Introduction
On 22nd November 2025, the final day of GEW Uganda 2025, the spotlight turned to the Pakasa Forum 2025, hosted at Enterprise Uganda opposite Butabika Hospital. Co-organised by Vision Group (through its Pakasa platform) and Enterprise Uganda, the forum served as the grand closing event of the GEW Conference, under the theme “Opportunities and Ideas for Growing Businesses.”
Bringing together media, policymakers, BDS providers, financiers, and MSMEs, Pakasa underscored how storytelling, knowledge sharing, and exposure can drive business growth.
Opening Session: Setting the Tone
The day began with arrival, registration and networking over breakfast, giving participants time to walk through exhibition stalls, reconnect, and meet new partners.
The formal programme opened with remarks from the GEN Uganda Chairperson, Mary Odongo,
followed by Don Wanyama, CEO of Vision Group, who spoke about the partnership between media and enterprise support actors in amplifying entrepreneurship stories and opportunities.
Rosemary Mutyabule from Enterprise Uganda then shared “ATMS Opportunities for 10-Fold Growth,” linking lessons from the national 10X agenda to practical support available to entrepreneurs.
The Entrepreneurs’ Journey: Stories from Opportunity Takers
One of the most inspiring sessions of the morning featured entrepreneur journeys from:
- Dr. Dennis Ngabirano – Psalms Foods Limited
- Dr. Canon Jasper Ntake – Ntake Bakery
Through a “one-on-one” style conversation, they unpacked the realities of moving from small beginnings to large-scale manufacturing and baking operations. Participants heard candid reflections on risk, persistence, hiring, branding, and the discipline required to grow beyond a micro-enterprise.
Financing Opportunities for Business
The mid-morning Financing Panel brought together representatives from:
- INVITE Project – represented by Daniel Kisekka (Manager, Export Firm Support)
- GROW Project – represented by Aisha Kasolo
- Centenary Bank
- Post Bank / Pearl Bank
Moderated under the Pakasa format, the session focused on practical financing pathways for MSMEs: grants, loans, and business support programmes. Panelists explained eligibility criteria, export-readiness requirements, and how entrepreneurs can position themselves to benefit from these facilities.
Keynote: Lessons from a Business Icon
The forum’s keynote address was delivered by Aga Sekalala Jr, moderated by Enterprise Uganda General Director – Charles Ocici. Drawing from his experience in building and leading enterprises, he shared grounded advice on spotting opportunities, building teams, and staying resilient in uncertain environments.
Following the keynote, Enterprise Uganda Executive Director Charles Ocici led a session on “Opportunity Identification,” reinforcing the idea that opportunities are often hidden in everyday problems and that entrepreneurs must train themselves to see patterns, gaps, and unmet needs.
Afternoon Panels: BDS, Formalisation and Growth
After lunch and networking, the focus turned to two high-level panels.
Panel: Importance of BDS and Formalisation
Moderated by Moses Mulondo, this panel examined why access to quality Business Development Services and formalisation are non-negotiable for growth. Panelists included:
- Matthias Möbius – Co-founder, StartHub Africa
- URSB Executive/Expert
- Daniel Kisekka – INVITE Project
- Dr. Ruth Biyinzika Kasolo – GROW Project Coordinator
Discussions touched on early-stage venture development, technical assistance for exporters, the legal foundations of business registration, and tailored support for women-led enterprises.
Panel: Opportunities and Ideas for Growing Business
The final major panel of the day, “Opportunities and Ideas for Growing Business,” was moderated by Enterprise Uganda CFO Ronald Mukasa and featured:
- John Walugembe
- Dr. Sarah Bimbona
- Dorothy Kyomuhangi
Panelists explored how entrepreneurs can identify growth opportunities, build capabilities, and choose financing pathways that match their strategies.
Exhibitions & MSME Visibility
Throughout the day, the Pakasa Forum hosted exhibition stands for Ugandan MSMEs, giving them direct visibility to attendees, partners, and media representatives. Entrepreneurs showcased products and services across sectors – from agribusiness and manufacturing to services and creative industries.
These exhibitions reinforced Pakasa’s core message: local entrepreneurs are central to community solutions and national development.
Closing & Networking
The Pakasa Forum closed with networking and remarks from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, tying the day’s discussions back to national priorities and the ongoing drive for tenfold growth.