Bridging Gaps and Fostering Growth in Uganda’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem with Keneth Twesigye

In our recent conversation, we had the pleasure of speaking with entrepreneur Keneth Tweisgye. His impressive nine-year innovation and entrepreneurship journey spans technology, agriculture, and the services industry. With a passion for developing cutting-edge solutions, Tweisgye has become a key figure in Uganda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He leverages his extensive experience to drive transformative changes that empower local businesses and inspire emerging innovators.

1. Can you share your journey into entrepreneurship and what inspired you to start your innovation entrepreneurship hub?

My journey into entrepreneurship began with a passion for solving local challenges through technology and innovation. Growing up in Uganda, I witnessed the untapped potential of young people and the lack of structured support for startups. This inspired me to establish TechBuzz Hub in 2017 as a platform to nurture local talent, provide mentorship, and create an ecosystem where startups could thrive. The hub was born out of a desire to bridge the gap between ideas and execution, empowering entrepreneurs to turn their visions into impactful businesses.

2. How has your 9 years of experience shaped your perspective on innovation and entrepreneurship in Uganda and Africa at large?

Over the past nine years, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of innovation when supported by the right resources, people, and mentorship. Uganda, like many African countries, has a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, but systemic challenges such as limited access to funding, infrastructure gaps, and policy barriers often hinder growth. My experience has taught me that collaboration locally and internationally, is key to unlocking Africa’s potential. I’ve also learned that mentorship and capacity-building are critical to sustaining innovation ecosystems.

3. What motivated you to focus on mentoring young entrepreneurs and supporting early-stage businesses?

I believe that young entrepreneurs are the driving force behind Africa’s economic transformation. Many of them have brilliant ideas but lack the guidance and resources to bring them to life. My motivation stems from a desire to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills know-how, networks, and confidence to succeed. By supporting early-stage businesses, we not only create jobs but also foster a culture of problem-solving and economic independence.

4. What do you envision as the future of entrepreneurship in Uganda, and how is your hub contributing to this vision?

I envision a future where Uganda is a hub for innovation, with homegrown solutions addressing local and global challenges. TechBuzz Hub is contributing to this vision by providing access to affordable office infrastructure, skills, and knowledge through training and technical support, mentorship, and access to networks for startups. We also advocate for policies that support entrepreneurship and collaborate with regional and global partners to create opportunities for Ugandan innovators.

5. What are the key qualities you believe a young entrepreneur must develop to succeed in today’s competitive landscape?

Resilience, adaptability, and a problem-solving mindset are crucial. Entrepreneurs must also be willing to learn continuously, embrace failure as part of the journey, and build strong networks. Additionally, understanding market needs and having a clear value proposition are essential for standing out in a competitive landscape.

6. How would you describe the state of entrepreneurship in Uganda today?

Uganda’s entrepreneurship ecosystem is vibrant and growing, with a high rate of entrepreneurial activity driven by necessity and opportunity. However, challenges such as limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles persist. Despite these obstacles, a strong sense of community and collaboration is rising among entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship support organizations such as innovation hubs, which are fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

7. What challenges do Ugandan entrepreneurs face compared to those in other African countries?

Ugandan entrepreneurs face challenges such as limited access to investors such as angels and venture capitalists, high internet costs, and a lack of tailored policies to support startups. While these issues are common across Africa, Uganda’s relatively smaller market size and infrastructure gaps can make scaling businesses more difficult. However, the country’s entrepreneurial spirit and growing tech ecosystem are helping to overcome some of these barriers.

8. Uganda has been recognized for its high rate of entrepreneurial activity. What do you think drives this culture of entrepreneurship?

A combination of necessity and opportunity drives the high rate of entrepreneurial activity in Uganda. With a young, dynamic population and limited formal employment opportunities, many Ugandans turn to entrepreneurship to survive. Additionally, the increasing availability of technology and a growing culture of innovation are inspiring more people to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

9. What are the biggest barriers to technological adoption among Ugandan entrepreneurs, and how can they be addressed?

The biggest barriers include high technology costs. Imagine the import costs of such technology: 10% import tax, 10% withholding tax, 18% VAT, etc., which will automatically affect the cost of the equipment. We also have barriers like limited digital literacy and unreliable infrastructure. To address these, we need targeted investments in digital skills training, affordable internet access, and public-private partnerships to improve infrastructure. Government policies that incentivize technology adoption and innovation can also play a significant role.

10. Access to funding is often cited as a major challenge in Uganda. How do you help entrepreneurs overcome this hurdle?

At TechBuzz Hub, we connect entrepreneurs with investors, provide training on pitching and financial management, and support them in accessing opportunities for startup grants and competitions. We are also advocating for more development of local investors through the project called Startup Funding Vehicles (SFV) and collaborating with both talent and organizations to create platforms where startups can showcase their ideas to potential investors.

11. How important is networking and community building for entrepreneurs in Uganda? What platforms or opportunities exist to foster collaboration?

Networking and community building are critical for entrepreneurs to share knowledge, access resources, and find collaborators. Platforms like AfriLabs, Startup Uganda, and local hubs like TechBuzz Hub provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect. Events like the annual Uganda Innovation Week, Swarm Summit by Hive Colab, and programs such as training, pitch competitions, hackathons, and industry meetups also foster collaboration and innovation.

12. How does Uganda’s cultural diversity influence innovation and entrepreneurship?

Uganda’s cultural diversity is a source of creativity and resilience. In fact, if a business thrives in Ugandan various markets, it is proof of concept to succeed in any other country in Africa. It encourages the exchange of ideas and perspectives, leading to innovative solutions that are inclusive and relevant to different communities. This diversity also helps entrepreneurs design products and services that cater to a wide range of needs.

13. How can entrepreneurship in Uganda be used as a tool to address social issues like unemployment, poverty, and inequality?

Entrepreneurship creates jobs, drives economic growth, and empowers individuals to lift themselves out of poverty. By supporting startups that address social challenges, such as access to education, healthcare, and clean energy, we can tackle inequality and improve livelihoods. Initiatives like mentorship programs and funding for social enterprises are key to achieving this.

14. What emerging trends do you see shaping the entrepreneurial landscape in Uganda over the next decade?

Trends such as fintech, agritech, and renewable energy are poised to drive growth. The rise of digital platforms, increased mobile penetration, and a focus on sustainability will also shape the future. Additionally, regional integration and cross-border collaborations will open new opportunities for Ugandan entrepreneurs.

15. How can entrepreneurs position themselves to compete in regional and global markets?

Entrepreneurs must focus on sustainability, profitability, scalability, innovation, and understanding global market needs. Building strong brands, leveraging technology, and forming strategic partnerships are essential. Additionally, participating in international competitions and networking events can help startups gain visibility and access to new markets.

16. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in Uganda who are looking to start their first business?

One simple advice but most important is to START!

But you must start with a clear problem that you want to solve and validate your idea with potential customers. The clarity often stems from your familiarity with the problem if not what you have faced yourself/firsthand. Surround yourself with mentors and a supportive community. Be prepared to work hard, learn from failures, and adapt to challenges. Most importantly, believe in your ability to make your vision come to reality.

17. If you could make one change to Uganda’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, what would it be and why?

I would advocate for more supportive policies, such as tax incentives for startups and streamlined regulatory processes. A favorable policy environment would encourage investment, reduce barriers to entry, and enable entrepreneurs to focus on building their businesses.

18. Briefly, tell us about your role as the Policy Lead at Startup Uganda and what inspired you to take on the responsibility of being the voice for startups and innovators in policy discussions.

As Policy Lead at Startup Uganda, I work to ensure that the voices of startups and innovators are heard in policy engagements and discussions. I was inspired to take on this role because I desire to build businesses that thrive and cross borders headquartered in Uganda. Therefore, for this to happen, it was repulsive for me to take the lead in being at the forefront of the change I wish to see which is the need for a more inclusive and supportive policy environment. By advocating for policies that address the unique challenges of startups, we can create an ecosystem where startups and innovation thrive.

19. What policy gaps or areas of improvement do you believe could significantly enhance Uganda’s innovation ecosystem?

Key areas include access to funding/investment, intellectual property protection, and streamlined business registration processes. Policies that promote digital literacy, infrastructure development, market uptake, and cross-border trade would also significantly enhance the ecosystem.

See also: Ps. Aminah Zawedde signs the Uganda ICT Intellectual Property (IP) Guidelines into effect

20. What is your vision for Uganda’s policy environment in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship?

My vision is a policy environment that is inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking. This includes policies that incentivize investment in startups, promote research and development, and create opportunities for collaboration between the public and private sectors. By fostering such an environment, Uganda can become a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.

See also: Interview with Caroline Mirema Mbabazi, Executive Director at PinkCode Uganda

21. You were appointed as a new Member-at-Large at AfriLabs. What is a Member-at-Large position and how will your appointment impact AfriLabs’ overall mission and initiatives?

The Member-at-Large position just like it sounds, is a role that is all-encompassing to address broader challenges affecting all membership of AfriLabs regardless of their region, sector, and level of growth. The role is inclined towards creating an enabling environment, collaboration and partnerships, and member value which are also core to my agenda. The success of this three-fold strategy ultimately achieves the AfriLabs vision to create a thriving innovation economy in Africa, supported by a strong, collaborative community.

22. What are your goals or plans in this new role at AfriLabs?

I am majorly targeting improving the member jurisdictions’ policy environment, enhancing hubs’ capacity to deliver compelling value propositions, and the sustainability of innovation hubs that are members of AfriLabs.