Doppler Technologies

Kampala, Uganda

Not so long from today, startups will enjoy Tax Holidays, better collateral policy on loans and free working space and internet for their businesses through President Museveni’s commitment during a meeting with the SDGs youth coalition and the United Nations Resident Cordinator, H.E Rosa Malango.

In a meeting held at State House Entebbe, the 25 leaders of startups in five SDGS thematic areas of Human Capital Development, Sports, Gender Equality, Climate Change and Business and Innovation.

“Your excellency, we appreciate the efforts your government has put in place to drive investment like the Youth Livelihood Fund and the Innovation Fund however there are still a number of challenges faced by the youth”, said Donald Waruhanga, CEO of Doppler Technologies who spoke on behalf of the business and innovation cluster.

“The collateral requirements on loans from the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), lack of structures to drive innovations at the grassroots and lack of investment incentives like the tax holidays that the big companies have recieved in the past are affecting investment rates of the youth”, he added.

Way Forward for Business
In his response , the President encouraged innovators to be imitators of solutions that have worked elsewhere.

“What you are talking about is two things. Jobs and wealth creation. You are innovators but it may be good if you are also imitators.” Mr. Museveni said.

He committed to tax holidays for startups, adjusting collateral policy on the UDB loans to youth and providing free internet and working space for the innovators at grassroots in the business park’s government has set up in the 18 colonial zones across the country.

About Jalule
Jalule a solution that helps businesses make more sales and get more clients was one of the 25 startups that represented other youth led startups at the meeting with the President.

Jalule an award winning innovation in last years #AfricaVsVirus challenge of the African Development Bank has supported over 20 businesses to increase sales.

For example, Gorillas and Beyond, a tourism business supported under Jalule, had a pool of clients waiting as soon as the airports were opened because they never lost touch with clients.

Jalule plans to support 40 new businesses this year to avert the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic this year.