Along the bustling Kabale-Katuna road, a determined entrepreneur has built a thriving business from humble beginnings. Benimana Jamila, a 45-year-old mother of eight, shares her inspiring story of resilience and hard work. With minimal capital, Jamila started a small shoe repair stall along the road, a skill she learned from her husband, a cobbler.
When our reporter visited Jamila in Mwanjari trading center, she was busy mending shoes for her customers, demonstrating the dedication that has kept her business running for over two decades.
Jamila recounted her journey, explaining that she began repairing shoes with her husband over 20 years ago. After having eight children, she and her husband separated, forcing her to try different businesses, including maize roasting and selling groundnuts on the streets. When those ventures failed, she decided to return to shoe mending, starting afresh with limited capital.
“I have not faced challenges in my job but rather a blessing,” she says, adding that many people are impressed to see her working and often give her business compared to men. However, Jamila expressed the need for more capital to expand her business.
Despite her success, Jamila voiced her frustration about being excluded from the Parish Development Model, which she believes could significantly boost her business.
“I feel discriminated against by not benefiting from programs meant to uplift people like me,” she lamented.
Jamila Benimana’s story of determination and perseverance serves as a beacon of hope for mothers who have lost faith. Her journey demonstrates that with hard work and resilience, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve success.
ENDS////
