L-R Dr Joyce Tamale, the CEO, Capital Solutions Ltd, Prof Ntamu a lecturer at MUBS, Prof Turyakira from King Ceaser University, among graduates, during the graduation ceremony held recently at Kajjansi (Photo by John Ricks Kayizzi)
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Ugandan entrepreneurs are set to be offered a critical collaborative platform to connect with impact investors, policymakers, and peers while addressing systemic barriers and scaling sustainable business models.
This will be during the sixth Annual Social Entrepreneurship Symposium is set to bring together social entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, development partners and innovators on October 8, 2026, with organisers seeking to promote the scaling of enterprises that can drive inclusive economic growth.
The one-day symposium, which will take place on Thursday, October 8, will be held under the theme “Reimagining Impact: Scaling Social Enterprises for Inclusive Growth.” The event is the flagship annual activity of Capital Solutions and is expected to attract about 500 participants.
Dr Joyce Tamale, the Managing Director and co-founder of Capital Solutions, said the theme was inspired by the need to recognise the contribution social enterprises are making to communities while creating opportunities for them to grow and address systemic challenges.“The Social Entrepreneurship Symposium is our flagship activity, which happens once a year. And this year it’s going to happen on 8th October, 2026,” Dr Tamale said.
She said the focus on scaling social enterprises is intended to open opportunities for young women and entrepreneurs across different sectors to build resilient organisations whose business models can be replicated.
According to Dr Tamale, the symposium will seek to demonstrate that growth should not be measured solely in financial terms, but should also be assessed by the extent to which enterprises create opportunities for women, youth and marginalised communities.
The event will feature plenary conversations, exhibitions and discussions designed to allow entrepreneurs to learn from one another and discover ways of strengthening their businesses.
A keynote speaker, whose identity organisers have not yet disclosed, will share experience from the corporate world and a 15-year journey in social entrepreneurship. Dr Tamale said the speaker will explain how moving from major corporate spaces to grassroots entrepreneurship can transform communities.
She said the keynote address will particularly highlight an enterprise that has transformed lives in Greater Masaka, helping people achieve more than they had previously imagined.
The exhibition will be divided into several thematic areas to give entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase products and innovations.
One section will focus on climate action businesses, including enterprises involved in solar energy and waste management. Participants will be able to display new products and solutions addressing environmental challenges.
Another exhibition area will focus on agribusiness, featuring social enterprises working with communities involved in coffee, cocoa and mushroom production.
Young innovators will also have a dedicated platform to showcase digital technologies. Capital Solutions is partnering with Kampala International University to highlight emerging innovations, including artificial intelligence and other technologies expected to influence the future of business and society.
There will also be a general business exhibition for enterprises operating in sectors such as health and education to demonstrate solutions they are implementing in communities.
Dr Tamale said the symposium will provide young and early-stage entrepreneurs with opportunities to increase their visibility, build networks and access potential partnerships.
Researchers, development partners, impact investors and social entrepreneurs from different sectors are expected to attend, creating opportunities for participants to establish relationships that could translate into collaborations and investment.
“Imagine 500 people, like-minded people in one space, a whole day. So, it’s going to involve a lot of networking,” she said.
She encouraged participants to come prepared to network, carry business profiles and business cards and use the event to identify potential partners and investors.
Entrepreneurs selected to exhibit will also receive an opportunity to briefly speak about their enterprises and products, giving them additional exposure to potential customers and partners.
Dr Tamale said participation in the symposium will be free for members of the Social Entrepreneurship Association, while exhibitors will pay a small fee for exhibition space, allowing them to display and sell their products.
For entrepreneurs interested in participating, registration can be done through the Capital Solutions website, where applicants can access and complete a Google form under the Social Entrepreneurship Forum section.
The symposium is also expected to connect young entrepreneurs, particularly those seeking startup capital, with funders and other actors in the social enterprise ecosystem.
Dr Tamale further pointed out that their Social Investment Fund is set to provide another potential avenue through which social enterprises can seek support.
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