Kakungube’s Soap Business: Fostering Entrepreneurship in Uganda

Entrepreneurship is taking a new turn at Kakungube Secondary School, Uganda. After acquiring essential knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship, including saving, budgeting, market research, and problem-solving. Members of Asante Africa Foundation’s Youth Livelihood Program (YLP) club embarked on a transformative journey. 

Club members who had recently attended a workshop  on liquid soap production, decided to put their new-found skills to work by leveraging on the market gap in liquid soap production. They started by recognizing an unmet demand for liquid soap within their community, specifically at Kakungube Secondary School, which was followed by drafting out a strategic plan to kickstart the soap production business. 

The first step they took in moving the idea from paper to substance was by implementing a  funding strategy. This strategy required each member to contribute 1000 Ugandan Shillings per week. Although the task was daunting from the start, with determination, they each contributed successfully. 

Through their collaborative effort, they successfully  raised a total sum of 300,000 Ugandan Shillings. With this initial capital at hand, they launched their liquid soap business, providing a much-needed product that not only improved the hygiene within the school and the community, but also generated income for the club.

The success of their business has been evident through the positive impact seen in the school and community. By supplying liquid soap, the students have facilitated a significant improvement in cleanliness and sanitation, thereby contributing to the well-being of students, staff and the entire community. 

In addition to the social benefits, the business has proven to be financially lucrative, yielding a profit of 150,000 Ugandan Shillings so far. Looking towards the future, the members look forward to reinvesting their profits to further expand and develop the business, demonstrating their commitment to growth and sustainability. 

Each member continues to play a vital role in promoting and selling the liquid soap in their respective communities. This proactive approach to marketing and sales, has assisted the students to not only have achieved financial success but has also cultivated valuable entrepreneurial skills and a sense of ownership in their business endeavors. 

This exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship in driving positive change, both economically and socially. Through their innovation, dedication, and teamwork, these students have not only created a successful business but have also made a meaningful impact in the lives of their peers and the broader community.

The successful implementation of Asante Africa’s YLP initiative, presents us with yet another opportunity to overcome social prejudices, high unemployment rate, and ever-increasing rate of school dropouts in Uganda. It also proves that these issues can be curbed with intentional strategies if the required support is provided.