UNDP Funds Business Incubation Hub at Kabale University

  Key Information: The UNDP representative in Uganda, Ms. Nwanne Vwede Obahor, praised the Kabale University leadership for their...

 

Key Information:

• The UNDP representative in Uganda, Ms. Nwanne Vwede Obahor, praised the Kabale University leadership for their outstanding guidance and collaboration with UNDP in establishing the Business Incubation Center. Additionally, the Uganda Development Bank has joined efforts to support the potato value chain initiative, a key project within the incubation center.

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A business incubation center worth Shs1.058 billion has been established at Kabale University, designed to encourage youth innovations and assist women entrepreneurs in creating credible businesses that enhance social welfare and support national growth.

At the event held on Thursday, University Vice Chancellor Prof Joy Kwesiga stated that the center was established to address the issue of how universities can support young individuals in generating employment opportunities to tackle the challenge of unemployment within the Kigezi Sub-region.

In 2022, the United Nations Development Programme's country representative in Uganda at the time, H.E Elsie Attafuah, visited Kabale University for a courtesy call, during which we submitted various proposals. The concept of setting up a Business Incubation Center particularly interested her. She instructed the university administration to develop the proposal further so that student and staff ideas, along with community innovations, could be transformed into successful businesses. She also offered her team's assistance, marking the start of this initiative. After Elsie Attafuah left, H.E Nwanne Vwede Obahor took over until the project was completed. Prof Kwesiga expressed gratitude for the UNDP's support, which included modern furnishings, ICT infrastructure, and conferencing systems, as well as the procurement of equipment, with the total value amounting to Shs1.058 Billion (USD 290,000).

She mentioned that the project highlights that innovation will no longer be an indulgence but a requirement, and reconfirmed their dedication to being a university focused on community change, where ideas are not just taught but experienced, evaluated, and transformed into practical answers.

"This facility will specifically focus on fostering entrepreneurship and providing incubation support, skill development initiatives, research and innovation, as well as community involvement. The business incubation center will integrate both equity and fee-based models to guarantee its long-term viability while supporting startups that can eventually become self-sufficient," said Prof Kwesiga.

The UNDP representative in Uganda, Ms. Nwanne Vwede Obahor, praised the leadership of Kabale University and their collaboration with UNDP in establishing the Business Incubation Center. Additionally, the Uganda Development Bank has joined efforts to support the potato value chain initiative, which is a key program within the incubation center.

"This launch occurs at a crucial time as Uganda is executing the fourth national development program (NDPIV), with a focus on agro-industrialization and innovation as key drivers for job creation, reducing imports, and fostering inclusive growth. I am hopeful that this Business Incubation center will evolve into a regional innovation hub that supports students, farmers, SMEs, and entrepreneurs. Young people and women in this area should take advantage of these opportunities to innovate, establish businesses, and improve their lives. UNDP is prepared to keep offering technical, strategic, and enabling support to enhance impact and expand successful models across the country," Ms Nwanne Vwede Obahor stated.

The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, who served as the chief guest, was represented by Hajji Muzamil Mukwatampola, who stated that the newly established center will connect knowledge with enterprise development, bridging the gap between what is taught and what can be implemented.

       

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