The Ugandan government has emphasized the need for stronger policy support to unlock the growth of startups in the country. According to Dr. Stephen Mbogo Kirya, representing the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, emerging enterprises face significant challenges, including difficulties with business formalisation, high costs of doing business, stiff competition, and inadequate incentives to support their growth.
The remarks were made at the opening of Uganda Innovation Week 2026, a five-day event organised by Startup Uganda to strengthen coordination and support for the country's startup ecosystem. The event brings together government, private sector players, and development partners to examine what it will take to strengthen Uganda's innovation ecosystem over the next decade.
The conversations are particularly relevant as Uganda implements its Fourth National Development Plan, which places emphasis on enterprise development, wealth creation, employment, and economic transformation. A stronger innovation ecosystem is expected to contribute to these ambitions by supporting businesses to develop solutions, access markets, and scale their operations.
Dr. Kirya acknowledged that Uganda's innovation ecosystem remains at an early stage of development, requiring concerted efforts from government and other stakeholders to address the constraints facing emerging businesses. He stressed the need to create an environment in which startups can establish themselves, grow, and compete.
Other stakeholders, including Teddy Ruge, Chair of the Uganda Innovation Week 2026 Committee, and Rachel Athiono, Coordinator of Startup Uganda, highlighted the importance of financing, policy, and collaboration in advancing homegrown innovation. They emphasised the need for a coordinated approach and for policies and support systems to respond to the actual needs of enterprises.
Nicolas Oebel, Country Director of Enabel Uganda, reinforced the need for a coordinated approach, noting that isolated interventions are insufficient to address the complex challenges facing entrepreneurs. He emphasised that the value of innovation should ultimately be measured by the tangible socio-economic benefits it delivers.
Throughout the week, startups and entrepreneurs will have opportunities to connect with potential customers, investors, strategic partners, government institutions, and other ecosystem enablers. The programme will also create space for discussions on persistent barriers to innovation-led growth, particularly access to finance, market opportunities, supportive policies, and the skills needed to build sustainable businesses.
Key points
- The Ugandan government and stakeholders are convening to address policy and business environment constraints facing startups.
- A stronger innovation ecosystem is expected to contribute to Uganda's development ambitions.
- Stakeholders are calling for a coordinated approach to support the growth of startups.
