By Ali Lukomo
The air at Kingdom Kampala was charged with excitement and ambition as hundreds of women entrepreneurs gathered for the Women Entrepreneurs Interface Day – Market Baraza & Garage Sale, a two-day event dedicated to empowering women to dream bigger, live healthier, and build stronger businesses.
At the heart of the gathering was one powerful message: women are partners in progress, not just housewives.
Opening the event on November 1, 2025, Elizabeth Kasenene, Chairperson of the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL), set the tone with a heartfelt call to action. She urged both communities and women themselves to redefine their roles in society — not by abandoning family, but by embracing health and self-care as the foundation for success.
“A healthy woman builds a healthy nation,” Kasenene said passionately. “We cannot pour from an empty cup. Before we build our businesses, we must build ourselves.”
The event marks the official launch of the Month of the Woman Entrepreneur, a celebration of women’s resilience and innovation, organized by UWEAL to promote entrepreneurship, wellness, and leadership among women across Uganda.
Balancing Ambition and Well-Being
One of the highlights of the day was an engaging session led by Dr. Raymond Mugume, a renowned mental health specialist, who reminded participants that mental wellness is just as critical as financial literacy in entrepreneurship.
“A healthy mind builds a strong enterprise,” Dr. Mugume told the attentive audience. “Women must be given space to thrive, to enjoy the fruits of their labor, and to exercise their potential without apology.”
His talk resonated deeply with the audience — many of whom juggle the demands of business, family, and social expectations.
A Celebration of Innovation and Sisterhood
Throughout the day, Kingdom Kampala buzzed with activity. The Market Baraza and Garage Sale featured colorful stalls showcasing locally made products, from organic skincare to crafts, textiles, and innovative household items — all produced by women entrepreneurs.
Over 500 women joined the event, networking, learning, and celebrating one another’s successes. Fitness sessions, car wash drives, and interactive health talks brought a refreshing blend of wellness and fun. The theme — “Healthy Woman, Wealthy Nation” — echoed through every activity, reminding participants that economic empowerment begins with personal well-being.
Building the Future: A Resource Centre for Women
UWEAL’s Executive Director, Connie Kekihembo, used the occasion to announce bold plans for the future. The association, she revealed, is working to establish a Women’s Resource Centre — a hub where women can access training, mentorship, and digital tools to enhance their businesses.
“We want to take this initiative all the way to Parliament,” Kekihembo said. “Women deserve a space where they can learn, innovate, and access technology to grow their enterprises.”
The event also featured sensitization sessions on the GROW Project, capacity-building programs, and onboarding of entrepreneurs onto the Women Entrepreneurs Platform (WEPS) — all aimed at strengthening the ecosystem for women-led businesses in Uganda.
Empowering the Next Generation
Beyond the speeches and sales, the event carried a deeper spirit — one of sisterhood, inspiration, and transformation. It reminded everyone that when women are supported, communities thrive.
As the two-day event continues through November 2, the message remains clear: when women take care of their health, pursue their ambitions, and are recognized as equal partners, the ripple effect touches families, businesses, and the nation at large.
