By Diana N. Kintu
Uganda is set to strengthen support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the UG Catalyst Summit, an initiative aimed at accelerating enterprise growth, innovation, and investment as the country pursues its Tenfold Growth Strategy.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives announced that Uganda will commemorate International MSME Day 2026 with the summit scheduled for June 25–27, 2026, bringing together government agencies, businesses, investors, innovators, and development partners.
MSMEs remain a key pillar of Uganda’s economy, accounting for more than 90 percent of the private sector and playing a significant role in employment creation, income generation, value addition, and entrepreneurship development.
Globally, MSMEs represent about 90 percent of businesses and contribute significantly to employment, highlighting their importance in driving inclusive economic growth.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Ms. Lynette B. Bagonza, said MSMEs are central to Uganda’s ambition of transforming into a modern and prosperous economy.
The Summit will run under the theme “Catalyzing Action for Growth: Accelerating Uganda’s Tenfold Growth through Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” focusing on reducing barriers that prevent businesses from entering the formal economy and accessing opportunities for growth.
The event will provide a platform for businesses to showcase innovations, build partnerships, access markets, and explore financing opportunities.
Key areas of focus will include Agro-Industrialisation, mineral development, tourism development, and science, technology, and innovation.
Under agro-industrialisation, emphasis will be placed on value addition, climate-smart production, and strengthening competitive value chains.
The mineral development focus will promote local content participation, enterprise integration, and skills development, while tourism initiatives will support creative industries, digital marketing, and improved visitor experiences.
The Science, Technology, and Innovation pillar will focus on digital transformation, commercialisation of innovations, and improving access to financing for technology-driven enterprises.
Mr. Patrick J. Mugisha Commissioner Business Development and Quality Assurance Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives addressing journalists at the media Center about MSMEs Summit
Dr. Asuman Guloba Director of Development Planning from National Planning Authority
Ngenzi Rita Ngenzi, Executive Director Innovation Village Hub
The Summit will also feature the Fresh Value Innovation Challenge 2026, launched in partnership with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Uganda.
The challenge seeks to identify and support MSMEs and youth-led enterprises developing solutions to strengthen fruit and vegetable value chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve access to nutritious foods.
Successful innovators will receive seed funding, mentorship, technical support, and national recognition, with winners expected to be announced on June 27, 2026.
The Ministry said the Summit is expected to increase MSME visibility, strengthen government-private sector collaboration, improve access to finance and markets, and promote innovation and quality standards.
Ms. Bagonza encouraged government agencies, businesses, investors, cooperatives, academia, and young innovators to participate in building a stronger enterprise ecosystem.
The initiative comes at a time when Uganda continues to focus on expanding private sector participation, increasing value addition, and creating sustainable jobs through enterprise development.
Source: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, June 2026