By Valereen Mwahulhwa
Edrine Mugambwa, a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication student at Uganda Christian University (UCU), has proven that entrepreneurship can flourish even in the face of challenges. Mugambwa, the last born of five siblings, grew up in Mukono where his family resides, and from a young age, displayed keen business acumen.
His entrepreneurial journey began in Senior Four when he received an ice cream machine as a gift from his brother. Mugambwa quickly turned this gift into a money-making venture, selling ice cream at Midway Supermarket in Mukono. His father, recognising his potential, bought him two additional machines, multiplying his profits before he even set foot in university.
When Mugambwa joined UCU, his entrepreneurial spirit only grew stronger. He partnered with his friend, Constantine Kigundu, to start a restaurant called Campus Café, located along Bishop Tucker Road, next to Bobics Restaurant in Mukono. However, the restaurant’s early days were tough. Business was slow, and they struggled to make ends meet. Rent arrears mounted, but Mugambwa, determined to keep the venture afloat, sold his ice cream machines to pay off their debts.
Persistence has been key to their success. What began as a small snack shop has now expanded into a full-fledged restaurant offering local and fast-food dishes, as well as a mini bakery. Mugambwa recalls with a chuckle how, in the early days, they struggled to sell even a kilogramme of rice. Today, the café has a growing customer base, with several UCU students regularly dining there.
“I have found challenges in the business. Fluctuations in food prices have made it difficult to maintain a stable income,” said Mugambwa.
Mugambwa and Kigundu have managed to hire three new staff members, which has relieved some of the pressure on Mugambwa, allowing him to focus more on his studies. Now, with the additional staff, he can concentrate on his academic commitments, though he still checks in at the café to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Balancing school and business has been a significant challenge for him too. “I frequently missed classes to manage the restaurant and had to chase lecturers for extensions on assignments,” he says.
Mugambwa’s journey offers valuable lessons to aspiring entrepreneurs. “Venturing into something you’re passionate about is key,” he advises. “Things get tough, and if you don’t love what you’re doing, it’s easy to give up. Passion is what keeps you going.”
