University students in Uganda can apply for the Social Enterprise Fund 2026, a seed funding programme supporting early-stage social enterprise ideas that address pressing community challenges while building sustainable businesses.
The fund, implemented through the Federation of Uganda Social Enterprises – FUSE
Social Enterprise Campus Hubs, provides grants of UGX 500,000 to UGX 5 million to help students turn innovative ideas into viable social enterprises. Beyond funding, successful applicants gain mentorship and access to a network of entrepreneurs, academics and development partners.
About the Programme
The Social Enterprise Fund supports student entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions in areas such as education, health, agriculture, the environment, waste management and youth empowerment.
The programme focuses on ideas at the ideation or early development stage, helping students transform academic knowledge into sustainable businesses with measurable social impact.
Applications are open to members of, or students actively engaged with, FUSE Social Enterprise Campus Hubs.
Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Seed funding of UGX 500,000 to UGX 5 million per selected idea
- Mentorship from experienced social entrepreneurs and industry experts
- Access to the FUSE entrepreneurship network
- Opportunities to refine and pitch their ideas
- Support to develop sustainable social enterprises
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a university undergraduate in Uganda.
- Be a member of, or actively engaged with, a FUSE Social Enterprise Campus Hub.
- Be applying individually or as part of a team with an innovative social enterprise idea at the ideation or early development stage.
- Be 25 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Demonstrate commitment to addressing a clearly defined social challenge.
- Show that the idea has social impact, market potential and long-term sustainability.
- Own and have full control of the proposed business idea.
- Submit a recommendation or support letter from their Campus Hub Coordinator.
Selection Process
Applications will be assessed through three stages:
Phase I – Application
Applicants submit:
- An online application
- A concept proposal
- A recommendation letter
- A budget template
Phase II – Shortlisting and Interviews
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a 30-minute face-to-face interview.
Phase III – Final Pitch
Finalists will pitch their ideas before a panel comprising social entrepreneurs, investors, academics and development experts.
Successful applicants will then receive funding and join the FUSE support network.