MPIGI, Uganda – Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), through its Faculty of Business Administration and Management (BAM), has intensified efforts to support local economic development by conducting a one-day business training and exhibition aimed at empowering small-scale entrepreneurs and vendors in Mpigi District.
The community outreach event, held at the Mpigi District Headquarters brought together small business owners, market vendors, district leaders, banking institutions, agricultural enterprises, business experts, and members of the public to enhance entrepreneurial knowledge and promote business growth.
Organized in partnership with the Local Development and Investment Committee (LEDIC) of Mpigi District, the initiative focused on equipping participants with practical skills in business management, financial literacy, digital marketing, customer relations, business formalization, and entrepreneurship development.
Speaking during the event, Sister Maria Gorret Nakitende of Uganda Martyrs University said the training was part of the university’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting government efforts to empower citizens economically.
“We have organized this business training and expo to empower small businesses. As you know, there is a high rate of failure among small enterprises, with many unable to survive beyond one or two years. Through this initiative, we are promoting entrepreneurship and equipping business owners with practical skills that can help them succeed,” she said.
Sister Maria noted that many entrepreneurs start businesses without adequate knowledge of business management, marketing strategies, financial planning, or customer engagement, factors that often contribute to business failure.
“People may start businesses without understanding how to manage them effectively. Some do not know how to market their products, identify customer needs, or manage finances to ensure profitability. This training seeks to bridge those gaps and provide entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to grow sustainable enterprises,” she added.
The event also featured a business exhibition that showcased products and services from various sectors, including agriculture, banking, food processing, and manufacturing. Participants were given an opportunity to network with successful entrepreneurs, industry practitioners, and business development experts.
According to Sister Maria, the exhibition was designed to expose emerging entrepreneurs to practical business experiences and create opportunities for collaboration and mentorship.
“We have people from the banking sector, agriculture, foods and beverages, and many other sectors here today. This gives small business owners an opportunity to learn from established enterprises, build networks, and access professional guidance that can support their growth journey,” she explained.
She further noted that the outreach programme is not a one-time event but part of a long-term strategy by the university to promote entrepreneurship and sustainable development within communities.
“This is something we have been doing over time, and we intend to continue expanding it. Today it is a one-day event, but in future it could become a multi-day programme. Our goal is to contribute to the development and sustainability of small businesses in Mpigi District and Uganda as a whole,” she said.
The initiative addresses common challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises, including limited access to business training, inadequate financial management skills, poor market access, and weak business networks.
University officials emphasized that the outreach aligns with Uganda Martyrs University’s mission of transforming society through quality education, research, innovation, and community engagement. The programme also provides an opportunity for students and faculty members to apply academic knowledge to real-world community challenges.
About Uganda Martyrs University
Uganda Martyrs University is a private not-for-profit institution of higher learning founded on Catholic values. The university is committed to providing quality education, research, innovation, and community engagement, while producing ethically grounded graduates who contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
