By Yasiri J. Kasango
A recent graduate of Uganda Christian University (UCU), Elvis Desire Tumusiime who was born and bred in Entebbe, bravely transitioned from the typical student life to entrepreneurship in a fresh fruit business while continuing his education.
In 2021, during his first year at UCU, Tumusiime enrolled in a Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management programme. While many of his peers focused solely on their studies, Tumusiime identified a market opportunity that changed his trajectory. “I chose this fruit business because it doesn’t require a lot of startup capital,” he explained. “With fruits, you’re dealing with a product everyone needs because they are healthy and packed with vitamins.”
Tumusiime’s venture was inspired by the need for financial independence. His parents supported his education by covering tuition fees, but he was determined to cover his personal expenses. His elder sister, Diana Ainembabazi, played a significant role in encouraging him to start a business. “My sister advised me to start something that could bring in money for food and other necessities,” Tumusiime shared. “That advice set me on the path to becoming a business owner.”
Small beginnings
Tumusiime began his business with minimal capital, reinvesting all profit back into the venture. Initially, he relied on small savings, but as his clientele grew, so did his business. “I never withdrew profits; I kept reinvesting them so that the business could grow,” he noted. His strategy revolved around online marketing, where he used social media platforms to attract and retain customers.
However, managing both academics and entrepreneurship came with challenges. “Most of my clients are always online, so I was glued to my phone during lectures,” Tumusiime admitted. “Lecturers would complain, but I knew I couldn’t survive without money.” His phone became his primary business tool, serving as a virtual shop where customers placed their orders.
Tumusiime faced other hurdles. Delivering orders on time proved difficult, especially when lectures clashed with his customers’ needs. “Sometimes I would miss delivering fruits on time because I was stuck in a lecture, but I would always inform my clients that I had an emergency,” he recalled. To resolve the issue, Tumusiime hired a delivery person to ensure that his clients received their orders promptly. “I got a delivery guy who would deliver fruits to my clients. They could either send me money directly or pay the delivery guy upon receiving the fruits,” he explained. Tumusiime added that his clients were from Mukono ranging from his fellow students to staff and the community around Bugujju.
Success
This determination paid off, as he consistently met customer demands. His prompt deliveries and quality fruits helped him build a loyal customer base.
“I always aim to deliver promptly because that’s how you build trust with customers,” Tumusiime noted. “The money is readily available in the fruit business because everyone needs vitamins. I made sure to provide fresh, quality products to keep my customers happy,” he added.
Tumusiime says his entrepreneurial journey did not affect his academic performance. He managed to balance both worlds, graduating with a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management. His time at Kisubi Mapeera primary education followed by Merryland High School for both Ordinary and Advanced Level, laid a strong educational foundation. However, it was his time at UCU that truly tested his resilience.
Reflecting on his university experience, Tumusiime said, “Graduation blessed me, but now I have to keep pushing. I may not have many connections, but I have my degree, and I’m determined to find something better.” Tumusiime is optimistic about the future, and is leveraging his business acumen and academic qualifications to explore more opportunities.
A word of advice
With his degree in hand, Tumusiime has diversified his income streams. In addition to his fruit business, he has ventured into online cloth selling, where he shares his experiences and advice with aspiring entrepreneurs. “My advice to fellow students is to push and never give up,” he said. “You have to keep pushing. Even if today you make a loss, tomorrow you might make a gain.”
Tumusiime encourages students to find ways to support themselves financially while studying, emphasising the importance of time management and focus. “I can’t afford to waste time because every minute counts,” he stressed. “I used to see some students giving up on their side hustles because of minor setbacks, but I chose to keep pushing no matter what.”
One of Tumusiime’s strengths is his commitment to customer satisfaction. “I always listen to customer feedback, and if there’s a complaint, I make sure to address it immediately,” he said. Tumusiime believes that good customer service is key to sustaining any business.“Sometimes you just need to apologise if there’s an issue and even offer a refund if necessary,” he advised. “It’s about building trust and making sure your customers know they can rely on you.”
He aims to keep expanding his fruit business by reaching more clients, especially in Kampala. He is now doing fruit business in Nakasero market. He sells a variety of fruits, including mangoes, bananas, pineapples, watermelons, papayas, jackfruits, avocados, passion fruits, oranges, lemons, grapefruits, guavas, starfruits, and pears. He notes that all these fruits are highly demanded for by his clients. He further said that he buys his fruits from the farms and transports them to Nakesero market at his stall.
With his degree, Tumusiime is exploring ways to expand his business beyond fruit delivery. He plans to incorporate elements of tourism, potentially offering fruit farm tours and integrating his hospitality skills into the business. “I’m thinking of ways to combine my passion for tourism with my business,” he revealed. “Maybe in the future, I can have something like a fruit and tourism experience.”
As he looks to the future, Tumusiime remains focused on growing his brand. “I have to keep looking for something better,” he said. “Life after graduation is challenging, but I believe that with hard work and determination, I can achieve my dreams.”
