By Boaz Namanya
apearlnews.com
Since 2019, COVID-19 is still hurting the world economy and it is a pandemic causing giant distractions to life and livelihoods as well as social and economic systems in the world.
This virus has triggered a substantial short-term economic contraction, shuttered many firms, whether big or small, thrown tens of millions out of work, and has other effects on business activities.
However, to prevent unemployment, poverty rates from further skyrocketing during any time, small and medium enterprises around the globe have played a crucial role and others still can pick up.
Francis Turigye Xavier a 27-year-old who lives in Kambuga Township in Kanungu district south western Uganda managed to beat all odds during the COVID-19 lock-down to strategize and keep his leather tanning shop (Western Hills Leather Products) operating.
With a start up capital of Ugx3m, Francis who had for long aspired to start up a Leather tanning business shifted from passion fruit growing to venture into his initial dream business. “I had always thought about this business idea given that it’s the first of its kind in the entire district” reveals Francis.
He noted that most of the leather products that have been circulating in the district are usually supplied by Congolese and Karimajong especially during weekly markets. “So I thought it a fine idea if I start small as I market my brand and grow the business” adds Francis.
Francis who had taken enough time to conduct online research and reading notes especially on Leather business, decided to start from the little he had collected from passion fruit business. “You don’t need a ton of cash to start a business because even the he sums without enough market research, you might end up messing the whole thing” says Francis.
With his knowledge from Burora Technical College, Francis also trains youths and other people interested in venturing into the business.
“I realized that this would be a great start for many youths around since most of them are unemployed to join in, gain knowledge and can start up their own thing” noted Francis.
Twinomugisha Melek-Zedek one of the youth trained by Francis and now working in the tanning shop says it’s been a great experience and opportunity to gain more business ideas. “When COVID-19 came, I wanted to join a technical college and train in tailoring and garment cutting but all the plans were curtailed by the pandemic” says Joseph.
Zedek adds that “however, when I joined Francis’ team, I only wanted to be practicing so that when I get to college I exude more experience but this leather shop has changed my life completely and many gains already.” Joseph now wants to work and save more so that he can start up his own leather tanning shop in the future.
Tugeineyo Beatrace another youth who was working in a shop in Kihihi town council in Kanungu district and has also trained from Francis’ shop shares the same story of how it has greatly changed her life.
“During the lockdown, my mother brought me here so that I can train and gain some skills and stop being idle at home given the bad outcomes that came with the lockdown like teenage pregnancies” says Judith.
Judith notes that since joining the team, a lot has changed and she is proud to share her knowledge with fresh trainees. “Besides being paid for working here, I feel proud teaching other trainees and enriched that I can also do something I am proud of” she adds.
Francis has also organized the youths in the business area to start up a savings group named Kayanga Young Entrepreneurs to always boost their businesses.
“Like many other people have it, also thought it wise organizing my fellow youths who are fresh in business to start up a savings group where members can always borrow and boost their businesses and return the money for others who need it to also take and use it” he says.
“It’s our money so we can get it anytime provided it’s available however small it is because we started saving as little as twenty thousand shillings each member” adds Francis.
From trading in the Kanungu weekly markets, Francis is also working hard to expand his market base from his town of operation to Kampala and he believes he will achieve it.
“I do most of the business transactions via social media especially whatsapp and it’s working out greatly” he revealed. He shares a message of inspiration for the youth never to give up on their dreams regardless of the crises.
Among other things Francis has ventured into are making leather belts, book building, leather bags and key holders.
“As we do all this, my target is on the learning institutions and places of worship so that one day we can be contracted to supply them our products.” Says Francis. He also looks at expanding the youth skilling and entering production of other leather items of every kind.
With all the strides to grow, Francis shared some of the problems encountered especially during and after the lockdown.
“My team and I were arrested around five times whenever we were found working during the day because they had shut down all the non-essential businesses so what we would do was locking ourselves inside and start working on our products” revealed Francis.
He adds that limited resources like money to make more orders for material from Kampala, small working space and location are also hindering their growth. However, he believes patience, hard work and determination will enable him achieve his target goals.
Alexander Kyokwijuka a business consultant and financial literacy trainer says many people start businesses without doing enough research of the kind of business they are going to do.
“They start business to survive because they realize that they have money but without finding out the dos, don’ts and crises that might come along”, adds Kyokwijuka.
“People should understand that crises like COVID-19 and the new normal it has brought, it is important they appreciate that they need to seek to do business the way they were doing it before the advent of COVID-19” says Kyokwijuka.
He also advised that people venturing into business should embrace digital communication and venture into new business technologies and models that will help reshape their businesses.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Boaz Namanya and do not reflect the views of the European Union.
