By Matilda Biira- Uganda Program Manager- Strathmore Global Institute, Uganda
On 6 October 2026, the Annual Uganda Social Entrepreneurship & Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Conference and Expo, organized by Strathmore Global Institute Uganda, will convene at Mestil Hotel & Residences in Kampala.
The Conference under the theme, “Sustaining Impact in Social Enterprises – Building Resilience through Innovation, Financing Models and Market Readiness,” will bring together religious sisters, social entrepreneurs, investors, partners and supporters to exchange practical ideas, showcase enterprises and build the relationships needed for ventures to thrive beyond their founding stage.
The conference will also offer a space where faith meets enterprise: where mission-driven leaders can explore innovation, financing models, market readiness and practical collaboration. It will also shine a light on the religious sisters and communities whose ingenuity is proving that social enterprise can be both financially viable and deeply rooted in service.
Through the Sisters’ Blended Value Project (SBVP), Strathmore University Business School is privileged to work alongside the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA), its Uganda member association, the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU), and religious congregations across the region. With the generous support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, this partnership is helping sisters strengthen their enterprises so that social ministries can become more resilient, sustainable and responsive to the communities they serve.
The following day, 7 October 2026, will mark another significant milestone: the graduation of sisters who have completed this journey of formation and enterprise development. Guided by the theme, “Faith in Action – Women Religious Leading Sustainable & Scalable Social Enterprises,” the celebration will honour women religious who are translating compassion into practical solutions, turning local challenges into opportunity, and leading enterprises that create dignity, livelihoods and hope.
Those who are interested in attending this conference and expo are welcome to register either as participants, delegates or as exhibitors at a fee. Joining as an exhibitor will give you an opportunity to meet potential investors and clients and explore new opportunities for growth and collaboration. See more details and requirements in the flyer below. To register, use this link; https://sbs.strathmore.edu/2026-annual-uganda-social-entrepreneurship-and-sme-conference-and-expo-general-public/. Find more information in the flyer provided.
Religious sisters and brothers can register for free using this link; https://sbs.strathmore.edu/2026-annual-uganda-social-entrepreneurship-and-sme-conference-and-expo-sisters-only/#tab-5df8079a4ccea934a63. Slots are limited, register and secure your slot before they run out.
These two days reflect the power of partnership and the determination of women religious to serve their communities in new and sustainable ways. Strathmore University Business School is honored to walk this journey with ACWECA, ARU, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the sisters whose leadership continues to transform lives.
Together, we are nurturing enterprises that do more than generate income: they create hope, dignity and lasting impact.
A modest ministry can begin with a simple response to need: a sister noticing a family without income, a group of women seeking opportunity, or a community longing for dignity. With accompaniment, skills and courage, that response can grow into an enterprise that creates livelihoods, strengthens families and restores hope. This is the story that will be celebrated in Kampala this October.
