Being an orphan inspired Namata to start a chicken roasting business

At 28, Irene Namata has gone through various challenges. She was orphaned at 12 and has done many odd jobs to make ends meet.

Today, she runs a small chicken roasting business in Kira Municipality from which she has registered some modest achievements.

With no immediate family to lean on, she relied on distant relatives and her wits to navigate life. After completing her secondary education with support from a charity, she faced the harsh reality of surviving without further financial aid.

“I knew I had to fend for myself,” Irene says, her voice steady with resolve.

“That’s when I decided to learn how to roast chicken. I’d seen how popular it was, and I figured people always need food, no matter what.”

With savings from odd jobs and a small loan from a local SACCO, she bought her first grill, a sack of charcoal, and a few kilograms of chicken.

In 2019, she set up her first stall by the roadside, working tirelessly to perfect her recipes and build a loyal customer base.

Today, she is a prominent person in Kira trading centre and her chicken business has grown by leaps and bounds.

Challenges

Namata’s path has been anything but smooth. The COVID-19 pandemic hit her budding business hard. Lockdowns meant fewer customers and dwindling income. “I would sometimes go days without making enough to buy the next day’s stock,” she recalls. Yet, she refused to quit, using the little she had to keep her business afloat.

Beyond financial hurdles, she has faced gender-based challenges. In a predominantly male-dominated roadside vending space, she has had to assert herself repeatedly.

 “Some people didn’t take me seriously at first. Others thought I wouldn’t last because I’m a woman,” she says. Her resilience and work ethic, however, have silenced doubters.

Additionally, Namata has to contend with the high cost of inputs, unpredictable weather that sometimes disrupts business, and occasional harassment from local authorities.

Despite these challenges, she maintains an optimistic outlook. “Every problem has a solution if you’re willing to think and work hard,” she notes.

Achievements

Over the years, Namata’s hard work has paid off. What started as a single grill operation has now grown into a recognized roadside eatery frequented by locals and travelers. She has also employed two assistants to help with the increasing demand, a move she considers one of her proudest achievements.

Her income has enabled her to rent a modest house in Kira, support her younger siblings through school, and reinvest in her business. “I may not have millions, but I am content with the progress I have made,” she says with a smile.

Advice to young people

Namata is passionate about inspiring others, particularly young girls who may find themselves in challenging circumstances.

“Being an orphan taught me that no one owes you anything. You must create your own opportunities,” she says.

Her advice to young people is to focus on skill acquisition and not to shy away from starting small. “Don’t wait for the perfect moment or big capital to start a business. Use what you have and grow from there,” she says.

To girls, she emphasizes self-reliance and resilience. “The world isn’t always kind to women, but you can rise above stereotypes and prove people wrong. Believe in yourself and your abilities,” she says.

She dreams of expanding her business into a fully-fledged restaurant one day. She also hopes to mentor other young entrepreneurs, particularly girls, to help them navigate the challenges of starting and sustaining businesses.