What award has Sharon Okello Nagenjwa won in 2024?
Sharon Okello Nagenjwa, the Executive Director of NUWEBIZ Foundation and CEO of Triumph Women Initiative UG has been awarded the prestigious Queen Nzinga Mbandi Award of Excellence. This honor recognizes women who have led impactful women empowerment initiatives, echoing the resilience and leadership of Queen Nzinga Mbandi, a 17th-century Angolan monarch. Reflecting on the accolade, Sharon remarked, “This award is not just for me but for every woman who has believed in change. It reaffirms that empowering women is not just an achievement, but a lifelong mission.”
What is NUWEBIZ according to Sharon?
Through her work with the NUWEBIZ Foundation, Sharon has transformed the lives of over 65,000 women across Northern Uganda. The foundation provides training, mentorship, and financial support, empowering women to start and grow their businesses. “We’ve been able to give women loans through partnerships and create networks for marketing their products,” Sharon shared, highlighting how the foundation has made a tangible difference in the lives of women entrepreneurs.
In May 2024, the NUWEBIZ school in Lira City held its first graduation ceremony, celebrating 300 women from refugee districts including Terego, Madi Okolo, Obongi, and Lamwo, under the GROW project. Sharon’s vision for women’s empowerment goes beyond skills; it is about creating financial independence and sustainability for women, particularly young mothers who face economic challenges.
“We’re not just teaching women how to run businesses,” she explained. “We’re teaching them how to create lasting wealth for themselves and their children.”
What does Sharon Okello Nagenjwa do at Triumph Women Initiative?
Sharon also leads the Triumph Women Initiative UG, an organization dedicated to sharing stories of women who have overcome adversity. Through The Triumph Show on NBS TV, Sharon has created a platform for women from all walks of life to share their inspiring journeys. “When I started Triumph, I wanted women to know that their struggles are valid, and their victories are possible,” she said.
The Triumph Show has reached thousands of viewers, offering hope and inspiration to young women across Uganda. Sharon was inspired to launch the initiative based on her own need for reassurance during difficult times. “There was a time in my life when I needed someone to tell me, ‘It’s going to be okay.’ That’s why I started Triumph—to be that voice for someone else,” she added.
What does NUWEBIZ do?
NUWEBIZ Foundation continues to focus on skilling women, providing financial literacy training, and offering business mentorship. The foundation aims to create global networks for marketing women’s products and is working toward value addition for commodities produced by women. Sharon envisions exporting these products to international markets, noting, “The real wealth lies in value addition. Most women already have raw materials, and our goal is to help them understand how to turn those into exportable products.”
Similarly, Sharon plans to expand the Triumph Women Initiative globally, giving women from across the world a platform to share their stories. “We want to inspire not just Ugandan women, but women everywhere,” she shared. Triumph is also planning live audience shows where women can engage directly with the inspiring stories being shared on the show.
What type of person is Sharon Okello Nagenjwa?
Sharon’s leadership style blends perfectionism with collaboration. “I’m very hands-on; I don’t just delegate, I work alongside my team,” she said. This approach has contributed to the success of both NUWEBIZ and Triumph Women, as she remains deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of both organizations.
What challenges has she faced?
However, Sharon has faced significant challenges, particularly in balancing her career and family. “I was once told I had to choose between being a career woman and a housewife,” she revealed. “But I’m on a mission to show the world that you can be both.” She also acknowledges the political challenges she encounters, especially when collaborating with high-profile figures like Minister Betty Amongi Akena. This is because some people use political parties as a rate card for trust. “Sometimes doors are closed because of political affiliations, but I hope people can see me for the work I do, not just the people I work with,” Sharon said.
A Message to Women and Young Leaders
To young women and leaders, Sharon offers a powerful message: “Women empowerment is not about competing with men. It’s about working together to uplift each other.” She also emphasizes the importance of challenging the misconception that women must choose between family and career. “We don’t have to choose. We can have both, and we can excel in both,” she said.
Supporting NUWEBIZ and Triumph Women UG
Sharon encourages individuals and organizations to support her work. “We’re open to partnerships and collaborations. We need financial support, but emotional support is just as important,” she explained. NUWEBIZ Foundation and Triumph Women Initiative are always looking for opportunities to collaborate with like-minded organizations and individuals who believe in the power of women empowerment.
About Sharon Okello Nagenjwa
Sharon Okello Nagenjwa’s passion for empowering women and telling their stories has defined her career. With an undergraduate degree in Mass Communication and a Master’s in Development Communication, she has spent her life supporting women across Uganda. Her recent appointment as the Administrator for the AFCON 2027 Secretariat Uganda is a testament to her leadership and dedication to making a positive impact. Sharon balances her career with motherhood, proving that women can succeed personally and professionally.
