Allan Mwesigwa: From Adversity to Entrepreneurial Success

Allan Mwesigwa, 32, a resident of Gita-Nabutaka village in Nangabo town council, Wakiso district, shares his remarkable journey from hardship to prosperity as a briquette and energy-saving stove entrepreneur.

Mwesigwa’s entrepreneurial path began in response to adversity after the sudden demise of his sponsor forced him to halt his studies in animal production. With limited options, he turned to riding a boda-boda, but a severe accident left him unable to work for months. It was during this recovery period that he discovered an opportunity in caring for chicks in a brooder, witnessing the excessive use of charcoal for warmth.

This sparked Mwesigwa’s innovative idea to produce briquettes as an alternative to charcoal, utilizing environmentally friendly materials. With determination and experimentation, he gradually refined his methods, transitioning from charcoal residue to plant-based materials.

A turning point came when Mwesigwa attended a financial literacy training session by Equity Bank, where he learned about their Youth Loan products. With newfound knowledge, he secured a loan of UGX 1,500,000, which catalyzed his business growth.

Investing in a solar dryer and raw materials, Mwesigwa expanded his production capacity from 200 briquettes biweekly to 1000 briquettes daily. Further loans facilitated business expansion, including product diversification and investment in transportation for efficient delivery.

Today, Mwesigwa’s thriving enterprise not only supports his young family but also provides steady employment to four young people and three casual laborers in his community. His capital has grown from UGX 2,000,000 to UGX 25,000,000, enabling investments in essential machinery and enhancing efficiency.

Grateful for Equity Bank’s support, Mwesigwa acknowledges them as his partner in progress, empowering him to realize his entrepreneurial dreams. Through prudent management and hard work, he continues to strive for business automation while uplifting others in his community.