Entrepreneurs‘ Organization Uganda has successfully concluded Season 2 of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA), spotlighting bold young founders building impactful ventures while pursuing their studies. The national finals, held in Kampala, brought together some of the country’s most promising student entrepreneurs in a powerful showcase of innovation, resilience, and leadership.
2026 Uganda GSEA Winners
The Season 2 winners demonstrated strong business potential alongside exceptional personal leadership:
- Billy Garvin Ssemyalo, Founder of Biocycle Energy – 1st Place
- Asasirabo Florence, Founder of Florence Fragrances – 1st Runner-Up
- Henry Mutumba, Founder of Viridi Growth Limited – 2nd Runner-Up
These founders embody the essence of modern entrepreneurship, combining innovation with character and long-term vision.
A Platform Built on Entrepreneurial Values
The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards is one of EO’s most impactful global initiatives, connecting student founders to a network of over 21,000 business leaders worldwide. The EO Uganda chapter continues to champion young innovators grounded in EO’s core values:
- Think Big, Be Bold
- Trust and Respect
- Thirst for Learning
- Together We Grow
The competition uses a unique judging framework: 70% based on the entrepreneur as a person, including mindset, resilience, and leadership, and 30% on the business itself. This approach emphasizes a key entrepreneurial truth: businesses scale only as much as their founders grow.
Global Exposure for Ugandan Student Founders
GSEA’s global reach includes exposure through the YouTube series Start It Up, giving participants visibility within the international startup ecosystem.
Season 2 builds on the legacy of Ochom Joel Felix, founder of Phytogold Uganda Limited, who made history as Uganda’s first GSEA global finalist. He advanced to the quarterfinals in Pakistan and represented the country at the global finals in Cape Town, finishing among the top 19 worldwide. His success paved the way for a new generation of Ugandan student entrepreneurs.
Leadership Behind the Success
The successful execution of Season 2 was led by EO Uganda President Nirav Hathi and GSEA Chair Arshad Bholim, whose stewardship strengthened the program’s reach and impact.
With the national phase now complete, Uganda turns its attention to the global stage as Billy Garvin Ssemyalo prepares to represent the country at the next level of the competition in Saudi Arabia.
Sponsors Supporting Uganda’s Young Entrepreneurs
EO Uganda expressed appreciation to partners whose support made the platform possible:
- Crowe Uganda
- Hisense Uganda
- Fairway Hotel
- Voyager Global Solutions
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Their continued investment in youth entrepreneurship is helping shape the next generation of business leaders.
A Bright Future for Entrepreneurship in Uganda
As EO Uganda continues to nurture student innovators, the success of Season 2 reinforces the country’s growing reputation as a hub for young entrepreneurial talent. With rising participation and global recognition, Uganda’s startup future looks brighter than ever.
