More than 50 high-potential Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from Kampala Metropolitan, Busoga, and West Nile have completed intensive business growth bootcamps. The three-day bootcamps were conducted under the WeWork – Green and Decent Jobs for Youth project. This project is implemented by SHONA Group in partnership with Enabel and the Government of Uganda, with funding from the European Union and the Kingdom of Belgium.
The programme selected businesses from hundreds of applicants operating in various sectors. These sectors include renewable energy, sustainable farming, smart irrigation, sustainable fashion and interior design, eco-tourism, waste management, green construction, green manufacturing, and digital green marketplaces. The initiative supports Uganda's goals of accelerating private sector growth, job creation, and economic transformation.
SMEs account for roughly 90% of Uganda's private sector and contribute about 20% to the national GDP. They also account for more than 80% of manufactured output. However, many green enterprises face challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate business skills, high collateral requirements, and skills gaps.
The WeWork project combines business capacity building, access to finance, and talent connections. The goal is to develop competitive and investment-ready enterprises that can create decent jobs while reducing environmental harm and improving resource efficiency. Regina Bamugye, Project Manager at SHONA Group, stated that the objective is to move entrepreneurs from being green by accident to being green by design.
The bootcamps provided participating entrepreneurs with practical business skills, operational guidance, and growth plans. Aminata Najjingo, founder of Amylia Fashions, said the programme gave her greater clarity, practical tools, and valuable networks to support her business. She looks forward to putting her three-year growth plan into action using the knowledge and insights gained throughout the programme.
Following the bootcamps, selected businesses will receive continued advisory and capacity-building support. This support includes opportunities to access capital through catalytic matching grants and talent matching grants. These grants subsidise 50% of the wages of newly hired young people for up to six months.
The green jobs bootcamps align with President Yoweri Museveni's 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) themes. The themes highlight the need for private sector growth, job creation, and economic transformation in Uganda. The programme aims to prepare SMEs for growth, enabling them to access affordable capital and create sustainable, decent jobs for young Ugandans.
Key points
- The WeWork project combines business capacity building, access to finance, and talent connections to develop competitive and investment-ready enterprises.
- SMEs account for roughly 90% of Uganda's private sector and contribute about 20% to the national GDP.
- The programme selected businesses from hundreds of applicants operating in renewable energy, sustainable farming, and other green sectors.
