On May 21, 2025, Action 4 Health Uganda (A4HU), in collaboration with Makerere University School of Public Health and the Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI), celebrated the graduation of ten young women from the third cohort of the POWER program- Providing Opportunities for Women in Entrepreneurship and Reproductive Health. Held at the Makerere School of Public Health Auditorium, the Demo Day marked the culmination of a five-month accelerator program to transform early-stage health and reproductive health business ideas into sustainable social enterprises.
The graduation event featured pitches from the ten graduates, showcasing innovations ranging from food and nutrition to menstrual hygiene management. These were scored by a panel of judges that included Reagan Kulubya, an SRHR-Youth Advocate, Horrace Kyazze, an Auditor from PKF East Africa Certified Public Accountants, and Stella Kigozi, a Corporate Communications Specialist.
Dignitaries in attendance included Mr. Mondo, Commissioner for Youth Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development; Dr. Munira Mbabazi from the National Planning Authority; Dr. Martha Grace Ajulong, Commissioner for Health Services, Pharmaceuticals, and Natural Products at the Ministry of Health; and Dr. Phyllis Awor, Hub Director at SIHI Makerere University.
Dr. Munira Mbabazi highlighted the program’s role in addressing youth unemployment and emphasized the economic impact of women-led innovations, noting that they contribute 24% to Uganda’s economy and 50% to household income. She urged the graduates to seek community partnerships and private sector investments to sustain their ventures amid dwindling donor funding.
Commissioner Mondo described the graduation as a transition “from poverty to wealth” and encouraged the women to mentor others, plan their futures responsibly, and contribute to poverty reduction in their communities.
Dr. Phyllis Awor stressed the importance of effective project management and the need for strong linkages and advocacy to support grassroots innovators.
Celebrating the Winners
Among the ten graduates, three outstanding young women were recognized for their exceptional innovations:
Champion: Nadia Malker Nanteza, Founder of Lyfex Africa, received a cash prize of UGX 1,000,000. Her venture aims to nourish lives and advance health equity through nutrition and financial empowerment.
1st Runner-Up: Babirye Angella, Founder of Eco-Bella Organics, was awarded UGX 700,000. Her business focuses on restoring health, confidence, and dignity through organic solutions.
2nd Runner-Up: Elizabeth Kawalya Mbekeka, Founder of Better Minds, received UGX 500,000. Her venture is geared towards nurturing minds and building futures.
The remaining seven participants received seed capital worth UGX 200,000 to support their business ventures.
Additionally, the graduates recognized Sharon Natukunda as the Best Business Coach for the cohort. Sharon, a POWER alumna, was commended for her exceptional mentorship and guidance throughout the program. She too was awarded with UGX 200,000.
Looking Ahead
The POWER program continues to play a pivotal role in empowering young women to lead in health innovation and entrepreneurship. As these graduates embark on their journeys, they carry the potential to transform their communities and contribute significantly to Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
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