Action 4 Health Uganda, in partnership with Makerere University School of Public Health and through the Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI)—funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA)-launched the third Cohort of POWER (Providing Opportunities for Women in Entrepreneurship and Reproductive Health), on 14th March 2025.
This strengthened collaboration led to significant recognition for POWER, a social entrepreneurship accelerator program initiated by DSW and Action 4 Health Uganda. As a result of the partnership, POWER was named one of Uganda’s top four outstanding social innovation projects in health during the 6th National Social Innovation in Health Stakeholders’ Workshop held at Hotel Africana.
The event also celebrated the graduation of 20 social innovators who completed a six-month fellowship facilitated by Makerere School of Public Health and SIHI. Fellows received training in research methods, fundraising, environmental and social impact assessment, communication strategy development, and entrepreneurship.
Mr. Tomas Lundstrom, the country representative of the Swedish Embassy in Uganda, was the guest of honor. He shared, “The Swedish Government has worked with Makerere University for over 10 years to promote research and Innovations, and we want to ensure these are sustained and contribute to Uganda’s development. Local solutions are key to this vision. We should recognize the social innovators and their innovations because they play a crucial role in strengthening the health sector and service delivery. Funding is reducing globally, which implies that locally generated solutions ensure sustainability.”
Dr. Charles Olaro (on the left), the Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, also attended and said, “Social innovations are not about ideas but sustainable solutions that address pressing human needs. As a country, we need innovators like you to improve Uganda’s healthcare system and deliver services closer to the community.”
We shall continue to work with these innovators through the established community of practice, providing a platform for linkage, coordinators, partnership, and funding within the Global Social Innovation network across the world,” remarked Dr. Phillip Awor, the Hub Director, SIHI- Makerere University School of Public Health.
Dr. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice-Chancellor at Makerere University, was also in attendance.
Also among the attendees were ladies from POWER Cohorts I, II, and III, namely Nabukeera Winnie of Little Winnie Foundation, who received a certificate of recognition, Nabaggala Sandra, and Namyalo Rebecca. Additionally, the celebration marked the launch of the Social Innovation in Health community of practice for social innovations in Uganda, where POWER had the opportunity to pitch the POWER innovation to the Swedish embassy representative and other guests.
