Challenges Uganda

Please join us in welcoming the latest member to the YBI network, The Challenges Group. To date, they have worked in more than 70 countries supporting people and enterprises to work together to support their communities to have better access to goods, services and income. "We joined YBI at the perfect time, just before the Global Youth Entrepreneurship Summit," said their Director Shaun McLaughlin. "The opportunity to connect with the YBI team, fellow members, and the broader network couldn't have come at a better moment for Challenges. It embodied the idea that while you can go fast alone, together we can go further; and importantly, it's also more fun to do it with like-minded people." We look forward to working with this international support organisation.

Challenges Zambia has joined the The Challenges Group family in celebrating 25 years of driving social impact, empowering communities, and transforming lives across the world. From supporting young entrepreneurs and businesses to championing sustainable development, we have been on an incredible journey of growth and positive change. This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our amazing partners, stakeholders, and dedicated global team members. A heartfelt THANK YOU to all our partners who have stood by us, believed in our vision, and contributed to making our mission a reality. Here’s to the next 25 years of impact, innovation, and collaboration! Challenges Rwanda Challenges Ghana Challenges Uganda Lusaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Musika Sightsavers Hematon Agro Services Zambia Renewable Energy Association - ZARENA Nyamula NyamukAfrica CGM Power Group Limited Gerald Hamuyayi (FMVA)® Mulemwa Kusemwa Kyembe Kyalusanza Prospero Zambia Association of Manufacturers Signifide Group International IHM Lendbox Children International #ChallengesAt25 #ChallengesGroup #SocialImpact #EmpoweringCommunities #ThankYouPartners

Challenges Uganda deeply mourns the passing of Eng. Simon Peter Ssekitoleko, Assistant Commissioner for Physical Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, who departed on November 3, 2024. Eng. Ssekitoleko’s dedication and expertise in advancing renewable energy were pivotal to our collaborative efforts, especially in the Energy Catalyst 9 project. His contributions will continue to inspire us and many others in the renewable energy sector. We are saddened by his passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. Rest in peace, Eng. Ssekitoleko. Your legacy will live on in the impact of your work. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (Uganda) || National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP) - Uganda || Kinetic Hydro Ltd || Innovate UK London || CREEC Makerere || Hendricah Rita || Practical Action || Richard Montague

We are going live at exactly 11:00 AM EAT. Be sure to join in not to miss out on the most anticipated conversation on access to Finance for Green SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises) in Uganda. Theme: “Unlocking financial opportunities for Green SMEs; bridging the gap in Uganda’s Green economy” Click here to join meeting: https://lnkd.in/dB_QxaWh The Challenges Group || Ortus Africa Capital || Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator || Alice Kampire Muwonge || Camilla Shearman || Hendricah Rita || Eoghan Mackie || Shaun McLaughlin || Caroline Wylie || Babra Akori || Challenges Rwanda || Challenges Ghana|| Challenges Zambia || Shortlist Futures || Global Green Growth Institute || Green Climate Fund || UNDP #ChallengesAt25Webinars

Panelist Spotlight: Joining us on the panel tomorrow is Alice Kampire Muwonge, Director and Chief Finance Officer at Ortus Africa Capital, an advisory and investment firm in Uganda specializing in alternative investments across Africa. With over 20 years of experience in audit, financial management, and business development, Alice brings deep expertise to our discussion. Alice provides advisory services in transaction management, investment readiness, and technical assistance for diverse sectors. Passionate about supporting startups and SMEs, she has worked with accelerators and hubs, invested in industries like fintech, agribusiness, and energy, and actively mentors entrepreneurs to drive growth. Tune in for Webinar 2 to absorb Alice's expertise on unlocking financial opportunities for Green SMEs in Uganda’s Green Economy! Time: 11:00 A.M - 12:30 P.M Register here: https://lnkd.in/dBVku5-B The Challenges Group || Ortus Africa Capital || Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator || Alice Kampire Muwonge || Camilla Shearman || Hendricah Rita || Eoghan Mackie || Shaun McLaughlin || Caroline Wylie || Babra Akori || Challenges Rwanda || Challenges Ghana|| Challenges Zambia || Shortlist Futures || Global Green Growth Institute || Green Climate Fund || UNDP #ChallengesAt25Webinars

Want to learn more about Uganda's Green Sector? On October 31st, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, we will hold Webinar 2 in the Challenges at 25 series, themed: “Unlocking Financial Opportunities for Green SMEs: Bridging the Gap in Uganda’s Green Economy,” to unpack the progress, challenges, and opportunities within green finance for SMEs. I’ll be moderating this webinar and joining us on the panel are brilliant experts eager to share their insights on the topic. Do not miss! Register here: https://lnkd.in/d25Kgz6U The Challenges Group || Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator || Camilla Shearman || Hendricah Rita || Eoghan Mackie || Shaun McLaughlin || Caroline Wylie || Challenges Rwanda || Challenges Zambia || Challenges Ghana || Shortlist Futures || Global Green Growth Institute Uganda Office #ChallengesAt25Wbinars

Introducing another of our expert panelists for Webinar 2: Philip Muwanika MBA, CDPM, Cert.Trade and Investment advisor! Philip serves as the Senior Officer for Green Investment and Private Sector Support at Global Green Growth Institute Uganda Office. With over 17 years of experience, Philip has a wealth of expertise in mobilizing investments and supporting private sector growth across Uganda and Africa. At GGGI, Philip has been instrumental in guiding SMEs to secure financing, refining business cases, and coordinating impactful business support programs. His efforts have already helped one company secure $200,000 in financing, with further funding on the horizon. We’re excited to have Philip on the panel. Join us on October 31st to hear from him! Register here: https://lnkd.in/dBVku5-B The Challenges Group || Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator || Camilla Shearman || Hendricah Rita || Eoghan Mackie || Shaun McLaughlin || Caroline Wylie || Babra Akori || Challenges Rwanda || Challenges Zambia || Challenges Ghana || Stanbic Bank Uganda || Shortlist Futures || Global Green Growth Institute || Green Climate Fund || UNDP #ChallengesAt25Webinars

Introducing our second panelist for Webinar 2 in the Challenges at 25 series, Camilla Shearman! Camilla is a Senior Manager at adelphi, where she focuses on green entrepreneurship, green finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and enterprise support, with a primary focus on Africa and Asia. Her work is fueled by a passion for the innovative solutions that MSMEs bring to tackle environmental, social, and economic challenges within their communities. She is dedicated to developing programs that provide both financial and non-financial support, helping these impactful solutions grow to scale. Currently, Camilla leads the Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator and the Circular Economy Catalyst in Kenya and India, initiatives that drive sustainability and resilience for enterprises across these regions. Join us on October 31st to hear Camilla's deep insights on bridging financial gaps for Green SMEs in Uganda’s Green Economy. Don't miss the opportunity to gain valuable perspectives from an expert in the field. Register here for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/dr9yHQK9 The Challenges Group || Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator || Camilla Shearman || Hendricah Rita || Eoghan Mackie || Shaun McLaughlin || Caroline Wylie || Babra Akori || Challenges Rwanda || Challenges Zambia || Challenges Ghana || Stanbic Bank Uganda || Shortlist Futures || Global Green Growth Institute || Green Climate Fund || UNDP #ChallengesAt25Webinars

Challenges @25 Webinar2 Panelist Spotlight: Samalie Namugenyi, co-founder and administrator of HS Green Energy Engineering Solutions Ltd. With over a decade of experience in the green energy sector, Samalie has successfully grown her company from a small startup to a thriving SME, leading medium-sized energy projects and expanding her team from 2 to 20 employees. In 2022, under her leadership, HS Green Energy secured and fully repaid an 80,000,000 UGX loan through the Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator (UGEFA), reflecting her strong commitment to financial sustainability and growth. Samalie will share her insights and expertise on “Unlocking Financial Opportunities for Green SMEs". The discussion will dive into the challenges and solutions for increasing financial sustainability in Uganda's green economy. Join us 🗓 Date: 31st October 🕚 Time: 11:00 A.M to 12:30 P.M 📍 Venue: Zoom Register here for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/dr9yHQK9 The Challenges Group || Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator || Camilla Shearman || Hendricah Rita || Eoghan Mackie || Shaun McLaughlin || Caroline Wylie || Babra Akori || Challenges Rwanda || Challenges Zambia || Challenges Ghana || Stanbic Bank Uganda || Shortlist Futures || Global Green Growth Institute || Green Climate Fund || UNDP #ChallengesAt25Webinars

Social and Economic Empowerment, especially for marginalized groups, plays an important role in the fight against poverty. In the Acholi region, we’re making meaningful strides through the Anyim Maber (Bright and Better Future) project. We have partnered with Sightsavers, supported by the European Union, to provide Social and Economic Empowerment for both young women and men with disabilities in the districts of Oyam, Nwoya, Gulu, and Amuru. Our approach includes various initiatives such as business development training, capacity building, and facilitating access to financial services through partnerships with financial institutions. We’re also working to secure direct benefits from government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and special grants through discussions with commercial offices. This article provides an in-depth look at our efforts to combat poverty through the Anyim Maber (Bright and Better Future) project. Take a look! 👇