In a country like Uganda, where 40% of all businesses are owned by women but 93% of the credit for all businesses goes to men, an organisation like the Ugandan Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL) is an unusual initiative. The organisation issues an award to the best Female Entrepreneur of the Year to encourage female business owners, and defy stereotypes of business running as a male activity.
“Entrepreneurship is identifying a gap in your community and translate [ing] it into an opportunity. That’s what we did,” said Regina Mukiibi Mugango, Director of Uganda Funeral Services Limited. She works to help people in grief to provide a dignified funeral for their loved ones. “I am proud to tell you that Uganda Funeral Services is a pioneer company,” she said. “We changed the image of death.”
“Culturally in Uganda women don’t own land, and that is the major requirement from the bank to show them what you have and what is your security,” said Stella Maris Ddumba-Sewagaba, Chief Executive Officer at UWEAL. “Without access to finance, being in business becomes a challenge.”
According to Carol Cooke who made the film Ugandan Women Mean Business, businesses in Uganda is still largely seen as the man’s world. But these ideas are changing, along with developing opportunities for women.
“I don’t need a husband,” said Teresa Mbire, Founder of UWEAL. “I know how to sustain myself without a man.”
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