From School Dropout to Self-Employed: Alex's Journey

Alex's journey began in early 2000s when he was a young boy from a humble family, determined to acquire an education. This period saw the northern part of Uganda grappling with the aftermath of a devastating insurgency that had claimed numerous lives. Alex's pursuit of education was far from effortless, given his parents' limited means to afford high-quality schools, compounded by the substantial number of siblings he had.

Upon completing his Senior Six education, Alex found himself unable to proceed to university, necessitating his rise to the occasion to secure meaningful employment. This was crucial not only for his own sustenance but also to ensure the continued education of his siblings. Thus, he embarked on a journey of self-employment.

Leveraging skills he had acquired through self-teaching, Alex established a modest photo studio, which subsequently evolved into a thriving stationery shop located in Gulu, in the northern region of the country. What began as a small enterprise centered around a printer has now expanded into a venture that provides employment to two individuals. His aspirations extend beyond this point, as he envisions further growth for his enterprise in the times ahead.

At present, Alex is servicing a loan valued at UGX 20,000,000/$5,370 USD, a sum he utilized to acquire a highly specialized printing machine. Buoyed by optimism and with the prospect of support from VisionFund Uganda, he aims to secure a commercial vehicle for one of his brothers, thereby augmenting their collective income. Additionally, he remains committed to facilitating the education of his five siblings who are currently attending school, ensuring they receive an education of commendable quality.