“I started my business journey by roasting and selling maize on the streets with a very small capital of just UGX 5,000 ($1.42). At the beginning, I had very little money, but I was determined to make the most of the opportunity I had. I worked hard every day, carefully managed the little income I earned, and made it a priority to save part of my profits instead of spending everything.
As my savings grew, I began to see new opportunities. Through consistent saving and careful planning, I was eventually able to move beyond roasting maize and start a charcoal business. This was an important step for me because it gave me an opportunity to build a more reliable and sustainable source of income.
Today, I earn more than UGX 20,000 ($6) per day. Although my business is still growing, the progress I have made from starting with only UGX 5,000 has made a big difference in my life. What began as a small street business has developed into a source of income that helps me meet my daily needs, support myself, and look forward to a better future.
One of the things that contributed greatly to my progress was the entrepreneurship training I received through the Slum Life Survival (SLS) Youth Programme. Before the training, I had limited knowledge about how to properly manage a small business. The training helped me understand important business skills such as financial management, saving, planning, identifying opportunities, and making better decisions with the resources available to me.
The training also changed the way I think about my future. I learned that having little capital does not necessarily mean that I cannot start or grow a business. What matters is knowing how to use the resources available, being disciplined with money, saving consistently, and being willing to learn and work hard.
The knowledge and confidence I gained through the SLS Youth Programme encouraged me to think beyond simply earning money each day. I began thinking about how I could use my small business to create a more stable livelihood and gradually grow my income.
I am very grateful to Slum Life Survival (SLS) for giving me the entrepreneurship skills, knowledge, and encouragement that have helped me move forward. My journey has taught me that success does not always begin with a large amount of money. Sometimes, it begins with a small opportunity, determination, discipline, hard work, and the willingness to save and learn.
Starting with only UGX 5,000 and reaching a daily income of more than UGX 20,000 has shown me that small beginnings can lead to meaningful change. I believe that with continued hard work, good financial management, and the skills I have gained, I can grow my business further and create an even better future for myself.”
— Kabugo Steven, Entrepreneur
