Stop Fixing Entrepreneurs, Fix the System...

At 62 years of independence, Uganda stands on the shoulders of dreamers. These are not just the freedom fighters of the past, but the modern-day entrepreneurs—bold, relentless, and driven by the belief that they can build a future that will redefine our nation and life as we know it. These are the people who aren’t waiting for the perfect conditions; they are creating them. Yet, as much as they push forward, their path is often blocked, not by a lack of effort, but by systems that are not yet aligned to their ambition.

This Independence Day, as we honor how far we’ve come, let’s also focus on where we’re going - and how far that can be. The future of Uganda lies in the hands of its entrepreneurs—visionaries who have the potential to transform our nation. Now is the moment for us to recognize that their success is key to our collective progress.

But for these entrepreneurs to truly shape our future, we must build systems that work as hard as they do—systems designed to support and elevate them.

When our entrepreneurs thrive, Uganda thrives....

It’s time for us to unite and create an environment where their dreams can take flight, fueling growth, innovation, and prosperity for all.

I was recently at a conference when someone asked, “How can entrepreneurs tell their stories better?”

It seemed like a simple enough question, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized how complex the answer was. Entrepreneurs, especially in emerging markets like ours, are some of the best storytellers I know. They’re natural narrators, crafting tales of hope, resilience, and transformation. The problem isn’t that they can’t tell their stories; it’s that the stories they live are filled with battles they shouldn’t even have to fight.

How do you tell a story when it feels like nothing is working - all the time?

Our Entrepreneurs aren’t just building businesses—they’re building against all odds. They’re creating something entirely new, often with no roadmap, no infrastructure, and no safety net. Their journey is not simply about crafting a perfect pitch or mastering business strategies; it’s about learning to operate in an environment that seems stacked against them. They navigate unreliable infrastructure, face endless regulatory hoops, and struggle to access the markets and financing that they need to grow.

The truth is, many entrepreneurs are still in the foundational stages of their work, building the very structures they need just to get started. They’re not failing because they lack the ability; they’re fighting to survive in a system that isn’t built for them to succeed.

We call this stage the “pioneer gap”—that tricky period between having a big idea and turning it into something sustainable. This gap is where most of the innovation happens, but it’s also where the cracks in the system are most visible. It’s where entrepreneurs face the highest risks and the fewest rewards. And it’s not because they aren’t capable; it’s because the environment around them isn’t designed to help them thrive in this stage.

Shifting the Focus: From Fixing Entrepreneurs to Fixing the System

For far too long, the conversation has focused on “fixing” entrepreneurs. We design programs to teach them how to pitch better, to refine their business models, and to mold them into a version that fits the ideal image of a successful entrepreneur. But here’s the truth: entrepreneurs aren’t the problem. The problem is the environment they have to operate within.

What they need isn’t more training or more competitions to prove their worth. What they need is a system that supports them at every stage of their journey. A system that provides the right infrastructure, financing, and access to markets. A system that works with them, not against them.

The paradox lies in how regulatory and financial systems, originally intended to foster growth and stability, often end up stifling the very innovation they are meant to nurture. Entrepreneurs face bureaucratic hurdles and rigid financial structures that discourage them from formalizing their businesses or accessing necessary capital. Instead of creating environments that support early-stage ventures, these systems punish entrepreneurs at their most vulnerable stages.

Yet, the solution seems simple: shift the regulatory focus to encourage growth—offering streamlined business registration, reducing tax burdens, and creating financial products that meet the unique needs of startups. The paradox is that while the existing systems aim to protect and organize, they need to be dismantled or radically reformed to truly support the ecosystems they were meant to cultivate. Only by transforming these barriers into enablers can we create environments that genuinely foster entrepreneurial success.

Redefining Independence: Building a Future of Opportunity..

It’s time to change the conversation. We don’t need to create “perfect” entrepreneurs. Let's go slow with all the business model canvas training and work to create systems that allow entrepreneurs to thrive. Entrepreneurs already bring energy, passion, and resilience to their work. They shouldn’t have to spend that energy fighting against a broken system.

When we stop focusing on fixing the entrepreneur and start fixing the system, we unlock their full potential. We open the door to innovation, risk-taking, and the creation of businesses that can change Uganda’s future.

This isn’t just about small changes—it’s about laying the groundwork for an economy that thrives long after we’re gone. It’s about creating an environment where entrepreneurs aren’t held back by systemic barriers but are empowered to lead the way forward. When we do that, we will not only celebrate 62 years of independence, but we will be building the foundations for a future where Uganda’s entrepreneurs can truly lead us into a new era of prosperity.