are looking for:
✅ Individuals between 18 and 35 years old (up to 40 years for persons with disabilities)
✅ Businesses that have been running for at least 6 months
✅ Businesses that are based in or operating from the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area
The RISE/E Programme offers:
✅Tailored business mentorship and advice
✅ Customised growth plans
✅ Access to Finance
✅ Expert guidance on finance and markets
✅ Comprehensive business training
✅ Supportive network of peers and mentors
We particularly encourage applications from entrepreneurs with disabilities, women entrepreneurs, and businesses committed to promoting inclusivity. Get ready to be part of this transformative journey!!
Apply now: /x/zUXJKUMi
Learn more about our programme by visiting our website: /news/risee-programme-apply
#RISEE #InspiringImpact
Please join us in congratulating Challenges Uganda’s Employee of the Quarter (January to March), John Kennedy Anywar, Senior Associate - M&E.
Your hard work, professionalism, teamwork, and consistent effort in meeting expectations have not gone unnoticed. We truly appreciate the energy, commitment and dedication you bring to your role.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. We are proud to have you on the team and can't wait to see even more from you in the quarters ahead.
Well done!
Your WhatsApp can now help you grow your business.
Through the 10X Program, you can receive simple business lessons directly on WhatsApp and learn how to:
• Find more customers online
• Promote your products using WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram
• Keep better business records
• Grow your sales using the internet
And the best part? You learn right on your phone.
Join in 3 simple steps:
• Scan the QR code
• Or send 10xProgram to 0792 065 218
Beware of anyone asking for payment on our behalf. Report any such incidents via: Toll-free: 0800 376 376 | WhatsApp: 0757 000 152 | Email: [email protected]
#10xdigitaleconomy #enablingentrepreneurs
We were pleased to join the launch of the National Business Development Services (BDS) Standards and the United Business Support Professionals Association of Uganda, convened by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives together with key ecosystem partners.
This is an important step for Uganda’s enterprise support ecosystem. For many MSMEs, access to consistent, affordable, and high-quality business development support has often been fragmented. The new standards are a welcome move toward more structured service delivery, stronger coordination, and better tracking of best practices across the sector.
The launch also introduced a national association for BDS providers, created to bring service providers together under one platform. This will help strengthen collaboration, professionalism, accountability, and shared learning within the ecosystem, while also giving providers a stronger voice in shaping the future of business support in Uganda.
This development resonates strongly with our work. We believe that when business support systems are coordinated and guided by clear standards, entrepreneurs are better placed to grow resilient, competitive, and sustainable businesses.
We look forward to continued collaboration with fellow ecosystem actors as Uganda takes this important step toward building a more effective and inclusive BDS environment for MSMEs.
Through the 10X Program: Shaping Digital Pathways for Young Women in Business, 360 young women in business aged 18–35, including 100 persons with disabilities, across Kitgum, Lamwo, and Gulu have been empowered through business development services training designed to strengthen their business to participate in the digital economy.
Key sessions included Small Business Set-Up and Strategy, with outcomes focused on helping participants understand how to register and formalize their small businesses, set up simple digital record-keeping systems, comply with local laws and regulations, and understand their target markets.
Participants were also taken through Business Process Improvement, while the finance sessions covered Pricing, Costing & Financial Planning, Leveraging Technology for Records Management, Raising Capital for SMEs, Debt Management, and Risk Management.
During the Access to Digital Markets and Digital Finance training, we engaged partners providing digital services, including XENTE and Chap Chap. These partners guided participants on how to use their applications to build financial profiles that support access to digital credit. Participants with smartphones were assisted in installing the applications and shown how to navigate them.
Follow-up support is being provided to strengthen the effective use of the digital applications and tools introduced during the training, enabling participants to adopt and utilize the digital skills, knowledge, and tools acquired for business growth and resilience.
Are you a young woman entrepreneur looking to grow your business in the digital economy?
Enroll in the foundational course: https://10xacademy.outbox.africa/courses/10x-foundation-course
Use coupon code: Challenges102
#10xdigitaleconomy #enablingentrepreneurs
In the three years of its implementation, the Anyim Maber (Bright and Better Future) Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by @sightsavers , @challengesuganda , @nudipuuganda , and NUWODU, supported the empowerment of youth with disabilities in the districts of Amuru, Gulu, Nwoya, and Oyam by building their business development skills, improving access to finance, and facilitating inclusive employment opportunities.
The results speak for themselves. ➤124 businesses were supported. ➤94 reported an increase in profit. ➤76 grew their capital assets. ➤238 jobs were created by the end of the project. ➤4 youth wings were supported. ➤94 businesses are actively saving through VSLAs and SACCOs. ➤45 businesses successfully accessed financing.
So, how did all of this happen?
Watch this documentary to hear directly from the people who made it possible. Implementation partners, district officials, beneficiaries, and other key stakeholders share the journey, the impact, and the lessons from the Anyim Maber Project.
#BigThanks to the European Union, our partners Sightsavers, National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda - NUDIPU and NUWODU, and the district offices in Amuru, Gulu, Nwoya and Oyam that worked very closely with us to ensure smooth project implementation. To our entrepreneurs, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, youth wings, financial institutions, and everyone who made this journey worthwhile, we couldn’t have done it without you.
The project ends, but the impact lives on.
For many women entrepreneurs, growth happens when the right support is given at the right moment. That was the case for @farmreap , a women-led yoghurt business based in Kampala, Uganda.
To Challenges Uganda, the #i̇nternationalwomensday theme #givetogain is a reflection of our work of providing practical support that creates extraordinary impact, and the journey of Farm Reap is a clear example.
As you will see in the case study video below, our support to Farm Reap involved conducting a comprehensive diagnostic review of the strategic and financial aspects of the company’s operations. This informed a co-created strategic plan to enhance Farm Reap’s marketing and distribution activities, while also addressing operational challenges such as cold-chain reliability.
When the pandemic disrupted traditional retail channels, we also helped introduce B2C delivery through online marketing so the business could continue reaching customers.
These shifts helped the company stabilize, expand its market reach, and access financing through the linkages created.
By giving and investing knowledge, systems, and opportunity into women-led enterprises like Farm Reap, the gains ripple outward; stronger businesses, more jobs, and better nutrition for communities.
If you are interested in taking your enterprise or organization to the next level, we can help with that! Let's hear from you; email us at: [email protected]
For more information about our service offerings, DM or email us.
#iwd
Clarity on taxes starts here...
Join the RISE/E masterclass on "Understanding Taxation for SMEs: Key Insights & Compliance" happening this Thursday, o5th March, from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM EAT
Get practical guidance on staying compliant, keeping proper records, and building a sustainable business in Uganda.
The masterclass will be facilitated by David Rusoke, CEO of Formula One Solutions and former Manager Tax Literacy at Uganda Revenue Authority, bringing over 16 years of experience in tax administration, accounting, and SME advisory.
You shouldn't miss! Scan QR Code to Join or DM us for Calendar link to add the call to your calendar;
Meeting ID: 873 1043 9285
Passcode: c9WawH
#RISEE
Entrepreneurs, how familiar are you with the NSSF Hi-Innovator Programme?
In this info video, Sam Olweny, Senior Associate at Challenges Uganda and project coordinator for the NSSF Hi-Innovator, walks you through everything you need to know about the Program.
Have questions? Inbox us or leave your queries in the comments section, we’ll get back to you.
If you want to be part of the program, start your journey today by enrolling in the free NSSF Hi-Innovator Business Foundational Course.
Enroll here: /courses/hi-innovatorbusinessacademy
NB: Choose Challenges Uganda as your preferred partner hub.
#nssfhiinnovator #enablingentrepreneurs
Watch testimonial:
Meet Ojok Richard Odu, an entrepreneur from Kooro Abili, Gulu City, who successfully completed the NSSF Hi-Innovator E-Business Essentials Course and Financial Literacy 4 Artisans.
He is here to share with you that journey.
Richard’s story shows how important it is for an entrepreneur to enroll for the NSSF Hi-Innovator Business Foundational Course.
Through the E-Business Essentials course, Richard gained knowledge on how to manage his operations and with the Financial Literacy 4 Artisans training, he learned key money-management and financial planning skills; from budgeting and savings to understanding loans, investments, and how to track business finances properly.
Completing these courses puts Richard in a stronger position to grow his business.
Start your journey today by enrolling in the free NSSF Hi-Innovator Business Foundational Course.
To enroll for the NSSF Hi-Innovator Business Foundational Course, visit hi-innovatorbusinessacademy.nssfug.org and enroll for free
#NB: Choose Challenges Uganda as your preferred partner hub.
#nssfhiinnovator #enablingentrepreneurs
We have been conducting the 10X Program: Shaping Digital Pathways for Young Women bootcamps in Lamwo, Kitgum, Nwoya, Gulu, and Omoro District.
The sessions provided young businesswomen with hands-on support to enroll in and complete the 10X Program Foundation Course, helping them gain practical skills to improve how they run their businesses using online tools.
For more information about the program, please dial: 0770 542217.
10XDigitalEconomy
