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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Ugandan entrepreneur Benard Feni has been recognised for his contribution to innovation, enterprise development, and community empowerment, as Uganda’s private sector continues to position itself within the country’s broader industrialisation and value-addition agenda.
Feni, founder and chief executive of Euro Gold Refinery and head of the Mungu Feni Foundation, received the Best Innovative and Extraordinary Entrepreneur 2026 award from the Uganda National Innovative Graduates Wealth Creation Association (UNIGWA).
The award was presented by UNIGWA President Kiwanuka David, who said the recognition reflects Feni’s growing influence in business and social transformation.
“We are here to appreciate Mr Benard Feni, a Ugandan whose work speaks volumes. He has demonstrated exceptional intelligence, innovation, and leadership as a young entrepreneur through pioneering business initiatives, job creation, and community empowerment,” Kiwanuka said.
He added that UNIGWA, which advocates for the empowerment of graduates across Uganda, reserves such awards for individuals driving meaningful change in the country.
Feni welcomed the recognition, describing it as both unexpected and motivating.
“We are truly grateful for this recognition. I have often seen such awards being given to ministers and other leaders, so for a young Ugandan like me to receive this is a great honour,” he said.
He said the award should inspire young people to pursue ambitious goals.
“This is a message to all Ugandans, especially the youth, that it is possible to achieve extraordinary things. Believe in yourself and in the potential of our local people,” he noted.
Feni’s recognition comes as his company expands its footprint in Uganda’s mineral value chain, particularly in gold refining and beneficiation.
Euro Gold Refinery has positioned itself within government efforts to reduce raw mineral exports by promoting local value addition, including refining gold to 99.9% purity. The company has invested in refining capacity, technology, and workforce development, with more than 70% of its employees being Ugandans trained to meet international standards.
Its operations include mining activities in Abim, where it has supported Kakoka artisanal miners to obtain mining licences and formalise supply arrangements. The company also has a memorandum of understanding with Mubende United Miners Association aimed at strengthening value addition, as well as a recent mining licence in Yumbe focused on responsible mining and integrating local miners into the formal economy.
Beyond business, Feni’s work through the Mungu Feni Foundation has contributed to community development initiatives, including youth empowerment, education support, and humanitarian assistance.
The foundation has implemented programmes targeting vulnerable communities, skills development, and livelihood improvement, positioning itself as a growing player in the region’s social impact space.
Its efforts have attracted regional recognition, including being named Best Community Transformation Organisation in East Africa at the East Africa Brand Quality Awards. It also received multiple accolades at the West Nile Quality Brand Awards 2025, including the Quality Excellence Award – Platinum, Best Community Development NGO, and Best Local NGO.
Feni has also received recognition outside the business sphere, winning the Best New Star Gospel Artist award at the Shining Stars Africa Awards 2025/2026 held in Rwanda.
Feni’s recognition reflects a broader trend in Uganda, where private entrepreneurs are increasingly playing a dual role in both economic production and social development.
As the country pushes for industrialisation and value addition particularly in sectors such as mining business leaders like Feni are positioning themselves at the intersection of enterprise, community engagement, and policy priorities
