Uganda’s efforts to address unemployment and strengthen the private sector continue to gain momentum, with Enterprise Uganda expanding its entrepreneurship training initiatives through the Business & Enterprise Start-up Tool (BEST) programme.
Established in 2007 as a public-private institution, Enterprise Uganda is mandated to provide Business Development Services aimed at helping entrepreneurs achieve financial independence through sustainable businesses.
The initiative aligns with government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, which seeks to expand Uganda’s economy from 50 billion dollars in the 2023/24 financial year to 500 billion dollars by 2040.
Headquartered at the BDS Centre of Excellence in Butabika, Enterprise Uganda operates across five regions of the country, supporting both emerging and established entrepreneurs.
At the center of its youth empowerment strategy is the BEST programme, a practical and mindset-transformational initiative designed to encourage Ugandans to actively engage in income-generating activities and entrepreneurship.
Although initially focused on young people, the programme has evolved into a nationwide model benefiting individuals of all age groups seeking to start or grow businesses.
The programme addresses not only technical business skills gaps but also attitudes and mindset barriers, helping participants shift from job-seeking to opportunity creation.
Organisers say the initiative plays an important role in reducing unemployment and protecting young people from vulnerability to unproductive or criminal activities.
Through the training, participants are equipped with practical entrepreneurial knowledge, including identifying viable business opportunities, developing sustainable ventures, improving customer and supplier relationships, and streamlining business operations.
The programme also focuses on building confidence and nurturing the character traits associated with successful entrepreneurs while helping participants overcome common business challenges such as limited capital and restricted market access.
The latest BEST training, held in May 2026 at the BDS Centre of Excellence, attracted more than 1,000 participants, reflecting growing interest in entrepreneurship among Ugandan youth.
The sessions were led by Enterprise Uganda Director General Charles Ocici together with experienced facilitators Judith Ineku and Andre Niwagira.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, who commended the programme for equipping young people with practical skills needed to succeed in Uganda’s evolving economy.
As Uganda pushes toward inclusive economic growth, programmes like BEST are increasingly positioning entrepreneurship as a key driver of transformation, innovation, and job creation.
With more young Ugandans embracing business as a pathway to economic empowerment, Enterprise Uganda’s model is being viewed as an important tool in building a resilient and self-sustaining private sector.