The IKEA Foundation Inspired by Re:BUiLD Opportunities in Kampala

September 6, 2024, Kampala. The IKEA Foundation CEO, Jessica Anderen(center) interacts with Jonathan Fama an IRC client who received a business grant under Re:BUiLD. (PHOTO: Edna Kyokunzire for The IRC)

On September 6, the Re:BUiLD program hosted the Leadership from the IKEA Foundation in Kampala. The team led by Jessica Anderen the Foundation’s CEO, visited clients the program has enrolled under microenterprise and financial inclusion programs to learn how the program is impacting their lives.

The Kampala visit comes after a similar learning visit to the program in Nairobi in May. The team was taken around by the Re:BUiLD team led by Priscilla Dembetembe, Program Director, Brian Ssebunya, IRC Senior Technical Director, Economic Recovery & Development, and Moses Odonkonyero, the Re:BUiLD Program Manager for Uganda.

One of the clients visited is Jonathan Saidi Fama who fled his home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, (DRC) as a child. While interacting with the visitors, Jonathan, now 24 and a business enthusiast talked about how he ventured into poultry with a business grant of €500 (2 million Ugandan shillings) and 6 months of business mentorship he received under the Re:BUiLD microenterprise program.

“I already had an idea of what to do, so when Re:BUiLD gave me the money, I immediately initiated the business,” 
said Jonathan.

Jonathan is supporting his sibling’s education with the income from the business. He also plans to join university 
to study Business Administration. 

“I am using the profits to support my family especially paying fees for my young brother and to meet my mother’s medical bills,” Jonathan said while explaining his dreams.

Marilia Bezerra, the Chief Program Officer at the IKEA Foundation commended the Re:BUiLD program on the impact is creating for entrepreneurs who are rebuilding their lives after displacement.

“Seeing someone who has incredible talent be given the opportunity to thrive was just great. We are leaving super inspired and excited to see what is going to come out of this program (Re:BUiLD),” said Marilia.

The visiting team also interacted with vibrant members of the Union for Community Development, one of the 109 Urban Saving Loans Associations (USLAs) that the Re:BUiLD program is facilitating to access credit from formal financial institutions in Kampala. The group comprising of 30 members (20 female, 10 males; 5 nationals, 25 refugees) has received training on group formation, finance and savings management has also been linked with UGAFODE Microfinance Ltd where members have been able to access business credit worth 10 million(about 2500).

Jessica on her part commended the group for showing a spirit of togetherness and creating a sense of belonging.

“The power of community is so important for people to thrive,” said Jessica. Adding that, “ and I think what you have created here is just true belonging and I wish you best of luck in taking it forward.”