The Covid-19 pandemic affected hundreds of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with many either shutting down or losing their pre-Covid-19 market positions, revenues and clientele.
To many, the end of Covid-19 was a fresh start that called for better strategies to regain all that was lost and also conquer new frontiers. While the entrepreneurs were developing post-Covid strategies, Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), the apex body for the private sector, was also working on ways of aiding countrywide business recovery.
Among the projects that PSFU and partners rolled out to support women-founded and women-led businesses was the PSFU Women’s Day Katale. The debut PSFU Katale was held in 2022 in Luweero district and saw more than 100 women-dominated businesses exhibit their products, and earn revenues.
The second edition, hosted in Kampala in 2023, witnessed the participation of more than 250 women enterprises, who showcased products, acquired business management skills, and delved into corporate governance.
At the end of the second edition, there was visible demand for the Katale as participants gained a lot and wouldn’t wait for the next one. But there were also growing calls for this initiative to be made regional; for it to benefit women businesses from across Uganda that wouldn’t make it to Kampala or the Central region for that matter.
PSFU, therefore, promised to give this initiative a national face and spread it across the country. True to its promise, PSFU has moved the 2024 Women’s Day Katale to Eastern Uganda, with Jinja as the hosting city.
The third season of the Women’s Day Katale will take place at the Dam Waters rugby ground in Jinja, from March 15 to 17, 2024 under the theme: “Bridging economic divides for women’s prosperity.”
Jinja has been chosen as the ideal host for this year’s event due to its strategic location, abundant untapped opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, and a substantial pool of unemployed youth who, with opportunities, can significantly contribute to Uganda’s economic growth.
“This year’s Katale, held in the economically-vibrant city of Jinja, reflects our strategic decision to bring this platform to Eastern Uganda. This region, though brimming with potential, faces considerable economic challenges. By hosting the Katale here, we aim to empower local women entrepreneurs, contribute to regional development, and bridge the economic divide,” said Stephen Asiimwe, the PSFU chief executive officer.
“As part of this year’s Katale, we are delighted to announce the participation of Inebantu, the queen of the Busoga kingdom, as a special guest. Her influence and leadership will serve as an inspiration to young women in the Eastern region and beyond. Through effective mobilization strategies, including community-based partnerships, digital marketing, media outreach, and the involvement of social media influencers, we aim to ensure maximum participation and impact.”
