KAMPALA – In a departure from the past, Chinese companies in Uganda have emerged as a beacon of opportunity, particularly for women seeking employment and a better life.
At the Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, located on the outskirts of Mbale City, women are redefining their futures and proving that hard work, determination, and resilience can lead to success.
Leah E. Mukoya, a hotel manager at White House Hotel within the industrial park, is a testament to the opportunities available. Mukoya began as a janitor in 2022 but was soon recognized for her leadership potential and promoted to supervisor and later manager.
“We accommodate Chinese investors who come to invest in the park, and they stay free of charge,” Mukoya explains, attributing her rise to merit and capability. Today, she manages over ten employees, ensuring the hotel remains clean, well-maintained, and welcoming to guests.
Mukoya’s earnings have allowed her to support her parents and meet her personal needs. “I don’t lack money. I take care of my parents and have managed to accomplish some personal goals,” she says, dreaming of becoming a major investor in Uganda.
Florence Nabutere, an administrative assistant at Unisteel, a state-of-the-art $100m factory in Mbale Industrial Park has also transformed her life through employment at the industrial park. Her salary enables her to pay school fees for her younger brother and pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions.
“With the money I earn here, I was able to buy a cow, and I plan to expand my livestock business. In five years, I see myself owning a large wholesale business,” Nabutere shares, emphasizing the importance of financial independence for women.
Mercy Kakai Marianah, a lab analyst at Nice Textiles, has benefited from the opportunities within the park. With a bachelor’s degree in industrial chemistry, she specializes in mixing and analyzing fabric colors. She aspires to further her education and gain more expertise in her field.
Angella Rose Akurut, a single mother working at Grace Textiles, has used her employment to transform her life. She started earning a modest daily wage but has since seen her salary increase significantly, enabling her to launch a successful shoe business.
Today, Akurut can provide for her child and support her mother, defying the odds after becoming pregnant while in Senior Two and facing numerous challenges along the way.
The Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park is home to over 50 industries, employing over 50,000 Ugandans and offering opportunities for career growth, financial independence, and personal development.
As these stories illustrate, Chinese companies in Uganda have become a beacon of hope for women seeking a better life, providing a platform for them to redefine their futures and achieve success.
