On February 25th, 2026, 16 young women entrepreneurs took center stage to present their innovative business ideas at the graduation of the Providing Opportunities for Women in Entrepreneurship and Reproductive Health (POWER) incubator program. The event marked the culmination of six months of intensive mentorship, business training, and product development designed to support young women innovators working to improve health outcomes in their communities.
The graduating entrepreneurs pitched their ventures before an audience of industry experts, fellow innovators, partners of Action 4 Health Uganda, and supporters of youth-led solutions in health and social entrepreneurship. Their ideas reflected a strong commitment to addressing pressing health challenges, particularly those affecting girls and young women, through practical and sustainable business models.
An independent panel of judges assessed the pitches based on innovation, feasibility, impact, and presentation. The judging panel comprised Barbara Kasekende from the Uganda Development Bank, Reuben Gasansule, also from the Uganda Development Bank, and Grace Nanyonga, CEO of Grana Fisheries. In addition to the panel’s evaluation, audience members were invited to participate by selecting their outstanding innovator, creating an engaging and supportive atmosphere for the young entrepreneurs.
Final scores were determined by combining the judges’ assessments during the pitch event with performance evaluations accumulated throughout the six-month incubation period. After a closely contested process, the overall winner and two runners-up of POWER Cohort IV were announced and recognized for their exceptional innovation and dedication.
The Overall Winner, Namuyomba Nissy, founder of Cotton Care Sanitary Initiative Uganda, impressed the judges with her commitment to inclusive menstrual health solutions. Her initiative focuses on providing safe, affordable, and eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products tailored to the needs of persons living with disabilities, ensuring that menstrual health products are accessible to those who are often overlooked.
The First Runner-Up, Nakyobe Daisy, founder of Bloom Her Limited, is working to empower girls and women through access to affordable menstrual care products, self-care items, and reproductive health education. Her initiative also integrates HIV awareness, promoting informed health choices among young people.
Taking the position of Second Runner-Up was Nelima Nagudi Patricia, founder of Safelife Essentials Uganda Limited. Her enterprise is dedicated to supporting women with visual and mobility impairments by providing inclusive sanitary kits alongside targeted education on menstrual health and personal wellbeing.
In recognition of their achievements, the top three winners received seed capital to support the growth of their businesses: UGX 1,000,000 for the overall winner, UGX 800,000 for the first runner-up, and UGX 600,000 for the second runner-up. The remaining participants also received seed capital to help them continue developing their enterprises and expand their impact.
The success of the POWER program would not be possible without the continued partnership and support of Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW). Since the launch of the first cohort in 2022, Action 4 Health Uganda and DSW have worked together to nurture young women innovators who are addressing reproductive health challenges through entrepreneurship.
As Cohort IV graduates embark on the next phase of their entrepreneurial journeys, there is growing optimism about the role these young women will play in shaping healthier communities. Their ideas, energy, and commitment demonstrate the powerful impact of investing in young women’s leadership and innovation in health.
With each cohort, the POWER program continues to build a network of young women entrepreneurs who are not only creating businesses but also advancing solutions that improve the lives of girls and young people across Uganda and beyond. The future looks promising for these innovators and the communities they serve. Congratulations to all the graduates of POWER Cohort IV.
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Galaxy FM: https://www.galaxyfm.co.ug/2026/02/26/young-women-tipped-on-success-at-power-graduation/
