The U.S. Exchange Alumni Network Uganda (USEA) and Awe Alumnae Association have launched the Women Entrepreneurs Katale 2026, to be held on March 7, 2026, at the UMA showground. The organisers expect more than 300 attendees and over 100 participants throughout the day, including business leaders and institutional partners.
The Women Entrepreneurs Katale 2026 is the third International Women’s Day marketplace and enterprise development platform organised by the Academy. It is designed as a high-impact space where women-led enterprises connect with markets, finance, knowledge, and strategic partnerships.
Access to affordable finance and compliance support remains one of the greatest barriers facing women-owned businesses today. “Our goal is to grow women-led businesses sustainably by exposing them to diverse markets, new networks, and opportunities that allow them to scale with confidence and longevity. When we support women entrepreneurs with compliance guidance and financial literacy, we are building the bankable, scalable businesses our institutions want to work with. ‘Give to Gain’ is not a slogan. It is a proven investment strategy.” — Owomugisha Blessing Immaculate, AWE President.
The 2026 edition 2026 at the UMA Show Grounds from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM will bring together entrepreneurs, private sector leaders, financial institutions, government agencies, development partners, and consumers under one ecosystem-driven platform.
“This women market day partnership is in line with our thriving strategy for business. We train some of our young people in business, and this market day serves as a platform for them to gain visibility and explore business opportunities. It provides a real-world platform where theory meets practice, allowing our alumni to apply their skills, connect with customers, and scale their ventures.” —Clare Umutesi Ahebwa, USEA Head of Communications.
Katale is offering more than visibility to women entrepreneurs. Women exhibitors will have access to finance opportunities, training and other activities. The ‘Give to Gain’ theme is our lived reality. Katale is proof that investing in women-led enterprises is not charity. It is smart business. Sponsors and partners of the International Women’s day Katale are PEPSI, Node Group, Uganda Investments Authority, and Newmans. To exhibit, it is UGX 70,000 for Alumni and UGX 100,000 for Non-Alumni.
“Katale has been more than an exhibition; it has been a gateway. Last year, I left with three new distribution partners and a mentor who helped me restructure my pricing model. This year, I am coming back bigger, with a full product line ready for the market. When someone gives you access, you don’t just grow, you transform.” —2025 Katale Exhibitor
The 2026 Katale builds on the success of the 2025 edition, which hosted approximately 100 exhibitors. This year, the platform has grown significantly, with over 110 registered exhibitors and projections of 150-200 women-led enterprises showcasing products and services across agribusiness, manufacturing, fashion, creative industries, circular economy, technology, and consumer goods.
Beyond exhibition, the Katale integrates structured engagement opportunities including compliance and formalisation clinics, financial inclusion activations, enterprise advisory sessions, B2B networking, brand showcases, and curated panel conversations. The platform intentionally bridges informal and formal enterprises with institutions that can accelerate their growth from intellectual property registration and digital payments to access to affordable finance and distribution partnerships.
The target audience includes women-led SMEs across Uganda’s regions, youth and emerging entrepreneurs, financial service providers, corporate brands seeking inclusive supply chains, government regulatory agencies, development organisations, and household consumers. The broader objective is to position the Katale as a national marketplace that strengthens women’s economic participation, increases enterprise formalisation, stimulates trade linkages, and unlocks sustainable partnerships