Makerere University students Omega Mirembe and Isaac Wanjala who have established a shoe manufacturing company have surprised the university Vice chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe with free pairs of shoes.
Miremebe, who is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics was forced to start making shoes after her father denied her and refused to cater for her education. The innovative young entrepreneur had to find a way of staying in school after she realized that both her parents cannot afford to pay her tuition.
The 23-year-old Bachelor of Arts in Economics student secured a small loan (UGX 200,000) from a friend and started her shoe making business in 2018 which helped her to pay for her tuition as well as catering for other needs. Mirembe, who has tasted the fruits of owning her own business vowed not to be employed.
“I dint know so much about my father but then I started to know him, I used to check on him and tell him I need his support at campus, but then he denied me,” Mirembe said while appearing on NTV Tonight in March 2021.
With their brand name Ffena, Mirembe and her friend decided to divert some of their profits to helping other young people who are going through what she experienced. Mirembe plans to equip more young people with shoe making skills in a bid to earn a living and make a difference in society.
“I have received two wonderful pairs of shoes from two Makerere University students, Omega Mirembe and Isaac Wanjala who have established a shoe manufacturing company. I congratulate the young entrepreneurs for showing the way.” Nawangwe posted on his social platforms.
Like any business, Ffena is affected by limited working space as well as capital, according to Mirembe.
