Ugandan female, Sandra Zawedde, has been recognized with an ‘Excellence in Infrastructure Development’ Award by the Grow, Unite and Build Africa (GUBA).
GUBA this year sought to celebrate historical heroes within African communities under the theme ‘Ndabaga – Drumbeat of Dreamers and Legends’. The Awards recognized the power of determination and focus. The story of Ndabaga is a keystone of Rwandan folklore representing bravery and determination.
Now is the time to celebrate courage and recognize the achievements of African role models both on the continent and in the diaspora, so that we, as Africans, can tell our own stories.
The awardees were recognized for being consistent, persistent and showing great courage within their various fields.
The ceremony, which was held on September 29, 2022 at the Intare Conference Arena in Rwanda, Kigali, was the 13th edition of GUBA Awards.
Madam Zawedde, was regarded by the GUBA Awards Committee as one of the few infrastructure champions across Africa, whose efforts and contributions are positively changing the infrastructural landscape in her native country Uganda, and the continent.
Receiving the award at the ceremony, she said, “I thank God Almighty for aligning opportunities and for the grace to achieve. I would like to thank GUBA awards selection committee for encouraging and recognizing African excellence. I thank God for my parents who have always believed in me and demonstrated that by educating the girl child.”
“I also want to thank all those who have supported me in one way or the other, and believed in the vision that Africa’s infrastructure can be improved for overall development.” Madam Zawedde stated.
Commenting on the award, GUBA Enterprise CEO and Founder, Dentaa Amoateng MBE said, “Sandra’s passion and commitment for improved infrastructure both in Africa is something that must be recognized and celebrated.”
“GUBA celebrates excellence across all fields and the housing sector which forms part of Goal 11 of the SDGs, envisioning access to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services by 2030 critically falls within what Sandra is pursuing. GUBA is proud of her efforts and achievements”. Lady Dentaa added.
Brief profile of Madam Zawedde and East of Eden (U) Ltd
As the Chairperson of East of Eden (U) Ltd, an organization that promotes innovative, sustainable and affordable construction solutions along the housing value chain, East of Eden (U) Ltd is a major player in ensuring that the housing gap of over 50 million units in Africa is met.
Sandra’s contribution to housing development started at age 18, when she founded Habitat for Humanity’s youth chapter in Uganda, which at the time was the only existing African Habitat Youth Chapter. She has for over 15 years continued to contribute to Africa’s development.
Key personalities who were awarded at this year’s ceremony, include, Grammy Awards CEO, Harvey Mason Jr, (Entertainment Mogul Award), Director General of WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Exceptional Leadership in Global Health Award), youngest student admitted into medical school, Alena Analeigh McQuarter, (Young Achiever Award), President of Basketball Africa League, Amadou Gallo Fall (Sporting Excellence Award), Attorney General of Minnesota, Keith Ellison (Legal Excellence Award), Kenya’s first female Neurosurgeon, Dr Sylvia Shitsama Nyamweya, Travel blogger and vlogger, Wode Maya (Tourism Excellence Award), among many others.
Designed to highlight the most inspirational and trailblazing individuals within Africa and its diaspora community, the GUBA Awards continue to gain endorsements from high-profile figures such as H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo (President of Ghana), H.E Jean-Claude Kassi Brou (The President of the ECOWAS Commission), Director General of United Nations World Trade Organization, WTO – Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and more.
Some past winners, who have received recognition from GUBA include Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr. Natalia Kanem, Dr. Diane Karusisi, Vice President Epsy Campbell Barr, Sir Sam Jonah (Executive Chairman, Jonah Capital), and Cherie Blair (Barrister, Writer) Patrick Awuah (Founder of Ashesi University), Former Chief Marketing Officer of Netflix, Bozoma Saint John and CEO of Sundial Brands Richileu Dennis among several high profile individuals.
