Euro Gold Refinery boss Benard Feni honoured for innovation, community impact

The founder and chief executive officer of Euro Gold Refinery, Benard Feni, has been recognised for his role in driving entrepreneurship and community development in Uganda.

Feni, also known as Mungu Feni, received the Best Innovative and Extraordinary Entrepreneur 2026 award from the Uganda National Innovative Graduates Wealth Creation Association (UNIGWA).

The award highlights his contribution to business growth, job creation and social impact.

Presenting the award, UNIGWA president Kiwanuka David praised Feni’s leadership and vision.

“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 the association recognises individuals who are making a real difference in Uganda through innovation and enterprise.

In his remarks, Feni welcomed the recognition, saying it serves as motivation for young people.

“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.

“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.”

Feni’s recognition comes as Euro Gold Refinery expands its role in Uganda’s mineral value addition efforts.

The company has invested in refining technology and skills development to ensure more value is retained within the country rather than exporting raw gold.

Euro Gold Refinery is also working with local mining groups. It has supported artisan miners in Abim to obtain licences and signed agreements with groups such as Mubende United Miners Association to refine gold to 99.9 per cent purity.

The company has also secured a mining licence in Yumbe, where it promotes responsible mining and formalisation of the sector.

More than 70 per cent of the company’s workforce is made up of Ugandans trained to meet international standards.

Beyond business, Feni runs the Mungu Feni Foundation, which focuses on youth empowerment, education and community support.

The foundation has led several programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and supporting vulnerable groups.

The organisation has received regional recognition, including being named Best Community Transformation Organisation in East Africa. It has also won multiple awards in West Nile for its work in community development.

Feni has also been recognised in the creative sector, winning Best New Star Gospel Artist at the Shining Stars Africa Awards 2025/2026 in Rwanda.