Over 100 women entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses and products at a special business exhibition dubbed Women’s Day Katale at UMA showground from March 10 to 11.

The exhibition which is in honour of International Women’s Day, will be hosted by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Uganda’s apex body for the private sector in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and Young Africa Works initiative (YAW).

Speaking during the launch of Women Katale season 2 at PSFU head offices, Nakasero Kampala, the chief programs and project officer, Damalie Ssali said the exhibition will be graced by the vice-president, Jessica Alupo.

“Women’s Day Katale is intended to recognise the contributions and potential of women and girls entrepreneurs. It portrays the synergistic partnerships between private sector key players and development partners such as Mastercard Foundation in driving social impact and positive economic change," she said.  

Ssali added that women contribute 50 percent to the economy yet they cannot access loans in the banks and that Katale would be the perfect place for small and medium women entrepreneurs to showcase their products.

Stephen Asimwe, the PSFU CEO said, “we believe that women have an important role to play in Uganda's economic development and we want to support them in every way possible. The katale will provide a unique opportunity for women and girl entrepreneurs to showcase their business and connect with other like-minded individuals.."

According to Asimwe, the 2021 Mastercard Index of women entrepreneurs noted there were 38.4% of women in business in Uganda, adding that the index also highlighted that women’s advancement is hampered by a lack of funding, unsupportive entrepreneurial conditions, and structural barriers.

The event will also feature networking between entrepreneurs, Market access, social and business development skills, a one-stop centre facilitated by URA, URSBS, UNBS, and finance trust bank, a beauty clinic, creative business, and tech clinics.