Govt, partners back digital entrepreneurship through startup accelerator

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Eight Ugandan startups have delivered compelling pitches on technology-driven solutions addressing pressing challenges in agriculture, education, health, insurance, and related sectors during the Uganda-Japan (UJ) Connect Accelerator Programme Batch 3 Entrepreneurs’ Pitching and Demo Day on Friday at the National ICT Innovation Hub Auditorium in Nakawa.

Hosted by the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) in Nakawa, Kampala city, the February 27, 2026, event capped four months of rigorous mentorship under the UJ-Connect partnership.

UJ-Connect is a flagship collaboration between Uganda’s ICT and national guidance ministry and the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA).

From 128 applications, 15 startups joined Batch 3; 11 completed the programme, and eight advanced to present five-minute pitches followed by judge Q&A. The innovations showcased homegrown ICT solutions aligned with Uganda’s digital transformation goals.

Celebrating disciplined, user-centred innovation

Institute Secretary Ambrose Bakwasiibwe, representing UICT leadership, described the demo day as a testament to structured progress.

“This is more than a pitching platform,” he said.

“It’s the outcome of disciplined learning, strong institutional support, and execution that converts ideas into viable, market-ready solutions.”

He highlighted the nine-module curriculum—delivered across three cohorts—as a pathway to sustainable capability through rigorous user testing, validation, and iteration.

Nationwide Capacity Building

The programme emphasised institutional sustainability.

In late February (prior to Demo Day), instructors from regional hubs in Soroti, Arua (including Muni University), and Kabale completed specialised training of trainers (ToT) sessions to deliver consistent, high-quality entrepreneurship support across Uganda.

“Building sustainable local capacity is vital for the long-term vitality of Uganda’s innovation ecosystem,” programme leaders stressed, enabling institutions like UICT to independently maintain high-impact training beyond the project’s end.

Global exposure

JICA senior representative Yamashita Hideshi congratulated the founders on transforming concepts into scalable ventures and encouraged ongoing mentorship. 

(Courtesy)

He announced the winners of proof-of-concept grants for the top four startups:

$5,000 (about shillings 18 million)– Essymart Africa

$4,000 (about shillings 14 million)– Microvest (U) Ltd

$3,000 (about shillings 10.8 million)– Ticketyo Technologies Ltd

$2,000 (about shillings 7.2 million)– Twahirah Islamic Center

Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology and partners committed to sustained collaboration, converting skills into measurable impact and elevating Kampala as a dynamic digital hub. (Courtesy)

Additionally, Microvest (U) Ltd and Essymart Africa secured fully funded spots to represent Uganda at the SusHi Tech Festival in Japan in April, providing international visibility and partnership opportunities.

Powering Uganda’s digital economy

These solutions underscore technology entrepreneurship’s role in driving job creation, enhancing micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) productivity, and expanding digital exports. Officials noted alignment with the Digital Uganda Vision, urging founders to iterate relentlessly, adopt data-driven approaches, and pursue aggressive scaling in competitive markets.

Launched in 2023 and concluding in 2027, UJ-Connect—supported by JICA—operates through regional hubs and structured modules, guiding entrepreneurs from idea validation to commercialisation while building trainer and institutional capacity.

The National ICT Innovation Hub at UICT offers essential infrastructure, mentorship, and resources to bridge training and real-world application. Government and JICA representatives reaffirmed the programme’s contribution to tech-enabled jobs, digital trade, and MSME resilience.