Education and Entrepreneurship in Uganda: A Qualitative Exploration

Education plays a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship among individuals aspiring to start their own businesses in Uganda's extractives sector. A qualitative approach was employed through semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs from various extractive companies in Uganda. Data collection involved a purposive sample of 30 participants, including managers, small business owners, and recent graduates of business education programmes. Entrepreneurs highlighted the importance of mentorship provided by experienced industry professionals, which significantly influenced their entrepreneurial ventures within the sector. Business education in Uganda is instrumental in equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and networks to succeed in the extractives industry. The study underscores the need for more structured mentorship programmes that align with industry needs. Policy makers should consider implementing targeted support programmes for business education institutions, particularly those that offer practical training aligned with sector-specific challenges.