The Mustard Seed Awards 2025 were held on January 24, 2026, at the Inspire Africa Coffee Park in Rwashamire, Nyabihoko, Ntungamo District, Uganda. Organized by Inspire Africa under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nelson Tugume, the event marked 40 years of growth, impact, and excellence, celebrating outstanding contributions to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation through entrepreneurship, innovation, value addition, and industrial development, particularly in the coffee and local manufacturing sectors.
The event attracted thousands of participants, including entrepreneurs, policymakers, community leaders, and development partners. It featured structured engagements and a guided tour of the Africa Coffee Park facility, highlighting advanced coffee processing, value addition, and manufacturing capabilities, and concluded with a high-level awards ceremony underscoring Uganda’s progress in enterprise-led and industrial development.
Key Highlights of the Celebrations
Chief Guests:
The event was officiated by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as Chief Guest, accompanied by the First Lady, Janet Kataaha Museveni. Their presence at the Inspire Africa Coffee Park highlighted the national significance of value addition, industrialization, and enterprise-led economic growth within Uganda’s development agenda
Distinguished Participants:
The event was attended by Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Jim Muhwezi, senior NRM officials, sector leaders, and development stakeholders. A strong youth turnout reflected the growing role of young entrepreneurs and innovators in shaping Africa’s future.
Awards Ceremony:
A total of 15 outstanding entrepreneurs, innovators, and institutions were recognized for their contributions to economic transformation, innovation, and sustainable development. The awards symbolized the “mustard seeds” of impact, small beginnings with the potential for lasting national and regional transformation.
Facility Tours and Industrial Demonstrations:
Participants, including Microhaem Scientifics’ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Cedric Akwesigye, toured the Inspire Africa Coffee Park facilities. The tours highlighted end-to-end value addition, local manufacturing excellence, and Africa-led industrialization principles that closely align with Microhaem Scientifics’ pioneering role as East Africa’s first indigenous manufacturer of WHO compliant diagnostic test kits for HIV, malaria, sickle cell disease, and other priority conditions.
Microhaem Scientifics’ Participation
Dr. Cedric Akwesigye joined Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa and the Inspire Africa leadership in presenting awards to emerging entrepreneurs. His participation in the facility tour reinforced shared commitments to reducing import dependency, scaling local production, building resilient health and economic systems, and advancing health sovereignty through homegrown innovation.
The Mustard Seed Awards 2025 provided a powerful platform for collaboration, inspiration, and strategic alignment across sectors. Such engagements strengthen Uganda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and reaffirm the belief that transformative impact begins with bold local ideas nurtured through sustained investment and leadership.
At Microhaem Scientifics, we remain committed to:
- Driving Africa-led innovation
- Scaling local manufacturing to reduce import reliance
- Building resilient and sustainable health systems
- Championing health sovereignty across the continent
Together, we continue to plant and nurture seeds of innovation that save lives, create opportunity, and advance inclusive development for Uganda and Africa.
