Kemirimo Joan started staying in Mbarara City in 2022, she hails from Rukungiri, she had no idea that my life would take a dramatic turn. she came to work as a housemaid, hoping for a better life. But after two months, I gave birth and was kicked out by my employer, who refused to let me stay, claiming she couldn’t live with a maid who had just given birth. She pleaded with her to allow me to stay a little longer to recover from childbirth, but she showed no compassion and insisted she must leave.
In that difficult time, a neighbour, a member of the National Slum Dwellers Federation of Uganda, came to her aid. She saw the conflict between her and the employer and intervened. She was then taken in by the federation leader, however, despite the kindness shown to her, she still had to find a way to support herself and her child, she started doing laundry door-to-door – washing clothes for anyone who could pay me. Some people who looked at me as a beggar gave me as little as 1,000 shillings, others 5,000 shillings, but she kept going, hustling every day to earn whatever I could, she later joined Abakundine saving group where she could save her money.
Her story took a turn when the Federation’s regional leaders approached her in her saving group, Abakundine saving groups with an unexpected opportunity – she was to receive a hairdressing training, she was taken to Joel’s Salon in Mbarara City, where she was trained for six months. Joel, a skilled hairdresser, taught her not just the craft but also advised her to stay focused and avoid negative influences like alcohol, smoking, and bad peer pressure. She exclaimed, “hairdressing has always been my dream, and I gave it my all, I mastered the skills, and I will forever be grateful to the Federation for this life-changing opportunity.”
After completing the training, the Federation leaders assessed her skills; she demonstrated what she had learned, even offering to style their hair to prove her abilities. Then, they surprised her by giving her a startup kit- a complete set of tools and money she needed to begin working. “I was nervous at first about how I would afford the equipment, but I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and hope, for the first time, I had the tools to start my own business.”
Her life began to transform in ways she had never imagined. She said, “I now have a full salon setup, with equipment such as a dryer, shampoo, hair cleaning detergents, and even a sewing machine that I bought to help support my family back home. I use my earnings to support her children and save. She has embarked on training other young people in hairdressing, so they too can eventually receive their own startup kits.”
However, she expressed that her journey was not yet complete. “I am asking for support to relocate my salon, as it is currently on the outskirts of town with very few customers. I would also appreciate help getting a hair-cutting machine for both men and women, as well as startup kits for the youth I am training, who lack the resources to start their own businesses.”
“I want to thank the Federation so much for everything they’ve done. The impact they’ve had on my life has been transformational. You’ve not only helped me rebuild my life, but you’ve empowered me to pay it forward and help others in the community. Thank you for being the light in my journey.”
Written by Abera Diana – Know your City TV Mbarara Uganda
