Matsiko Bridget is a 24-year-old mother of two from Muzaana Zone, Kikubamutwe – Kabalagala. She joined the SHE SOARS project after being informed by Mr. Frank Okuku, a Village Health Team (VHT) member in her community. 

At the time, Bridget was staying with her mother’s siblings. The household consisted of six people, and they often struggled to meet daily needs, especially food. 

Baseline Situation 

Before joining the program, Bridget had studied catering at Jimmy Ssekasi Institute, a course she was able to undertake through the support of her aunt. Despite completing the training, she could not start her own business immediately due to financial constraints. 

Through the SHE SOARS project, Bridget received further training sessions on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Youth Saving and Loan Association (YSLA), Selection, Planning and Management of business (SPM), a course that ignited her to start the porridge business. 

They taught us to be self-sufficient, how to take care of our health, and how to become financially independent. The support and guidance I received from the project gave me the motivation and confidence to start my own roadside food stall where I sell tea, porridge, and snacks in the morning and evening. I used my previous catering skills to get started. My small stall sits beside a relative’s shop who sells Irish potatoes and raw chicken to passersby. I have been operating it for a year now- She notes. 

Since she started her business, Bridget has experienced a shift towards economic stability.  

On a good day, I earn about 20,000 UGX in the morning hours. But on a bad day, my earnings can drop to as low as 3,000 UGX during the day and 6,000 UGX in the evening. Even with these ups and downs, my business has helped me cover my basic expenses.

Some of the challenges she faces include customers not paying or stealing her cups, which affects her operations.  

She has successfully reinvested in her growing business by purchasing mandazi and bread at a wholesale price to boost her profits. Her income now enables her to contribute to her two children’s school fees and cover household utilities.  

ROM has given us hope through the SHE SOARS Project. Even if there is a problem, I have something to hold on to. In the next three years, I aspire to transition from my roadside business to owning a fully established restaurant. The foundation that the project has given me has ignited my confidence and determination to make this dream a reality,” She concludes.