Dr. Nataliey Bitature is the embodiment of a new generation of leaders, harnessing the power of entrepreneurship to reshape the fabric of Ugandan society. As an entrepreneur, social innovator, and passionate advocate for women’s rights, Dr. Bitature has been making waves with her transformative initiatives. Her journey is not just a story of business success, but a reflection of the power of resilience, creativity, and the unwavering belief that business can be a catalyst for social change.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in entrepreneurship, Dr. Bitature inherited an intrinsic drive for problem solving and hard work. She recalls, “From a young age, I understood the value of entrepreneurship—it was a part of the fabric of our family life. But it wasn’t until my time at Hult International Business School that I truly discovered how much more I could do with business.”
Her academic experience became the foundation for her future ventures, setting the stage for the impactful enterprises she would later develop. “At Hult, I learned that business could be a force for good, and that’s when my focus shifted to social entrepreneurship. I wanted to use my skills to create solutions that would drive social change, especially in my community.”
Musana Carts: Empowering Street Vendors with Solar Innovation
One of Dr. Bitature’s most notable milestones is the creation of Musana Carts, a social enterprise that provides solar-powered carts for street food vendors in Uganda. “Street vendors are the backbone of our economy, yet they struggle with basic resources. We saw a clear gap: a need for affordable, sustainable, and clean energy solutions,” Dr. Bitature explains. Musana Carts offers an eco-friendly solution by providing solar-powered carts that help vendors operate efficiently and sustainably.
Although the team did not secure the top prize at the Hult Prize global finals, the experience provided invaluable lessons in resilience and innovation. “Not winning was tough, but we learned that failure is just an opportunity to do better. We refined our approach and focused on improving the design based on vendor feedback. That’s when Musana Carts truly started to take off.”
Through collaboration with organizations like UNDP, Mastercard Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation, Musana Carts continues to empower street vendors, enhancing their business potential while promoting clean energy. “Partnerships are key to scaling. With organizations like UNDP, we’ve been able to manufacture modular solar-powered carts and continue improving the lives of vendors,” Dr. Bitature adds.
HER Working Women: Creating a Platform for Female Empowerment
Dr. Bitature’s commitment to gender equality led to the launch of HER Working Women, a mentorship platform designed to empower young African women. “I’ve seen firsthand the challenges African women face in their careers. There’s a huge gap in mentorship and networking opportunities. That’s why I started HER—to create a space for women to grow together,” she explains.
HER provides over 4,000 women with the tools to thrive in their careers and businesses. “I believe women are the catalysts for change. When you empower a woman, you empower an entire community. HER is not just a platform; it’s a movement for women to uplift each other and drive sustainable change,” Dr. Bitature says with conviction.
Uketa: Bridging the Skills Gap through Online Education
Uketa, an online learning platform founded by Dr. Bitature, emerged from the need to provide affordable, accessible, and practical education to professionals across Africa. “Education is the key to unlocking potential. But not everyone has access to formal education, so Uketa is about providing affordable, practical courses for people to upskill themselves in areas that matter today,” she explains.
Uketa offers self-paced courses in a variety of fields, ranging from public speaking to entrepreneurship, helping individuals advance in their careers or personal development. “What excites me about Uketa is the flexibility it offers. People can learn at their own pace, regardless of their background, which makes it a game-changer for professionals looking to improve their skills.”
Beyond Business: Advocacy and Philanthropy
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Dr. Bitature is deeply committed to philanthropy. She serves as the Chair of the Africa Advisory Board for Save the Children, where she champions children’s rights to education, health, and safety. “At Save the Children, we’re not just advocating for children’s rights; we’re creating real opportunities for them to thrive. The future of Africa depends on investing in its children today,” Dr. Bitature states.
Through her work with Save the Children, she is advocating for gender equality and empowering girls through programs like the Girls Impact Fund. “Empowering girls isn’t just about education; it’s about giving them the voice and agency to shape their own future. The Girls Impact Fund is helping us do just that,” she shares.
Lessons from the Entrepreneurial Journey: Resilience and Adaptability
Dr. Bitature’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without its challenges. From navigating the complexities of diverse sectors to securing funding and scaling her businesses, she has learned to embrace resilience and adaptability. “Entrepreneurship is a roller-coaster. The key is to embrace the challenges and learn from them. Resilience is everything in this journey,” Dr. Bitature reflects.
One of the greatest lessons she learned was the importance of pivoting after setbacks. “When Musana Carts didn’t secure the funding we wanted, it was a tough pill to swallow. But I learned that failure is just part of the process. It taught me to pivot and refine our approach. Innovation comes from setbacks,” she says with confidence.
Through her experiences, Dr. Bitature has developed a leadership style grounded in resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. “In leadership, it’s not just about making decisions; it’s about inspiring others to keep going even when things seem impossible. I’ve learned that resilience, adaptability, and staying focused on the bigger picture is what sets great leaders apart,” Dr. Bitature reflects.
A Vision for the Future: Impact and Empowerment
Looking ahead, Dr. Bitature remains committed to creating positive change through entrepreneurship. “The work is never done. My ventures—Musana Carts, HER Working Women, and Uketa—are only the beginning. I want to keep creating businesses that not only thrive but also make a difference,” she affirms.
Her ventures are dedicated to addressing some of Africa’s most pressing issues: sustainable economic development, women’s empowerment, and access to education. “I truly believe business can be a force for good, and my mission is to continue driving change through entrepreneurship,” Dr. Bitature concludes.
For young entrepreneurs, Dr. Bitature’s advice is simple yet profound: “Start with what you have, be open-minded, and learn along the way. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—just begin and adapt as you go.” Her story is a testament to the power of starting small and growing through resilience, innovation, and the desire to make a difference.