Page 14 - Oct - Dec 2023 Edition

GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK

by Dr. Nathaniel Dunigan @nathaniel.dunigan (f)

One of the things I like most about life in Uganda is the short chain between
products, producers, and consumers. While the rest of the world finds novelty in
ideas like “farm-to-table,” and “meet-the-artist,” we tend to discover these at nearly
every turn. Similarly, the proximity between fundraisers and fund-recipients is often
blessedly visible here. As we lead up to the festive season, I wanted to give a
shout-out to just some of the organizations and companies which function from
places of self-sustainability and giving-back! (I’d love to hear about others you may
know. If you’ll send them to me at facebook.com/nathaniel.dunigan, I’ll post them
as well.) Keep all of these in mind as you shop, travel, and give this season.

NGO-OWNED BUSINESSES:
Income-generating projects have been around for a long time, but like all other sectors,
this one has seen a major shift post-pandemic. There are many which export Ugandan
crafts and products to raise funds, but there are also some which produce locally and sell
locally, putting 100% of the profits right back into their budget of service. These are just a
few:

THE MBUYU FOUNDATION has two such businesses:
Mbuyu Catering & Events emerged from The Mbuyu Foundation’s, Skills for Life Catering & Events
Class. One-hundred-percent of profits go back into running the skills programs for men and
women living in the Katanga slum in Kampala. They create impressive and delicious cakes (it’s
hard to achieve both qualities in a cake—yet they do just that), catering, and very festive décor
for all your events, from large weddings to intimate parties at home. “And whether you want
some finger food platters dropped off, or a full buffet dinner-plan—from set-up to clean-up—we
can make it happen,” says Director Leah Makanda. They also do in-home cooking classes for
children. Mbuyu Designs offers a fresh and unique catalogue of jewelry, overnight bags,
travel-pillows, Christmas stockings and wreaths, sweaters, denim jackets and much more.
To see more of their offerings: +256 787 347170, thembuyufoundation@gmail.com,
@thembuyufoundation (f, i)
Images by Mbuyu Foundation

Mbuyu Designs Mbuyu Designs Mbuyu catering

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