Kampala

Fort Portal

Kampala Central Division

Central Region

Jinja

Luweero

Mbarara

Lira

Ngora

![cars parked on side of the road near building during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1610397909731-995882394aaa?ixlib=rb-4.0.3&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8Mnx8a2FtcGFsYXxlbnwwfHwwfHx8MA%3D%3D&w=1000&q=80)
 Uganda's startup ecosystem is propelled by a youthful population and the influx of immigrants and refugees from neighboring countries, some of whom possess IT skills. The nation's rapid growth, well-educated young workforce, and entrepreneurial culture have given rise to promising startups like SafeBoda—the first Ugandan startup to receive investment from Google's Africa Investment Fund—and Numida, the first Ugandan startup backed by Y Combinator. 

 

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 Government initiatives play a pivotal role in nurturing this ecosystem. The National ICT Initiatives Support Program provides grants to startups, while the National Social Security Fund’s Hi-Innovator program offers early-stage funding to scalable and impactful startups. The National ICT Innovation Hub offers stable internet connectivity and workspace to support ICT innovators. In February 2025, Uganda launched the Deep Tech Centre of Excellence in Namanve, focusing on advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, Robotics, and Biotechnology. The center aims to drive Uganda toward a knowledge-based economy by fostering innovation in these cutting-edge fields. To address funding challenges, the Startup Funding Vehicles (SFV) Initiative was launched in 2025 to build stronger local investment networks and reduce dependence on foreign aid. The initiative connects local investors with entrepreneurs through regular education and networking events, aiming to foster an investment culture that supports the growth of homegrown startups. 

 

 Uganda is also progressing toward formalizing its startup landscape. Through consultations with local stakeholders, the country is drafting the Uganda Startup Act, aiming to streamline business registration, improve access to finance, and strengthen investor protections. This effort is championed by Startup Uganda, an umbrella organization comprising over 30 incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces, working to coordinate ecosystem growth. 

 

 Beyond government efforts, several non-governmental ecosystem enablers contribute to Uganda’s startup scene. Telecommunications company MTN Uganda offers grants, while startup accelerators and incubators like the Stanbic Business Incubator, Innovation Village, Hive Colab, and Outbox Hub foster an entrepreneurial environment. International organizations also play a significant role. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports startup growth in Uganda through activities like assessing local ecosystem strengths and weaknesses and developing strategy roadmaps. UNDP manages the UNDP Accelerator Lab and has partnered with Makerere University to develop the Makerere University Innovation Pod (UniPod), an initiative under the timbuktoo initiative aimed at transforming Africa’s public universities into centers of innovation. 

 

 While most initiatives are concentrated in Kampala, expanding seed activity to other regions would help Uganda gain momentum. Addressing fragmentation within the ecosystem and introducing a regulatory framework for startups, along with incentivizing investments, can further accelerate growth. Given the early stage of Uganda’s startup ecosystem, the progress thus far is promising. With continued efforts, the nation is poised to evolve into a regional innovation hub.

Uganda

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Crunchbase

Semrush

Innovent Labs Africa

UNDP

Youth Venture Capital Fund, worth US$ 10 million, is launched

2011

Uganda Government allocates US$ 100 million to the Youth Livelihood Programme

2013

Uganda Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Initiative” is launched

2018

Ugandan startup Numida raises a total of US$ 12.3 million

2022

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