As Uganda’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) gears up for its Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections, the race for the National Chairperson of the NRM Entrepreneur’s League is heating up, with Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba emerging as the standout candidate.
A seasoned businessman, educationist, and long-serving league chair, Basajjabalaba’s proven leadership, entrepreneurial acumen, and dedication to empowering Uganda’s business community make him the ideal choice to steer the league toward greater heights.
A Profile of Resilience and Achievement
Born on June 4, 1967, in Bushenyi District, Western Uganda, Hassan Basajjabalaba hails from a prominent Banyankole Muslim family.
His father, Idd Basajjabalaba, was a respected landowner and businessman involved in cattle keeping, farming, and hide exports.
Following his father’s untimely death in the early 1980s, a young Hassan left secondary school to take over the family business during a turbulent period marked by Uganda’s political upheaval.
This early responsibility forged his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, qualities that define his career today.
Basajjabalaba went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Management, and a Ph.D. in Business Administration, blending academic rigor with practical experience.
In 1986, he founded the HABA Group of Companies, which has grown from a trading firm into a conglomerate with interests in real estate, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and hospitality, valued at an estimated $520 million.
His flagship achievement is Kampala International University (KIU), established in 2001, now one of East Africa’s largest private universities, educating over 20,000 students across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
On February 22, 2025, Basajjabalaba’s contributions to education were recognized globally when he received the African Educationist of the Year award at the 14th African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Ceremony in Casablanca, Morocco.
His work has not only shaped future leaders but also created thousands of jobs, cementing his reputation as a transformative figure in Uganda’s economic landscape.
A devout Muslim, Basajjabalaba has also been active in community leadership, though his tenure as a member of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) General Assembly faced challenges, including a controversial disqualification in 2023 over alleged election irregularities, which he contested in court.
Despite such setbacks, his commitment to service remains unwavering.
Why Basajjabalaba is the Best Candidate for NRM Entrepreneur’s League Chairperson
The NRM Entrepreneur’s League is tasked with mobilizing and supporting Uganda’s business community, advocating for policies that foster innovation, and empowering SMEs to drive economic growth.
As the incumbent chairperson, Basajjabalaba has dismissed reports of stepping down and is actively campaigning to retain his position, bringing unmatched experience and a bold vision to the role.
Here’s why he stands out:
1. Unparalleled Entrepreneurial Success
Basajjabalaba’s journey from managing a family business to building the HABA Group and KIU showcases his ability to turn vision into reality.
His enterprises have created thousands of jobs, particularly for youth, addressing Uganda’s 13% youth unemployment rate.
“Dr. Basajjabalaba doesn’t just talk about entrepreneurship—he lives it,” said Miriam Kansiime, a Kampala-based startup founder.
His success offers a blueprint for the league’s members, inspiring confidence in his ability to guide entrepreneurs toward sustainable growth.
2. Proven Leadership in the NRM
As the current National Chairperson of the Entrepreneur’s League, Basajjabalaba has championed initiatives that align with the NRM’s economic agenda, including the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga program.
His tenure has seen increased support for SME financing and mentorship programs, particularly in rural areas.
His re-election bid is backed by his track record of mobilizing entrepreneurs to support NRM’s vision, as evidenced by his endorsement of President Yoweri Museveni as the party’s 2026 presidential candidate during a 2022 event in Bushenyi.
3. Commitment to Education and Skills Development
Entrepreneurship thrives on innovation, and Basajjabalaba’s leadership at KIU demonstrates his dedication to equipping Uganda’s youth with relevant skills.
KIU’s programs in business, technology, and entrepreneurship have empowered graduates to launch startups, contributing to Uganda’s growing creative economy.
As league chairperson, he plans to expand partnerships with educational institutions to provide tailored training for entrepreneurs, ensuring they are competitive in global markets.
4. Navigating Controversy with Resilience
Basajjabalaba’s career has not been without challenges. In 2012, allegations surfaced that he provided funds to an opposition party official, which he denied, and in 2020, Bushenyi NRM members petitioned President Museveni, accusing him of voter bribery and divisive conduct during party primaries.
Basajjabalaba dismissed these claims, emphasizing his commitment to fair elections and party unity.
His ability to weather such controversies, including his 2023 UMSC disqualification, underscores his resilience—a critical trait for leading a diverse league in a politically charged environment.
5. A Vision for Inclusive Growth
Basajjabalaba’s manifesto for the 2025 CEC elections focuses on inclusivity, innovation, and impact.
He proposes a national entrepreneurship fund to provide low-interest loans to SMEs, a digital platform to connect entrepreneurs with investors, and advocacy for tax breaks for startups.
His roots in Bushenyi ensure a focus on rural entrepreneurs, while his global recognition positions him to attract international partnerships.
“Uganda’s entrepreneurs are our economic backbone,” he said at a recent NRM rally in Mbarara.
“The league will empower them to compete globally while staying true to our roots.”
Community Endorsement
Basajjabalaba’s candidacy has garnered strong support from Uganda’s business community.
“He’s a leader who understands the struggles of starting small and scaling big,” said Joseph Okello, a Gulu-based agribusiness owner.
His ties to influential figures, including Speaker Anita Among, a former KIU lecturer, highlight his ability to build networks that benefit entrepreneurs.
Even critics acknowledge his impact, with one opposition member noting, “Love him or not, Basajjabalaba gets results.”
Looking Ahead
As the NRM CEC elections approach, Basajjabalaba’s blend of experience, resilience, and forward-thinking vision makes him the clear choice for National Chairperson of the Entrepreneur’s League.
His leadership promises to strengthen the league’s role in driving Uganda’s economic transformation, ensuring that entrepreneurs—from Kampala’s bustling markets to Bushenyi’s rural farms—have the tools to succeed.
With Basajjabalaba at the helm, the NRM Entrepreneur’s League is poised to lead Uganda into a new era of prosperity.
There is no doubt , the abilities speak themselves and are seen by everyone surely. We need such people in our countries
National Entrepreneurship League for Basajjabalaba. He has touched lives of many biological and none biological. He loves seeing many educated through his Chairman’s scholarship at KIU.
Long live Dr. Hassan Basajjabala
Thank so much sir