1. Kampala : September 26, 2012
For Immediate Release: UWEAL Commemorate 25 years Footprint in shaping women in
business in Uganda: “Women stepping out in the business world”
This year, Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL), one of the Uganda at 50 top
50 brands recognized by Government of Uganda and Private Sector Foundation Uganda is celebrating
twenty five (25) years of existence and success under the theme: “Women stepping out into the
business world”. UWEAL, a non-governmental organization with a vision to address gender
disparities by enhancing and empowering the economic status of women in Uganda was established in
1987 by determined founding members: Mrs. Thereza Mbire, Mrs. Ida Wanendeya, Mrs. Catherine
Kisumba; Mrs. Cothilda Busuulwa (RIP), Mrs. Ntama Watuwa, Mrs. Joyce Sebugwawo and Mrs.
Adelina Lubogo who at the time were struggling to survive and thrive in a male dominated business
sector.
To celebrate the Silver Jubilee, UWEAL is looking at strategies to empower more women in business.
Consequently, a series of activities will be held: Business forum on the 27th October 2012 with the
theme “Stepping out into the business world”. UWEAL and her partners will highlight footprint and
contribution towards investing in women economic empowerment; discuss the broad issues and
strategies to forge a way forward to further broaden women’s participation in the country’s economic
development. A dinner gala to crown the celebrations will be held on 26th November 2012, at
Imperial Royale Hotel and the First Lady is expected to be the Chief Guest. At the same event UWEAL
will recognize those individuals who have made undisputable marks in this country, excelled in different
sectors and contributed to the development of UWEAL specifically and of the country as a whole.
As it celebrates twenty-five (25) years of existence, UWEAL commits to continue to provide
opportunities for women in business and reach further into the community and grassroots women who
are greatly disadvantaged. UWEAL will continue to support its members through her three pillars that
include: Capacity Building, Networking and Advocacy.
“The motivation for us to start up UWEAL arose out of the frustration we faced as women who ventured
into formal business in Uganda when business was a male dominated affair and women were expected
to stay at home and take care of the family. Women running business faced so many challenges like
simple opening of a bank account that required the consent of the spouse” says Mrs Mbiire, Business
woman, UWEAL Patron and co- founding Member
UWEAL has registered tremendous success over the past 25 years with a strong membership base of
more than 1000 women entrepreneurs in various districts including Jinja, Bugiri, Bushenyi, Gulu,
Kampala, Kabale, Lira, Mbarara and Soroti.
Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL), a Company limited by guarantee,
incorporated in October 1987 with the aim of promoting businesswomen in Uganda. The association is
currently firmly placed in the private sector to assist and provide support and guidance to women in
business and to advocate for favorable policies through which women entrepreneurs can flourish.
For further information please contact Mrs. Stella Maris Ddumba Sewagaba, Chief Executive Officer
(UWEAL), Email:sddumba@uweal.co.ug Telephone : + 256 414 4 343952, +256 0312271451 +256 79
2 159211
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