By Mark Kawalya
Hive Colab in Kampala hosted the graduation of 40 promising start-ups from the Youth Startup Academy Uganda (YSAU). Set alongside SWARM Summit, this event highlighted moments of innovation and collaboration as emerging entrepreneurs prepared for significant growth and transformation.
The SWARM Summit brought different startups under the themed “The Future is Now: Emerging Trends Shaping Startup Ecosystems,” It featured insightful discussions about the industry. During the graduation, Industry experts shared their knowledge to an eager audience highlighting insights on the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship.
Fiona N Luswata, a Digital Finance & Innovation Analyst, stressed the importance of adapting to change in innovation, stating. “The product you have today might change tomorrow! Are you ready to evolve your idea? Funders seek agility, adaptability, and scalability.” Her words resonated strongly with the audience. She said
Dr. Amina Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, highlighted Uganda’s dedication to leveraging technology for entrepreneurial growth. She stated, “We are leveraging ICTs to capitalize on the entrepreneurial surge in today’s digital economy,”
Phyllis Kyomuhendo, founder of M-SCAN, reflecting on her experience. “YSAU has been different from other projects as I was directly linked to business partners,” she said.
The graduation ceremony was a notable event, celebrating months of hard work and dedication. Each start-up receiving their diploma was met with enthusiastic applause, reflecting the strong support and encouragement for their future endeavors.
The graduates represented a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology, embodying Uganda’s entrepreneurial spirit. Equipped with skills and resources from intensive boot camps, these individuals are poised to transform Uganda’s startup landscape and drive innovation nationwide.
As the SWARM Summit and the YSAU graduation ceremony concluded the shared vision of a future driven by innovation, collaboration, could almost be touched. Supported by government agencies, international partners, and a vibrant startup community, Uganda is on track to become a global leader in entrepreneurship and technological innovation.
