At just 18 years old, Aganoi (pseudonym) is not only living with HIV but also navigating the challenges of asthma. Despite these obstacles, she has emerged as a beacon of resilience and leadership in her community.
As the chairperson of the Ngarium Youth Baking Group, Aganoi faced significant hurdles after receiving the Income Generating Activity (IGA) Booster support in July 2023 from the USAID-funded Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) North East Activity implemented by the Uganda Women’s Effort Save Orphans (UWESO). Living 30 kilometres away from where the group meets, Aganoi struggled to attend meetings regularly. Her asthma further made the journey on a bicycle treacherous, and there were days when the group meeting and market days coincided with her crucial drug refill appointments. The toll of these challenges on her health and her ability to lead caused the group to falter, with several members dropping off.
However, Aganoi’s passion for baking and her determination to support the remaining six group members sparked her creativity. Recognizing the need for a new approach, she devised a plan that would allow her to stay involved without compromising her health. The group decided to distribute roles among the members, ensuring that everyone contributed effectively. They agreed to meet on baking days, with each member responsible for marketing the products.
“This venture is crucial to us. For instance, when our treasurer, 17-year-old Lynette (Pseudonym), gave birth, we all contributed to support her. I couldn’t bear to see our efforts fall apart,” Aganoi shared.
Aganoi took on the task of selling African donuts, locally known as mandazi, t social events, such as football matches and national day celebrations, as well as from a small stall in her compound. Her dedication paid off during the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child celebrations (11th October) in Katakwi District, where she was identified by ActionAid and enlisted for the organisation’s youth empowerment program.
She participated in an intensive three-week baking training program, which expanded her skills beyond Mandazi to include cakes and bread. After the training, she received materials to support her business, including 3 kilograms of sugar, 2 cartons of wheat flour, a 10-litre jerrycan of cooking oil, and 21 sachets of salt.
With this support, Aganoi started a small business alongside the group’s mandazi sales, specializing in half cakes. She had also saved up the daily allowance received from the training which enabled her to buy a goat and later was able to buy a sheep from the profits made in both her business and the group shareouts.
Aganoi’s vision for the future is clear: she dreams of growing her business to the point where she and her group can supply baked goods to all the shops in Ngarium. She hopes to venture into bread and cake making on a larger scale and acquire a motorcycle (boda) for deliveries, eliminating the need to hawk products or rely on her bicycle.
“We accepted the challenge even when others left; we shall not retreat,” Aganoi says, her words reflecting the unwavering determination that has brought her this far.
