The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
By Agnes E. Nantaba
Joanita Nakigudde, a graduate of Art and Design from Kyambogo University, makes a range of craft products from maize corns and other waste products. She started off by making curtains for her university in 2012, which made her passion for the business grow. With Shs 500, 000 as capital, Nakigudde sourced a machine that makes the corns into fine products. Since then, Nakigudde opened up to make more products including shoes, key holders and jewelry. With the business, she employs up to ten youths, which she says has helped to reduce youth unemployment in her area. “The business equips youths with life-building skills that not only make them earn money but also saves the environment,” says Nakigudde. A key holder, which costs Shs 1,500, is the cheapest among her products.
Success tips; understand the business, keep records
Nakigudde stresses the need for understanding the basics of the business to avoid pushing for a wrong business idea. “Capital is not the biggest hindrance to starting and managing a business. Rather, people should be innovative and keep detailed records for input to the business and what it produces,” she adds. She says record keeping helps to indicate whether the business has shortfalls or is making progress depending on the revenue. As the business grows, Nakigudde is working towards procuring more machines for mass production.
