Nile Excellence Awards Crown  Kairamirwa Doreen King  Innovator of the Year – Eastern Region .

The Nile Excellence Annual Awards, a national recognition platform celebrating innovation and excellence across Uganda, have crowned Kairamirwa Doreen King, Executive Director of Slum Women Initiatives for Development (SWID), as the Innovator of the Year under the Eastern Region category.

The award was presented during the inaugural Nile Excellence Annual Awards ceremony, held on 28th December 2025 at Rock Classic Hotel in Tororo, drawing participants from government, civil society, the private sector, development partners, and media from across the country.

National Recognition for Grassroots Innovation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Samuel Mwesigwa, Chairman of the Nile Excellence Annual Awards, emphasized that the awards are designed to identify and elevate innovators whose work contributes to national development, regardless of where they are based.

“Kairamirwa Doreen King exemplifies innovation with national relevance. Her work demonstrates how community-led solutions can contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation,” Mr. Mwesigwa said.

He described her as one of the most impactful and fast-rising innovators whose work, though rooted in the Eastern Region, carries lessons and scalable models for the entire country.

Driving National Impact Through SWID.

As Executive Director of SWID, Doreen leads an organization empowering over 50,000 women through entrepreneurship, value addition, and sustainable livelihoods. Her initiatives have strengthened household incomes, promoted financial independence among women, and nurtured leadership at grassroots and community levels.

Through structured mentorship, business training, and life-skills development, formerly homeless and vulnerable women have transitioned into successful entrepreneurs and property owners, while young girls have been guided into productive, resilient futures. This approach aligns directly with national priorities on poverty reduction, gender equity, and inclusive economic growth.

Dedication to the SWID Community

Speaking at the function, Doreen expressed her appreciation to the award organizers and dedicated the honor to the SWID community, whom she credited for their support and engagement throughout the process.

“I dedicate this award to the SWID community that has tirelessly worked with me and supported this journey. Together, we continue to demonstrate the true meaning of an innovative society. I sincerely thank the organizers of the Nile Excellence Annual Awards and call for deeper engagement to support and strengthen our initiatives,” Doreen said. She Further appreciated partners including AWDF, HUAIROU COMMISSION, and OXFARM NOVIB who she shays have been her right hand and reliable support in realizing the community Projects that have seen these tangible projects .

Excellence in a Competitive National Process

Doreen emerged winner following a competitive national selection process, where innovators from different regions were evaluated on impact, sustainability, and innovation. Her recognition under the Eastern Region category reflects both regional excellence and national relevance. The award places her among innovators identified for continued national-level visibility, strategic partnerships, and institutional support to expand the reach of their work

Strengthening Leadership for National Development.

This recognition comes at a time when Doreen has further strengthened her professional capacity, having recently completed a six-month training in “Leading Multi-Partner Projects Trajectory.” The programme was organized by Oxfam Novib under the Fair for All Programme, with funding from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The training equipped her with advanced skills in multi-stakeholder engagement, inclusive leadership, and sustainable project implementation—positioning her as a national change agent capable of managing complex development initiatives.

National Commitment to Supporting Innovation

Speaking on behalf of national institutions, Mr. Ibrahim Bosa Kibuuka, Head of Public Relations and International Relations at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), congratulated the award winners and reaffirmed commitment to supporting innovation among Ugandans.

He emphasized that innovation remains central to employment creation, youth empowerment, and national socio-economic transformation.

About the Nile Excellence Annual Awards

The Nile Excellence Annual Awards are a national initiative established to recognize and celebrate excellence, innovation, leadership, and impact across Uganda. The awards spotlight individuals and organizations whose work contributes to sustainable development, inclusive growth, and nation-building.