Pakasa Youth Awards winners unveiled

PAKASA

KAMPALA - This year's top five winners of the Pakasa Youth Awards were unveiled and awarded at Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala on Monday.

The event kicked off at 8:00am local time with opening remarks from Vision Group's chief executive Robert Kabushenga.

Vision Group CEO, Robert Kabushenga addresses guests at the Pakasa awards. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

Kabushenga urged the winners to ensure that they pick something about how China managed to transform its economy through entrepreneurship.

"When you come back from China, make sure that you transform your businesses using the knowledge you will pick from there." 

Chinese ambassador to Uganda, Zheng Zhuqiang addresses guests at the awards 2018. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

 
The Chinese ambassador to Uganda Zheng Zhuqiang, who was the chief guest , thanked Vision Group for championing such an initiative because it builds the youth in entrepreneurship and ultimately builds the country economically.

"As the Embassy of China, we are going to offer a week-long trip to China for the top five winners of the award and I am confident that they will learn a lot about how Chinese entrepreneurs manage to succeed in business," said the diplomat.

Certificate winners pose for a group photo with the Chinese ambassador to Uganda . (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

After his remarks, the ambassador presented the awards to the top winners in their respective categories.

Maxima Nsimenta, the CEO of Livara Cosmetics Ltd, won the most innovative category and according to lead judge Ruth Biyinzika, her story met the guidelines of innovativeness better than other nominees.

Vision Group Board of Governors Chairperson Monica Chibita and the Chinese ambassador to Uganda hand over an award to Stephen Ssembuya. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

The winner of the social entrepreneur category was Stephen Ssembuya of Pink Foods Ltd.

His chocolate-manufacturing business has benefited many in the community and the judges were convinced to give him the award.

"This award means a lot to me, especially in terms of credibility to my business since I am into manufacturing," Ssembuya says

Chibita, Ambassador ZhuQiang, New Vision Editor-in-Chief Barbara Kaija (second right) and the judges pose for a photo. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

 
The third winner was Victor Kalenzi, proprietor of Fort Portal International Medical University.

He won the portfolio category and according to the judges, this category called for someone who has managed to transform his business into several other interrelated businesses.

Ashar Cheptoris emerged best in the professional services category.

Her dental services businesses proved to be the better professional venture among the many and she therefore took the day.

"I hope to expand my business especially after this big recognition form Vision Group and China," she said.

Ambassador Zheng Zhu Qiang and Kabushenga have a chat. (Credit:Miriam Namutebi)

The fifth winner was Fred Nsubuga Bakka, who won the most daring entrepreneur category.

Despite being physically handicapped, Nsubuga dared to venture into the metal fabrication business and as such, took the award.

"I never knew my efforts would ever be recognized and appreciated by anyone, so I feel overwhelmed by this and I want to thank Vision Group," he remarked.

Former winner Ricky Thompson  receiving an award  on behalf of  Victor Kalenzi . (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

 

Apart from the top winners, Vision Group also recognized and appreciated 10 entrepreneurs with certificates.

Brenda Ssekabembe, Allan Ninsiima, Amon Bazira, Ivan Kutegyeka, Joan Nalubega, Ahmed Kayiwa, Kenneth Kamya, Nabila Mbogo, Uthman Kiwanuka and Bashir Katumba made the best of the rest list.