Kampala, Uganda – EO Uganda has successfully concluded Season 2 of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA), a flagship competition of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). The awards celebrate bold, visionary student founders who are building impactful businesses while still pursuing their academic journeys.
Held over the weekend, the national finals brought together some of Uganda’s most promising young entrepreneurs in a powerful showcase of innovation, resilience, and leadership.
2026 Uganda GSEA Winners
- Billy Garvin Ssemyalo, Founder of Biocycle Energy – Winner
- Asasirabo Florence, Founder of Florence Fragrances – 1st Runner-Up
- Henry Mutumba, Founder of Viridi Growth Limited – 2nd Runner-Up
These outstanding founders exemplify the true spirit of entrepreneurship—demonstrating not only strong commercial potential but also strength of character, resilience, and long-term vision.
A Platform Anchored in Values
GSEA is one of EO’s most impactful global initiatives, connecting student entrepreneurs to a worldwide network of more than 21,000 leading business owners. The Uganda Chapter continues to champion founders who embody EO’s four core values:
- Think Big, Be Bold
- Trust and Respect
- Thirst for Learning
- Together We Grow
The competition’s judging framework reflects this philosophy. It is weighted 70% on the entrepreneur as a person—their mindset, leadership ability, resilience, and character—and 30% on the business itself. This structure reinforces a fundamental entrepreneurial truth: businesses grow only as much as the people behind them grow.
GSEA also gains global recognition through the YouTube series Start It Up, giving young founders international exposure and positioning them within a broader global entrepreneurial movement.
Building on a Historic Milestone
Season 2 builds on the milestone achievement of Ochom Joel Felix, Founder of Phytogold Uganda Limited and a Bachelor of Pharmacy finalist. Last year, he made history as Uganda’s first GSEA finalist. He advanced to the quarterfinals in Pakistan and represented Uganda at the Global Finals in Cape Town, finishing among the top 19 globally. His journey set a powerful precedent for future Ugandan student entrepreneurs.
Looking Ahead
Under the leadership of EO Uganda President Nirav Hathi, and the stewardship of GSEA Chair Arshad Bholim, the national phase of Season 2 has been successfully concluded.
Uganda now looks ahead with pride as Billy Garvin Ssemyalo prepares to represent the country at the next stage of the competition in Saudi Arabia.
EO Uganda extends sincere appreciation to its sponsors and partners whose continued support makes this platform possible:
- Crowe Uganda
- Hisense Uganda
- Fairway Hotel
- Voyager Global Solutions
Their commitment to youth entrepreneurship is helping shape the next generation of business leaders.
The future of entrepreneurship in Uganda is bright.
