Kampala, January 30th, 2019 – Total in Uganda is pleased to announce the finalists of the 2nd Edition of the StartUpper of the Year Challenge by Total (2018–2019).
The 15 finalists who participated in the challenge were unveiled today at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel by Mr. Patrick Mweheire, Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda as the Jury Ambassador, Startupper of the Year Challenge alongside Mr. Obi IMEMBA, the Managing Director, Total Uganda.
The finalists include: Mugagga Arnold (Seatpack), Omoding Geoffrey (Sayans Academy), Asiimwe Hilda (Digital Health Access), Vicent Nemeyimana (Swapafrica), Lema Andrew (Easy Matatu), Kyomuhendo Sylivia (Infants’ Health Foundation), Kaweesi Simon (Careers Master), Mercy Takuwa (Medvac Technology), Ndugwa Fahad (Smart Pepper Spray), Menyo Innocent (M-Scan), Ninsiima Christine (I-Create Kids Club), Bataire Julius (Enimiro), Naturinda Catherine (Toto Voice Network Uganda Ltd), Bomukama Muhangi (Lactating Mothers Fashion) and Ndugu Nelson (Rural Science Education) . Refer to the list attached.
Selection of the finalists was based on 6 key attributes including: Applicant’s age (19-35 years), Nationality, Project age (within 2 years), Social & community impact, Innovation and lastly Potential & Feasibility.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Mr. IMEMBA said that from the finalists, the Top 3 and Top female entrepreneur will be selected at the next phase. The top 3 will be categorized as: Overall Winner taking home 75 million Uganda Shillings, 1st Runner-up taking 40 million Uganda Shillings and 2nd Runner-up taking 35 million Uganda Shillings.
The Startupper of the Year Challenge by Total is a Corporate Social Investment programme that is knit in the core of the Group’s values geared towards the pursuit of inclusive social and economic development aimed at creating opportunities for all stakeholders.
Mr. Obi IMEMBA told guests that because of the significant importance of this project to Total, and the company’s unrivalled commitment to drive innovation and entrepreneurship, for the 2018-19 edition, Total had increased the stakes; from 130 million Uganda Shillings in the First Edition (2015-16) to 150 million Uganda Shillings in the Second Edition (2018-19).
“Total’s vision is to support exceptional ideas and projects that help address the widespread problems affecting communities in countries from which the applicants come,” adding that, “We believe it is our responsibility to help provide concrete solutions to various challenges.” Mr. IMEMBA explained.
Mr. Nathan Morgan, Business & Development Director, speaking on behalf of Mr. Pierre Jessua, the General Manager, Total (E&P) Uganda, in his remarks thanked Total Staff and partners who helped make this edition the success that it is. He further pledged Total’s commitment to championing entrepreneurship in Uganda.
The Jury Ambassador, Mr. Mweheire commended the 13 man jury for selecting the right finalist through the rigorous process that ensued over the past 11 weeks. He also thanked the applicants for submitting high quality entries.
This year’s Edition, Uganda alone received over 595 valid applications, +60% bump, up from 373 in the first Edition (2015-16). Additionally, of the applicants from Uganda, 23% were female.
Globally, the competition saw 13,125 valid applications submitted from up to 59 countries worldwide. The application process commenced in early October, 2018 and ended on November 13th 2018. This year, To encourage more women to apply, a new category was introduced for each country where there will be an award for Top Female Entrepreneur of the Year and Startup for better energy.
The winners of the first Edition (2015-16) included: Overall – Samuel Malinga for the Sanitation Africa Project, First Runner-up – Arthur Woniala for Khanzia Energy and Second Runner-up – Gloria Kalyango Nakyejjwe for the Eco Jiko Stove project
