Young women have been called on to prioritise their happiness, pursue careers they love and boldly claim space in the business world. The call was made by Barbra Kasekende, Head of Business Advisory at Uganda Development Bank, while speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Power Project Cohort IV at Makerere University School of Public […]
Young women have been called on to prioritise their happiness, pursue careers they love and boldly claim space in the business world.
The call was made by Barbra Kasekende, Head of Business Advisory at Uganda Development Bank, while speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Power Project Cohort IV at Makerere University School of Public Health Auditorium on Wednesday.
Kasekende 46, clad in a little purple outfit with short brown tinted hair, kept it real and relatable that women should focus on doing what makes them happy rather than striving to please others.
She noted that when someone engages in work they genuinely love, they perform confidently and consistently, which accelerates financial growth.
She also advised that women are free to dress smart and comfortably as long as they remain decent, and not to be overly concerned about public opinion.
Kasekende also encouraged women to be assertive and highly competent in their fields in order to remain relevant in what she described as a male-dominated economy.
The ceremony saw 18 young women graduate after completing a six-month entrepreneurship training at Action for Health in Lubowa, Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District.
The Power Project providing opportunities for women in entrepreneurship and reproductive health is implemented by Action for Health Uganda in partnership with DSW (Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung). The programme equips young women with entrepreneurial skills while addressing sexual and reproductive health challenges.
As part of their completion, the graduates presented solution-based business proposals, many of which focused on sexual and reproductive health innovations such as reusable sanitary pad production and cramp relief products.
Entrepreneur Grace Nanyonga told the graduates that the economic landscape has changed, with more women now owning land, businesses and other property.
She stressed that success begins with determination, loving one’s work and maintaining a healthy saving culture guided by a clear mission.
The Chief Executive Officer of Action for Health, Sarah Kintu, urged the young entrepreneurs to remain focused so their small enterprises can grow into sustainable ventures.
Meanwhile, James Makula, who represented the Ministry of Trade as Guest of Honour, cautioned the graduates against operating unregistered businesses. He advised them to formalise their enterprises and comply with tax obligations, noting that this is important for national development.
The event marked another milestone for the POWER initiative, which continues to empower young women with skills, mentorship and startup support to build sustainable enterprises while contributing to improved reproductive health outcomes.
