Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Holds Inaugural Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA)

The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Uganda held the inaugural Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) national competition at Fairway Hotel in Kampala to celebrate the ingenuity and resilience of young Ugandan entrepreneurs who balance the rigors of academic life with running their businesses.

The GSEA is the premier global competition for student entrepreneurs, aimed at fostering the next generation of influential leaders. It evaluates participants on their innovation, business skills, and their commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Among the incredible talent showcased, three young entrepreneurs stood out:

1 . Ochom Joel Felix – Winner

• Academic Background: Medical student at Makerere University.
• Business: Founder of PhytoGold (U) Limited, a pharmaceutical company working to reduce reliance on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
• Innovation: Presented Maisha, a patented herbal medicine targeting malaria prevention and treatment, including drug-resistant strains.
• Next Step: Joel will represent Uganda at the Global Quarterfinals in Pakistan this February, with his trip sponsored by EO Uganda and Voyager Global Solutions Limited.

2 . Nantaba Rebecca – 1st Runner-Up

• Academic Background: Palliative care student at Makerere University.
• Business: Founder of Alpha Mai Africa, a social enterprise tackling period poverty by recycling plastic waste into reusable sanitary pads.
• Award: USD 500 for her impactful innovation, which also contributes to environmental conservation.

3 . Kiggundu Ernest – 2nd Runner-Up

• Academic Background: Medical Imaging student at Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Educational Institute.
• Business: Founder of Stawisha Golf Ltd, dedicated to developing golf among Uganda’s youth.
• Award: A trip to Semliki Safari Lodge, sponsored by Wildplaces Africa, recognizing his innovative efforts in sports development.

The competition featured 11 talented student entrepreneurs from various Kampala universities, with 8 finalists making it to the grand stage. Prior to the event, participants received mentorship and coaching from EO members, enhancing their entrepreneurial acumen.

The GSEA provides more than just accolades—it opens doors to invaluable mentorship, connections, and global exposure. 

National winners, like Ochom Joel Felix, will now compete in the Global Quarterfinals with the hope of reaching the prestigious Global Finals.