The Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) has launched the fourth cohort of the UJ Connect Entrepreneurial Mentorship Programme, a flagship initiative under the broader Uganda–Japan ICT Industry Promotion Project. The program aims to equip aspiring founders many of them UICT students and recent graduates with the skills, networks, and early-stage support needed to turn ideas into viable technology startups.
Running as a structured mentorship accelerator, the cohort builds on the success of previous batches that have supported dozens of early-stage ventures. Participants receive hands-on guidance in business model refinement, product development, investor pitching, and market validation, with a focus on solving local challenges in sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and fintech. Top performers typically gain access to proof-of-concept grants, demo days, and connections to regional and Japanese partners.
UJ Connect operates through a partnership between the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Hosted at UICT’s National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa, the program has evolved from initial cohorts supporting around 15 startups to broader engagement, including student innovators. Past batches have produced solutions like AI-powered health monitors, digital library systems, smart agricultural tools, and student-focused platforms, with several advancing to pilot funding and international exposure.
The emphasis on practical outcomes sets the initiative apart. Beyond workshops and mentorship, the program integrates elements like business matching through platforms such as BizLink and opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Previous participants have secured grants up to $5,000 for proof-of-concept work, with standout teams showcasing at events like GITEX and forming partnerships with Japanese firms.
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT, and UICT leadership have repeatedly highlighted the project’s role in professionalizing Uganda’s ICT workforce and fostering sustainable startups. By institutionalizing UJ Connect within UICT’s curriculum and launching dedicated incubation support, the institute aims to create a pipeline that extends beyond individual cohorts.
Uganda’s tech scene has shown promise, with rising interest in homegrown solutions, yet many founders struggle with access to structured mentorship, early capital, and global networks. UJ Connect targets these gaps directly, particularly for student entrepreneurs who often lack commercial experience. The program’s focus on inclusion supporting female founders, rural innovators, and persons with disabilities aligns with national goals for equitable digital transformation.
As the fourth cohort begins, expectations are high for another wave of market-relevant innovations. With Uganda pushing its digital agenda amid a youthful population, initiatives that convert technical training into entrepreneurial action are critical. The National ICT Innovation Hub provides co-working space, prototyping facilities, and advisory services that complement the mentorship, helping participants move from idea to minimum viable product.
The launch of this cohort signals continued commitment from both Ugandan and Japanese partners. Its progress will be measured not just by pitches delivered or grants awarded, but by the number of startups that achieve traction, create jobs, and contribute to sectors where technology can drive meaningful impact. For Uganda’s emerging tech community, UJ Connect represents a tested pathway from classroom to market one cohort at a time.
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