From Redundancy to Bag Manufacturing Success
Joakim Ssebunya in his shop in Kampala | Photo: Immanuel Henock
By Michael Pallangyo
Joakim’s Journey of Resilience and Empowerment
In the hub of the bustling streets of Kampala, where aspirations wrestle with adversity, a 28-year-old Ugandan artisan has embroidered a tale of adaptability and artistry that illuminates the metamorphic influence of perseverance and community support. Meet Joakim, a spirited individual whose story echoes the trials and triumphs faced by multitudes during the turbulent times of the COVID-19 outbreak.
When the pandemic swept across the globe, leaving a wake of economic uncertainty, Joakim found himself among the throngs of individuals grappling with sudden unemployment. Amidst the suffocating confines of Uganda’s lockdowns, rather than succumb to the ordeal of job loss, he immersed himself in the intricate artistry of leather bag-making armed only with a modest sewing machine.
Fuelled by an unrelenting determination and an innate passion for artisanal craftsmanship, Joakim forged ahead into what was, for him, an unchartered domain of entrepreneurship. The early days were fraught with challenges as he wrestled with the intricacies of the trade, but hope arrived when he was initiated by a friend to USSIA—the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association.
Through USSIA, Joakim garnered not just tutelage, but a lifeline that breathed life into his budding business. Equipped with newfound insights into bookkeeping, tax management, and invaluable contact building opportunities, Joakim’s horizons expanded exponentially. ‘Through USSIA, I have been introduced to many people, and my network has grown, and it has impacted my business,’ Joakim remarks.
“Through USSIA, I have been introduced to many people, and my network has grown, and it has impacted my business”
“Through USSIA, I have been introduced to many people, and my network has grown, and it has impacted my business”
Joakim Ssebunya
Networking proved to be a catalyst, propelling his handiwork into the spotlight, and nurturing his burgeoning clientele. With the winds of change at his back, Joakim’s once fledgling venture soared. What started as a one-man undertaking has puffed into a thriving enterprise. Energised by his resolute devotion, the revenue surge paved the path for the acquisition of a second machine—an emblem of his growing success. Not content with his own achievements, Joakim extended a hand, providing employment to another, stitching the threads of enfranchisement within his community.
Yet, Joakim’s aspirations extend beyond personal accomplishments. With an altruistic spirit, he endeavours to share his craft, offering guidance to those seeking a means of livelihood via the production of fashionable leather carryalls. His vision transcends mere business; it embodies a narrative of empowerment and communal upliftment.
As the rhythmic hum of his machines fills the air, Joakim stands firm—a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the catalytic power of fortitude and suitable backing. With unwavering resolve and a heart brimming with compassion, he not only stitches bags but also weaves dreams for a brighter, more ensured future.
