The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Uganda Chapter hosted its inaugural Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) national competition on January 4, 2025, at Fairway Hotel in Kampala. This prestigious event brought together young innovators who are managing businesses while pursuing their academic studies, offering them a platform to showcase their ideas and compete for the honor of representing Uganda at the GSEA Global Finals. The competition, recognized as the premier global contest for student entrepreneurs, seeks to inspire and empower the next generation of business leaders committed to innovation and positive change.
The GSEA competition, organized by EO Uganda, marks a significant milestone in fostering entrepreneurship among the nation’s youth. Participants were evaluated on their business acumen, innovation, and the potential impact of their ventures, all while demonstrating resilience and dedication to balancing their entrepreneurial and academic pursuits. The event culminated in an inspiring display of talent, with three student entrepreneurs emerging as the top winners.
The competition’s top honor went to Ochom Joel Felix, a medical student at Makerere University and founder of PhytoGold (U) Limited. Joel presented Maisha, a patented herbal medicine aimed at treating and preventing malaria, including drug-resistant strains. His innovative solution addresses Uganda’s dependency on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and positions him as a leader in pharmaceutical innovation. Joel’s victory earned him the opportunity to represent Uganda in the GSEA Global Quarterfinals in Pakistan this February, a trip sponsored by EO Uganda and Voyager Global Solutions Limited.
The first runner-up was Nantaba Rebecca, a palliative care student at Makerere University and founder of Alpha Mai Africa, a social enterprise dedicated to recycling plastic waste into reusable sanitary pads. Rebecca’s initiative is tackling period poverty while promoting environmental conservation, making a significant impact on underprivileged communities. Her outstanding innovation was recognized with a cash award of USD 500. Meanwhile, the second runner-up, Kiggundu Ernest, a Medical Imaging student at the Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Educational Institute, impressed the judges with his venture, Stawisha Golf Ltd, which focuses on developing golf talent among Ugandan youth. Ernest’s efforts earned him an exclusive trip to Semliki Safari Lodge, generously sponsored by Wildplaces Africa.
The competition featured 11 participants from various universities in Kampala, with eight finalists competing in the grand event. In preparation, participants received mentorship from EO members, who provided guidance on refining their business strategies and enhancing their entrepreneurial skills. Beyond the awards, the GSEA offers invaluable opportunities for mentorship, global connections, and growth, ensuring that these young entrepreneurs have the resources and support needed to thrive.
EO Uganda remains committed to nurturing innovation and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among the youth. The successful launch of the GSEA competition underscores the organization’s dedication to empowering student entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to excel both locally and internationally.
