Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises are the lifeblood of Uganda’s economy, accounting for over 90% of private sector firms and employing millions of citizens. Their vitality directly impacts the livelihoods of countless families and communities across our country. This report shines a light on the tremendous entrepreneurial spirit of Ugandans and the resilience of our MSMEs, whilst also identifying critical gaps and barriers constraining their growth and success.

Entrepreneurship serves as a cornerstone of innovation, economic growth, and social development. In Uganda Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, contributing significantly to employment, productivity, and competitiveness. MSMEs employ over 2.5 million people (UBOS 2021) and generate 80% of manufactured output which contributes 20% to GDP.

Despite the significant contribution of MSMEs to Uganda’s economy, entrepreneurs face numerous challenges that hinder their growth and success. Key barriers include limited access to finance, inadequate technical and business skills, and a complex regulatory environment. Youth entrepreneurs often lack access to capital, markets, and networks, which limits their ability to start and grow their businesses. the informal nature of many MSMEs in Uganda poses additional challenges.

For further details, the Report can be accessed via the link below:

https://www.mtic.go.ug/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Uganda-Entreprenuership-Index-report_Final.pdf