By Luzinda Peter
Uganda’s business scene in 2025 continues to thrive, driven by a blend of seasoned tycoons and rising innovators who are shaping the future across multiple sectors.
Below is a list of the most impactful entrepreneurs in Uganda this year:
1. Sudhir Ruparelia
One of Uganda’s most influential businessmen, Sudhir built the Ruparelia Group with interests in banking, real estate, hospitality, education, and media. His investments, such as the iconic Kingdom Kampala mall, have played a key role in transforming Kampala’s skyline. He is also known for his strategic acquisitions and support for business incubation.
2. Hamis Kiggundu
Commonly known as Ham, he is the CEO of Ham Enterprises. His real estate developments, particularly around Kampala, are well known. He has also invested in agriculture, processing, and manufacturing. His business strategies emphasize self-sufficiency and creating Ugandan-owned supply chains.
3. Patrick Bitature
Founder of Simba Group, Bitature has built a multi-sector empire with strongholds in telecom (Simba Telecom), energy, real estate, and education. Beyond business, he’s a mentor and public speaker, advocating for youth entrepreneurship and access to capital.
4. Ashish J. Thakkar
Founder of the Mara Group, Thakkar is a pan-African entrepreneur known for expanding into technology, financial services, and manufacturing. Though born in the Ugandan Asian community, his operations span across Africa, including investments in Uganda’s emerging tech sector.
5. Nyanzi Martin Luther
A young media entrepreneur, Nyanzi is known for founding digital radio platforms such as Block FM and NUP Radio. He has positioned himself at the intersection of youth-driven media, digital content, and advocacy. His ventures continue to attract attention for their innovation and appeal among younger audiences.
6. Ignatius Ahumuza
At only 21, Ignatius is the founder of Art Planet Academy, promoting climate-smart agriculture among youth and rural communities. His educational model integrates farming with entrepreneurship, and he has received international recognition for his work.
7. Manuela Pacutho
She is the founder and CEO of The Cradle, Uganda’s first 24-hour workplace-based infant care center. Her venture addresses childcare challenges faced by working mothers, making it easier for women to remain in the workforce while raising families.
8. Elizabeth Nalugemwa
Elizabeth leads Kyaffe Farmers Coffee, working with women coffee growers to improve quality, access global markets, and retain higher profits. Her business model supports women’s financial inclusion and rural economic growth.
9. ReForm Africa
A youth-led social enterprise that transforms plastic waste into durable, eco-friendly school bags. The project combines environmental sustainability with social impact, distributing school bags to underprivileged children.
10. Biha Eco Venture
Focused on green innovation, Biha Eco Venture recycles plastics into construction materials and produces eco-friendly gas for cooking. It is redefining how waste management and clean energy solutions can co-exist.
11. Teheca
This healthtech startup connects new mothers and patients with caregivers and nurses through a mobile platform. Teheca bridges gaps in Uganda’s healthcare delivery system, especially for postnatal care.
12. Emata
An agricultural fintech company providing digital loans to smallholder farmers. By digitizing farming records and payment systems, Emata ensures that farmers can access credit in a simplified and transparent way.
13. T Wave
In the aquaculture sector, T Wave has introduced AI-powered, solar-powered feeding systems for fish farms. These innovations increase productivity while reducing manual labor, especially for small-scale fish farmers.
14. Club Tangaza
An edtech initiative providing coding, computer literacy, and digital innovation training in rural and underserved areas. Club Tangaza plays a significant role in equipping youth with 21st-century skills.
These 14 entrepreneurs and ventures exemplify the resilience, creativity, and potential of Uganda’s private sector in 2025. Their work reflects a broader national shift toward innovation, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
