By Denise Nassunje
On the 27th of October 2022, Bunagana Boulevard was flooded withyoung, old, male, and female Congolese fleeing for their lives after the outbreak of a civil war between Democratic Republic of the Congo forces and M23 rebels. Uganda receives 20,000 refugees monthly, which poses challenges to its existence. When these people come to Uganda, they expect to have a better life in terms of medical services and education, among others.
These refugees get the basic needs for humanity’s existence; however, after their education, finding employment for themselves is a job on its own. Natalie, a Congolese national, came to Uganda to visit her relatives, who were refugees. She fell in love with the country and decided to stay.
Natalie Dazali started looking for a source of income in Uganda but found it hard to get one. “Here in Kampala, it’s difficult to find job opportunities, so you find yourself sitting with nothing to do. But you reach a moment where you have to do something, open up your own business so as to make money.” Said Natalie.
One evening while Natalie was on her phone, she opened Instagram and landed on Lit modeling agency’s page. She contacted them, and this was how she got in. Lit modeling agency has provided a source of income to her in a number of ways.
“The agency has given us opportunities to make money; sometimes they call us to do ushering at different events.” Sometimes they take our pictures, and certain companies call us “brand ambassadors,” Natalie stated.
Nabil Jafer, the founder of Lit Models, says that the agency gives exposure to the models. The models are exposed through the different fashion shows and events that they are taken to and through camping that exposes them within the country and even outside the country.
“I do get those opportunities of signing contracts with the agency; I do go for photoshoots; I go for video vignettes; I even showcase on other runways that are not for lit,” said Joweria.
Nabil emphasized that other modeling agencies and employers should not discriminate against or undervalue people; they should give people a chance no matter how bad they are. By giving these people a chance, they will be able to find something good in them.
