About

Uganda is where the Einstein Rising story begins. Derek Lobo was born in Uganda, and although his family was forced to leave during the Idi Amin expulsion, his early years there created a lifelong connection to the country and its people. As Einstein Rising explored opportunities across regions, it became clear that early-stage social impact entrepreneurs in Uganda often face more foundational barriers than in other countries where entrepreneurial ecosystems are further developed. By starting in Uganda, Einstein Rising is able to support entrepreneurs and educators at critical early stages—where access to education, mentorship, and capital can make the greatest difference—and help foster locally led solutions that strengthen communities from within.

What’s Holding Uganda Back
Uganda is a country of remarkable potential, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit—but many communities continue to face structural challenges that limit opportunity and long-term growth.

• Infrastructure gaps remain a significant barrier. While Uganda generates enough hydroelectric power to meet domestic and regional demand, limited transmission infrastructure means many rural communities lack reliable access to electricity. Roads are often in poor condition, making transportation slow, costly, and unpredictable. These challenges increase the cost of doing business and make it difficult for local enterprises to grow and serve their communities effectively.
• Access to quality education is another critical issue. Although public primary education is officially free, the funding schools receive from the government is not enough. Classrooms are frequently overcrowded, with limited access to basic learning materials. Economic pressures also force many families to keep children at home to help with household responsibilities and save the costs of uniforms and school supplies. As a result, while Uganda has a strong pool of capable and motivated entrepreneurs, access to education remains uneven—particularly for those in lower-income and rural communities.
• Well-intentioned aid has also shaped the local economic landscape. Uganda has long benefited from the presence of NGOs and charitable organizations providing essential services and relief. At the same time, widespread reliance on free goods and services can unintentionally make it harder for local social enterprises to sustain themselves. Entrepreneurs offering food, clean water, energy, or education services often struggle to reach customers when similar support is intermittently provided at no cost by foreign NGO’s. This dynamic can discourage market-based solutions and limit the growth of locally led enterprises.

Einstein Rising Canada works in Uganda to address these challenges by strengthening education and supporting social impact entrepreneurs—helping communities move toward greater self-reliance, resilience, and locally driven development.