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This week, MTN Uganda, the largest telco, announced they are rolling out its Chief Community Officer initiative, a network of nationwide community leaders who will work together with MTN to build stronger connections between MTN and the communities it serves. By doing so, MTN hopes to create a better future for its customers, the communities and Uganda, that we all call home. In the same vein, the telco seeks to identify, recognise and celebrate business leaders and hustlers, doing their best to change their lives and those of the people around them.
Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, together with Joseph Bogera, the MTN Uganda General Manager – Sales & Distribution and David Nsiyona, the just-appointed Chief Community Officer for the Busoga area visited and recognised some of the business communities in Jinja that are helping transform lives.
“We are committed to listening to our customers and developing strategies that help them to continue doing great things in their businesses,” Somdev, remarked.
Some of the businesses visited included The Tusakimu Association’s thriving youth-led enterprise at the Rippon Landing site in Jinja, as well as selected youthful tailors at the Jinja Central Market.
But who are these businesses that are making a difference in Jinja City?
The Tusakimu Association at the Rippon Landing Site in Jinja
The Tusakimu Association is a beacon of hope for the youth of Jinja, Uganda. Born out of the Jinja Youth Development Association in 2012, this dynamic organisation is the brainchild of Mr. Kirunda Mubarak and his Deputy Chair, Mr. Abudalah Wanume. Together, they have built a thriving community of entrepreneurs that empowers young people to take charge of their future.
Their journey began with a bold vision to transform the fishing industry at the Rippon landing site, near the Source of the Nile. Despite facing stiff competition from Chinese and Indian fish companies, Mr. Mubarak approached Jinja Municipal Council and secured land for the Tusakimu Association. They wasted no time in setting up a docking area for fishing boats, but when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and faced with reducing fish stocks in the lake, they were forced to pivot and find new opportunities.
Undeterred, they harnessed their entrepreneurial spirit and turned to sand mining and passenger transport across the lake. They even started delivering fish by boda boda to the market and other customers, as well as using trucks to transport sand to building sites. With over 260 youth on their team, they have set up five departments, including fishermen, fishmongers, carpentry, sand miners, and transporters. Each department is led by skilled and dedicated young people who are paid fair wages and given opportunities to grow and learn.
For instance, the sand miners team consists of eight youths who are responsible for loading and offloading sand. They earn a wage of 500,000/= per trip, which helps them support their families and build a better future for themselves.
But the Tusakimu Association is more than just a business venture. They have set aside an area for a beach football pitch and are in the advanced stages of setting it up. This will provide a space for the community to come together, socialise, and enjoy some entertainment.
They have asked MTN to assist with securing goalposts and a net around the small pitch, helping to bring even more joy and excitement to the area.
In a world where young people are often overlooked and undervalued, the Tusakimu Association stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when they are given the chance to shine. With their determination, creativity, and passion, they are building a brighter future for themselves and their community.
The tailors at the Jinja Central Market
Step into the bustling Jinja Central Market, which has been a cornerstone of the Busoga community since the 1950s. Over the years, it has had a tremendous economic impact on the community, providing opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive.
One of the most vibrant sections of the market is the tailoring section, which represents the heart of the hustling community. As early as 6:00 am, the section is already buzzing with activity as tailors and seamstresses set up shop for the day. They work tirelessly until 8:00 pm, six days a week, showcasing their craft and creating stunning pieces for their customers.
Walking through the market, you can see the colourful fabrics lining the walls of the tailoring section, and the sounds of sewing machines fill the air as the tailors work their magic. Their dedication to their craft is evident in the quality of their work, and it’s clear to see that they take great pride in what they do.
The Jinja Central Market is a true reflection of the resilience and determination of the Busoga community, and the tailoring section is a shining example of the hustle and bustle that makes the market such a vibrant and special place.
Joanita Namaganda, 24
Joanita Namaganda, a 24-year-old senior six-leaver, is a true testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Jinja’s young population. Her passion for tailoring and fashion led her to the bustling Jinja Central Market, where she has been making her mark for the past two years.
Joanita learned the art of tailoring from her mother, who works alongside her in the market. Every day, Joanita rises early to ensure she is at her workstation by 6:30 am, and stays until 8:30 pm, six days a week. Her dedication and hard work have paid off, as she has managed to save up enough money to purchase an ordinary sewing machine for UGX300,000, which has helped her to increase her output.
Joanita is now focused on taking her business to the next level and has set her sights on purchasing an electric sewing machine for UGX750,000. With the new machine, she can produce high-quality garments at a faster pace, which will allow her to increase her profits. She has already made a deposit of UGX100,000 in Kampala and is determined to save the remaining amount as soon as possible.
Despite the long hours, Joanita takes pride in her work and is committed to delivering the best quality garments to her clients. She has been able to build a loyal customer base, and her daily average gross of UGX40,000 yields her a net profit of 30%. Joanita’s story is a shining example of how determination and hard work can lead to success, and her commitment to her craft serves as an inspiration to other young people in Jinja.
Isaac Tefuula, 25
Isaac Tefuula is a young man with a passion for tailoring that burns brightly in his heart. At just 25 years old, he has already spent three years honing his craft in the bustling markets of Walukuba, Uganda. But for Isaac, tailoring is more than just a job – it’s a legacy that he inherited from his father, Fred Tefuula, who taught him everything he knows. Fred has been a tailor in the Jinja Central Market for 30 years.
Isaac is not content to simply rest on his laurels. He is a natural leader and has become a youth mobiliser for the Jinja Market Youth Tailors Association. With a team of 25 members and three elders, they meet every Monday at 5:00 pm on Nizam Road to share ideas, and techniques and support each other in their craft. For Isaac, this is more than just a club – it’s a community of like-minded individuals who share his passion for tailoring.
But despite his talent and dedication, Isaac knows that there is always more to learn. That’s why he and his team are seeking training and enrolment into tailor and design schools. They want to improve their skills, learn new techniques, and gain access to the latest tools and technology in the field. With this knowledge, they can take their craft to the next level and create even more beautiful and intricate designs.
Isaac dreams of one day owning his own tailoring shop, where he can share his passion with the world and create beautiful garments that will stand the test of time. And with his talent, dedication, and leadership skills, there is no doubt that he will achieve his goal. For Isaac, tailoring is not just a job or a hobby – it’s a way of life, and he is proud to be a part of the vibrant and creative community of tailors in Jinja, Uganda.
William Musisi Bategeka, 27
William Musisi, is a 27-year-old tailor extraordinaire who has operated in the Jinja market for the past 7 years. William’s journey in the fashion industry began by selling second-hand clothes in the market. However, he didn’t stop there, he acquired a sewing machine and started sewing as well. William’s passion for fashion led him to enrol in a 2-year tailoring diploma course at The Answer Foundation Institute located in Wakitaka on Kamuli road.
At the institute, William is developing skills in fashion and design, with a special focus on African wear and the Bitengi fabric. He has two semesters to go and is already making beautiful jackets that catch the eye. However, each semester costs him UGX600,000, and this is where he needs help.
With his talent and dedication, William hopes to one day, make a name for himself in the fashion industry.
Elisha Balabyekubo, 28
Elisha Balabyekubo is a 28-year-old tailor extraordinaire with a heart for teaching and empowering the youth. Despite dropping out of school due to financial constraints, Elisha has not let his dreams be limited. He hails from Mafubira, subs county, and has been a tailor for several years now.
Elisha’s passion for tailoring was fuelled by watching Pastor Robert Mugote, who works just a few meters away from his workshop. From humble beginnings, Elisha has grown his business and is now able to employ three other individuals, thereby creating employment opportunities for his community.
But Elisha’s vision does not stop there. He wants to expand his business even further and has set his sights on securing six more sewing machines to increase productivity. Additionally, he dreams of setting up a training school in the Mafubira trading centre, on the outskirts of Jinja, to impart his skills and knowledge to the younger generation.
Elisha is a shining example of how hard work and determination can overcome obstacles. He is an inspiration to many in his community, and his dedication to empowering others through tailoring is truly commendable.