That era is over.

MoTIV is proud to introduce the MoTIV Furniture Market, a paradigm shift conceived to solve these foundational problems. Located at our state-of-the-art facility in Bugolobi, this is not merely a collection of spaces for rent; it is a fully integrated, strategic ecosystem engineered for the success of professional creators. We are building a new center of gravity for the Kampala furniture market, a platform where craftsmanship meets commerce, and artisans transform into industry leaders.

If you are a serious furniture artisan, a visionary interior decorator, or a boutique woodwork company in Uganda, this is your definitive guide to understanding why your future is at MoTIV. Here are the seven reasons why the best in the business are making the strategic move to join us.

1. De-Risk Your Business with Radically Lower Overhead

The single greatest barrier to entry for any professional artisan is the prohibitive upfront cost of establishing a proper workshop. The financial burden of rent deposits, security installations, utility connections, and infrastructure improvements can cripple a business before it even begins. The MoTIV model fundamentally inverts this risk.

From High Capital Expenditure (CapEx) to Predictable Operating Expenditure (OpEx)

Instead of sinking tens of millions of shillings into setup costs, our model allows you to begin operations with a manageable, predictable monthly fee. This is a critical strategic advantage. It protects your cash flow, the lifeblood of any small business, and allows you to allocate your capital where it generates the most value: into high-quality raw materials, specialized tools, and developing your product line. Consider the typical setup costs for a standalone workshop in Kampala: multiple months’ rent deposit, fees for 3-phase power connection, security infrastructure, and basic construction. At MoTIV, these are already taken care of. You plug directly into a running, professional system, converting a massive capital risk into a simple operational expense.

The True Cost of “Going It Alone”

Let’s analyze a hypothetical but realistic scenario. An independent artisan wanting to set up a modest professional workshop would face significant initial cash outlay. By joining the MoTIV Furniture Market, you bypass the majority of these costs, effectively fast-tracking your business by months and saving millions of shillings in initial investment. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about deploying your resources intelligently to accelerate growth and profitability from day one.

2. Access a Curated, High-Value B2B Market

The isolation of a standalone workshop often means a constant, inefficient hunt for the next client. At MoTIV, we understand that your primary focus should be on your craft, not cold-calling. We have engineered our ecosystem to be a natural convergence point for high-value B2B clients, effectively creating a deal flow for our resident artisans.

Where Kampala’s Top Designers and Buyers Come to Source

Our facility is a destination for the very clients you want to reach. We actively cultivate relationships with Kampala’s leading interior decorators, architectural firms, real estate developers, and corporate procurement managers. These clients come to MoTIV seeking unique, high-quality custom furniture Kampala and reliable fabrication partners. By operating from within our marketplace, you gain unparalleled visibility and direct access to a curated stream of B2B projects that would otherwise be difficult and expensive to secure.

How the Ecosystem Generates Leads

MoTIV’s corporate partnerships, our regular industry events, and the high-profile nature of our brand mean we are a constant source of inbound inquiries for bespoke furniture and decor. We act as a facilitator, connecting these high-value projects with the resident artisans best suited for the job. This symbiotic relationship provides you with qualified leads while offering our corporate partners a trusted, one-stop solution for their fabrication needs.

3. A Professional Showroom & Marketplace to Elevate Your Brand

The environment in which you meet a client and showcase your work directly influences their perception of your quality, professionalism, and price point. A makeshift meeting space can undermine the value of even the most exquisite craftsmanship. The MoTIV Furniture Market provides the premium infrastructure to ensure your brand presentation is as high-quality as your work.

From Workshop to Gallery

Within our facility, you have the opportunity to lease dedicated showroom space. This allows you to display your finished pieces in a clean, well-lit, gallery-style environment, enabling potential clients to experience the quality of your work firsthand. Furthermore, our professional, fully-equipped meeting rooms are at your disposal to conduct client presentations, review designs, and close high-value deals in a corporate setting. This instantly elevates your brand and builds the client confidence needed to command premium pricing.

4. Collaborate Within a Thriving Community of Elite Creators

Creativity is not a solitary pursuit; it thrives on interaction, shared knowledge, and collaboration. The MoTIV ecosystem is intentionally designed to break down the isolation that often hinders creative entrepreneurs. We are curating a community of not just woodworkers, but metal fabricators, textile artists, designers, and business minds.

The Power of Proximity

Imagine this: you’re working on a custom dining table and need a specific set of metal legs fabricated. Your neighbour at MoTIV is a master metalworker. A five-minute conversation can lead to a collaboration that produces a stunning, mixed-media piece neither of you could have created alone. An interior decorator a few doors down stops by, sees your work, and immediately commissions you for a new hotel project. This is the power of proximity. These organic collaborations and knowledge-sharing moments happen every day, creating a dynamic environment that sparks innovation and generates new business opportunities.

Structured Community Engagement

Beyond informal interactions, we will host structured community events, including “Maker Meetups,” “Material & Technique Swaps,” and “Project Showcases,” to foster a strong, collaborative, and commercially productive network among our resident artisans.

5. Leverage the Power of the Established MoTIV Brand

In a competitive market, brand recognition and trust are invaluable assets. The MoTIV brand is already a recognized symbol of quality, innovation, and professionalism in Uganda. By joining the MoTIV marketplace, you immediately benefit from this brand association.

Credibility by Association

For a potential high-value client, choosing an independent artisan can feel like a risk. However, when that artisan operates from within MoTIV, a significant portion of that risk is mitigated. The MoTIV name serves as a powerful endorsement of your professionalism, stability, and commitment to quality. We will also be developing a “Made at MoTIV” co-branding mark that our resident artisans can use on their products and marketing materials, further solidifying this connection to quality in the minds of customers. This built-in credibility allows you to compete for larger contracts and justify premium pricing.

6. Access to Business Support & Strategic Training

Exceptional craftsmanship is only half the battle. To build a truly successful enterprise, you need sharp business acumen. MoTIV is committed to your holistic success, providing access to business support and training programs designed to transform talented creators into successful entrepreneurs.

From Maker to CEO

We will offer a curated curriculum of business-focused workshops that address the real-world challenges artisans face. This is not generic business advice; it is targeted, practical training. Potential courses include:

• Financial Management for Creatives: Mastering cash flow, profitability, and investment.
• Quoting and Invoicing for Large B2B Projects: How to price complex jobs to ensure profitability.
• Digital Tools for Furniture Design: Incorporating CAD and 3D modeling into your workflow.
• Sustainable Material Sourcing & Finishing: Meeting the growing demand for eco-conscious products.
• Marketing Your Craft: Building a personal brand and attracting high-value clients.

Beyond workshops, we facilitate access to one-on-one mentorship with established business leaders from the TIV Group network, providing invaluable guidance for your growth journey.

7. State-of-the-Art, Secure, and Reliable Facilities

Your ability to produce exceptional work depends on the quality and reliability of your working environment. The MoTIV facility in Bugolobi has been designed and restored to meet the standards of professional industrial fabrication.

An Environment Built for Production

We have addressed the most common operational pain points faced by artisans in Kampala. Our facility offers:

• Stable Three-Phase Power: With backup generators to ensure your machinery runs without interruption, protecting you from costly downtime.
• Professional Security: 24/7 professional security personnel and surveillance systems to protect your valuable tools, materials, and finished products.
• Optimized Logistics: Dedicated loading and offloading bays to streamline the movement of large materials and finished pieces.
• Health & Safety Infrastructure: Including modern dust extraction systems and adherence to safety protocols to ensure a clean and safe working environment.
• High-Speed Internet: Essential for modern business communication, client collaboration, and accessing digital design resources.

This professional infrastructure ensures you can focus 100% of your energy on your craft, confident that your operational foundation is solid, secure, and reliable.

The Choice is Clear: Join the Future of the Kampala Furniture Market

The MoTIV Furniture Market is a definitive answer to the challenges that have constrained Kampala’s most talented artisans for too long. It is a strategic platform that minimizes your risk, lowers your overhead, elevates your brand, and connects you directly to a high-value market and a community of your peers.

We are not just offering a space to rent workshop space Kampala; we are offering a partnership in your success. We are currently vetting applications from ambitious furniture makers, artisans, and decorators who are ready to take their business to the next level.

To learn more about our vision and to begin the conversation about joining this exclusive community, please contact us directly to schedule a private consultation and tour of the facility.

Email : Sales@motiv.africa

Contact Number : + 256 767 937 984

Our ecosystem is meticulously crafted to address the key challenges fashion designers face, offering a seamless pathway through every stage of their entrepreneurial journey in the fashion industry:

1. Ignite Your Vision: Idea Generation and Skill Development in Fashion:

The fashion design process begins with an inspiring idea. MoTIV provides the foundational support to help you hone your fashion skills and refine your concepts:

• Vocational Training in Fashion Designing: Our hands-on vocational training program in Fashion Designing is specifically designed to equip you with the fundamental techniques and industry-relevant skills to bring your fashion visions to life. Learn from experienced instructors and gain practical expertise in pattern making, garment construction, fashion illustration, textile knowledge, and more – all essential for a successful career in fashion.
• Inspiration and Collaboration in the Fashion Community: Our vibrant Innovation District offers co-working spaces designed to foster creativity and collaboration within the fashion community. Connect with fellow fashion designers, share ideas, and find inspiration in a dynamic and supportive environment dedicated to fashion innovation.

2. Bring Your Fashion Ideas to Life: Prototyping and Production:

Turning a fashion concept into a tangible garment requires access to the right tools and resources. MoTIV bridges this gap for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs with:

• State-of-the-Art Maker Space for Fashion Designers: Our well-equipped maker space provides access to high-quality, innovative machinery and tools essential for fashion prototyping and small-scale production. Fashion designers can utilize advanced sewing machines, cutting tools, pattern-making tables, and finishing equipment to create their collections with precision and efficiency.
• Technical Guidance and Support for Fashion Production: Our experienced technicians and mentors, specializing in fashion production, are on hand to provide guidance, troubleshooting support, and training on using the machinery effectively, ensuring your creative fashion vision is translated accurately into a finished garment.

3. Sharpen Your Business Acumen: Entrepreneurial Skills and Strategy for Fashion Brands:

A successful fashion designer needs more than just creative talent; business acumen is crucial for building a lasting fashion brand. MoTIV offers resources specifically tailored to the fashion industry to help you navigate the entrepreneurial landscape:

• Training & Upskilling Programs for Fashion Entrepreneurs: Beyond design-specific skills, we offer workshops and training sessions focused on essential business aspects for the fashion industry such as fashionmarketing, fashion branding, pricing strategies for fashion items, sales strategies relevant to fashion, and financial management for a fashion business. We also provide insights into fashion sourcing, fashionmerchandising, and fashion supply chain management.
• Mentorship and Networking within the Fashion Industry: Connect with experienced fashion industry professionals and entrepreneurs through our mentorship programs and networking events specifically focused on fashion. Gain valuable insights, receive guidance, and build relationships that can propel your fashion career forward.

4. Reach Your Audience: Market Access and Sales Channels for Fashion Designers:

Getting your fashion creations into the hands of your customers is the ultimate goal. MoTIV provides platforms and opportunities to showcase and sell your designer wear:

• Marketplace for Fashion Entrepreneurs: Our dedicated marketplace offers a platform for fashion designers to showcase and sell their designer wear to a wider audience. Whether it’s ready-to-wear collections, bespoke designs, or unique fashion accessories, our marketplace provides a vital link to potential customers eager for unique fashion finds.
• Potential Collaboration Opportunities in Fashion: MoTIV’s work with corporate clients on Corporate Wearand branded merchandise could also open doors for talented fashion designers to collaborate on larger projects and gain exposure in the broader fashion market.
• Digital Marketing Support for Fashion Brands: Recognizing the power of online presence in the fashionworld, we offer training and resources in Digital Marketing specifically tailored for fashion brands, helping designers build their online brand, reach their target audience of fashion enthusiasts, and drive sales through various digital channels relevant to fashion.

5. Continuous Growth and Support in the Fashion Industry:

Our commitment to fashion designers extends beyond the initial launch. MoTIV aims to foster long-term growth and sustainability within the fashion industry:

• Fashion Community and Feedback: Be part of a thriving community of fashion designers, providing opportunities for peer feedback on your fashion designs, collaboration on fashion projects, and continuous learning within the fashion sphere.
• Access to Fashion Resources: As your fashion business evolves, MoTIV will continue to provide access to updated resources, training, and networking opportunities specifically tailored to the fashion industry to support your ongoing development in the world of fashion.

Step into the World of Fashion with the MoTIV Ecosystem Today!

At MoTIV, we are passionate about empowering the next generation of fashion design talent. If you are a budding or established fashion designer looking for a supportive ecosystem to nurture your creativity and launch your career in fashion, we invite you to join the MoTIV community.

Visit our website at https://motiv.africa/website_a091d8bb/ or contact our team at [sales@motiv.africa] or +256 745 755 785 | +256 767937 984 to learn more about how MoTIV can help you turn your fashion dreams into a successful reality. Let’s build a vibrant and innovative fashion landscape together in Uganda and beyond!

MoTIV – Empowering Creativity, Driving Growth in the Fashion Industry.Sources and related content 

Background and Context 

Uganda’s creative landscape is rich with potential, yet it faces numerous challenges that hinder its growth and contribution to the national economy. These challenges include limited access to financing, an unsupportive policy environment, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of professional capacity. Additionally, there is a prevalent unawareness or disregard for the creative sector’s potential to significantly contribute to economic development. 

MoTIV emerges as a response to these challenges, seeking to provide a conducive environment where creatives can thrive. Located in the industrial area of Bugolobi along Old Portbell Road, MoTIV provides a physical space and a range of programs designed to support and empower creatives across various disciplines. 

Key Objectives and Initiatives 

MoTIV’s primary objective is to build a resilient creative sector in Uganda by creating pathways that provide essential tools, skills development, and financial opportunities. To achieve this, MoTIV focuses on several key initiatives: 

• Providing Access to Resources: MoTIV offers creatives access to high-quality, innovative machinery and training, enabling them to bring their ideas to life. This access is crucial for overcoming the infrastructure challenges that many creatives face. 

• Skills Development: MoTIV provides various capacity-building sessions, mentorship, and venture development tools to help creatives develop sustainable, profitable businesses. These programs are designed to address the lack of professional capacity within the sector. 

• Creating a Supportive Environment: MoTIV fosters a vibrant community of creatives who can inspire change and drive innovation in the creative economy. This supportive environment helps address the challenges posed by an unsupportive policy environment and a lack of awareness of the sector’s potential. 

Focus on Fashion Designers and Culinary Connoisseurs 

MoTIV is committed to supporting creatives across various disciplines, including fashion and culinary arts. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities within these sectors, MoTIV offers tailored programs and resources to help fashion designers and culinary connoisseurs thrive. 

Fashion Designers 

Uganda’s fashion industry is growing, with many talented designers creating unique and innovative designs. However, these designers often face challenges such as limited access to high-quality materials, equipment, and training, as well as a lack of market linkages and business skills. 

To address these challenges, MoTIV provides fashion designers with access to: 

• State-of-the-Art Equipment: MoTIV offers access to advanced sewing machines, cutting tools, and other equipment necessary for producing high-quality fashion items. 

• Training and Workshops: MoTIV conducts training sessions and workshops on various aspects of fashion design, including pattern making, garment construction, and fashion marketing. 

• Mentorship Programs: MoTIV pairs emerging fashion designers with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support on design, production, and business management. 

• Market Linkages: MoTIV helps fashion designers to access markets for their products, both locally and internationally, by organizing fashion shows, exhibitions, and online marketplaces. 

• Bel Deluxe: Bel Deluxe is a startup creating luxurious sleepwear for urban women. MoTIV has supported Bel Deluxe by providing access to resources and market linkages, helping the brand to celebrate its first birthday. 

Culinary Connoisseurs 

Uganda’s culinary scene is rich and diverse, with many talented chefs and food entrepreneurs creating innovative and delicious dishes. However, these culinary connoisseurs often face challenges such as limited access to high-quality ingredients, equipment, and training, as well as a lack of business skills and market access. 

To address these challenges, MoTIV provides culinary connoisseurs with access to: 

• Professional Kitchen Facilities: MoTIV offers access to fully equipped professional kitchens with state-of-the-art appliances and equipment. 

• Training and Workshops: MoTIV conducts training sessions and workshops on various aspects of culinary arts, including food preparation, presentation, and hygiene. 

• Mentorship Programs: MoTIV pairs emerging chefs and food entrepreneurs with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support on menu development, kitchen management, and business operations. 

• Market Linkages: MoTIV helps culinary connoisseurs to access markets for their products and services by organizing food festivals, pop-up restaurants, and catering opportunities. 

Programs and Activities 

MoTIV offers a range of programs and activities designed to support creatives across various disciplines, including fashion and culinary arts. These include: 

• Workshops and Training: MoTIV conducts workshops and training sessions to enhance the skills and knowledge of creatives in areas such as design, production, marketing, and business management. 

• Mentorship Programs: MoTIV provides mentorship opportunities, pairing experienced professionals with emerging creatives to offer guidance and support. 

• Networking Events: MoTIV organizes networking events to connect creatives with potential collaborators, investors, and customers. 

• Access to Machinery and Equipment: MoTIV provides access to high-quality machinery and equipment, enabling creatives to produce their work more efficiently and effectively. 

• Market Linkages: MoTIV helps creatives to access markets for their products and services, both locally and internationally. 

• Omwoleso: Omwoleso is a physical market that brings life to MoTIV by allowing creatives to set up and display their products. 

Success Stories 

MoTIV has already made a significant impact on Uganda’s creative sector, with numerous success stories emerging from its programs and initiatives. These stories showcase the transformative potential of MoTIV’s work and its ability to unlock the potential of young creatives. 

• Ntege Jumah (Kyoya): Ntege Jumah, also known as Kyoya, is an artist who was born into a community rooted in art. MoTIV has supported him by offering a platform to showcase his art and connect with potential customers. 

• Samantha Hedwig Wadiyo: Samantha Hedwig Wadiyo is a nutritionist whose love for art led her into ceramics. MoTIV has supported her business by providing access to machinery and training, enabling her to transition her art into a full-blown business. 

Challenges and Future Directions 

While MoTIV has made significant strides in supporting Uganda’s creative sector, it also faces several challenges. These include: 

• Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of its programs and initiatives. 

• Scalability: Scaling its impact to reach more creatives across Uganda. 

• Policy Advocacy: Advocating for policies that support the growth of the creative sector. 

• Partnerships: Building strong partnerships with government, the private sector, and other stakeholders. 

Looking ahead, MoTIV is committed to addressing these challenges and expanding its impact on Uganda’s creative economy. The organization plans to: 

• Expand its programs and services: Offering a wider range of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of creatives. 

• Strengthen its partnerships: Collaborating with more organizations to leverage resources and expertise. 

• Advocate for policy change: Working with government to create a more supportive policy environment for the creative sector. 

• Promote innovation and creativity: Encouraging creatives to develop new and innovative products and services that can compete in the global market. 

Conclusion 

MoTIV is playing a crucial role in unlocking the potential of Uganda’s creative economy. By providing access to resources, skills development, and a supportive environment, MoTIV is empowering creatives to overcome the challenges they face and to contribute to the growth and development of the country. Through its tailored programs for fashion designers and culinary connoisseurs, as well as a range of other initiatives, MoTIV is fostering a vibrant community of creatives who can inspire change and drive innovation. As MoTIV continues to grow and evolve, it is poised to make an even greater impact on Uganda’s creative sector and help unlock its full potential. 

This passion drove Ntege to pursue art as a profession, but the academic journey was far from easy. He faced numerous obstacles, including a lack of support from his immediate family, who pressured him to enroll in an education course and financial hardships continued to compound his academic struggles, but Ntege’s unwavering determination in art led him to drop the education course and enroll in industrial art and design. 

Though his perseverance was a personal victory, financial difficulties persisted, especially with the cost of art materials. Despite these obstacles, Ntege earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial art and design from Kyambogo University, Kampala.  

However, his journey was far from over. He struggled finding his place and voice within the art world. He faced criticism and felt the weight of not fitting into the conventional expectations set by his community. The lack of appreciation and understanding from those around him only fueled his desire to prove himself and his art’s worth. He immersed himself in his work, often withdrawing from social activities to focus on improving his craft. 

His entry into the world of art came when he attended an event organized by the VODO Art Society, where he interacted and connected with other artists.  

He started creating a portfolio of his work and constantly seeking feedback from industry experts like Wamala Kyeyune, he refined his skills. His persistence led to opportunities to showcase his art in local exhibitions. It was during one of these exhibitions that he caught the eye of a prominent art collectors who recognized the raw talent and emotion in Ntege’s work  

From his association with VODO Arts Society, Ntege was introduced to MoTIV Creation, a sanctuary for creatives discovering their talent, using their talents to earn income, or turning their ideas into profitable business ventures. The association with MoTIV began to pay off when he started receiving invitations to participate in art exhibitions and to showcase his art pieces. 

He was later invited to join the “Black Box,” an Artist Residency Program, which is an initiative of MoTIV Africa under the Nextwave Program. As a residency program, the Black Box incubates emerging and established practitioners across various art disciplines, offering them production and training materials to create a body of work over a 3 to 6-month period. 

The residency program offers artists a comprehensive support package, including a studio space, production materials (up to $3,000 per artist), accommodation, and a monthly stipend of $500. Participants also have access to training and mentorship programs, research materials, and the opportunity to exhibit their work at the end of the residency. 

Additionally, the artists benefit from branding and marketing support, exposure to the global art scene, and post-residency representation, ensuring their continued success and recognition.  

To date, Ntege has created remarkable art pieces, earning the nickname ‘Kyoya’ for his unique use of chicken feathers. His work resonated with many, as it reflected his journey of overcoming adversity and finding beauty in struggle and the freedom to fly far and high. Ntege’s unique perspective and dedication to his art has started earning him respect and recognition in the art community. 

The story of Ntege is one of passion, resilience, and unwavering belief in his talent. Today, he is a celebrated artist whose work inspires others to pursue their dreams despite the odds. He continues to explore new art techniques and themes, always pushing the boundaries of his creativity. Ntege’s journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, perseverance and the transformative impact of art. 

The week, according to Rasheeda Nalumoso, the SSA Regional Programme Manager, Creative Economy at the British Council in Uganda has been curated with events focused on highlighting the pivotal role of the creative sector in contributing towards the country’s socio-economic growth, with a particular focus on youth creativity, collaboration, and innovation in fostering sustainable, dynamic, and inclusive growth. 

Nalumoso said, “In Uganda, the cultural and creative industries have thrived for generations, offering avenues for job opportunities and revenue generation for the country. This sector directly fuels accelerated economic growth, fosters job creation, boosts earnings from tourism exports, and promotes social inclusion. Hence, the initiative aims to spotlight Uganda’s abundant cultural heritage and its potential contributions to the global creative economy.”  

A Creative Economy Outlook report by United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTD) in 2021 indicated that the global exports of creative goods increased from US$ 419 million in 2010 to US$ 524 million in 2020, while world exports of creative services increased from US$ 487 billion to almost US$ 1.1 trillion during the same period. 

Additional report by United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) indicates cultural and creative industries that generate annual global revenues of US$2,250 billion, nearly 30 million jobs worldwide and employs more people aged 15−29 than any other sector.  This shows the transformative potential of the creative economy to increase export earnings, create employment opportunities for the young population and accelerate socio-economic growth.  

At the heart of Uganda’s cultural and creative industry is MoTIV Creations, an artistic designed space that screams a sweet invitation into the world of talented artisans, craft makers, metal workers, product designers, fashion designers, photographers, performing artists, sculptors, carpenters, film producers, writers and other artists from all walks of life. 

Situated among other factories in the industrial area of Bugolobi along Old Port bell Road, this Haven for creatives is strategically embodied into equipping young creatives with skills, tools, and market opportunities to create socio-economic impact within their communities through innovative programs and initiatives that assert the importance and legitimacy of the creative industry, worthy of consideration alongside other traditional industries. 

Naziwa Barth, the proprietor of Etha Fashions, is among the fortunate young Ugandans who have benefited from MoTIV under NextWave Program, focused on skill development and enterprise enhancement. 

“I have always been passionate about fashion, stemming from my upbringing in a household where my mother operated a small tailoring shop. However, I felt limited in terms of honing this passion into a viable skillset for business. When my sister informed me about MoTIV’s skilling program, I seized the opportunity and applied in 2021 under the Fabric district. This is where I learned the art of making clothes and bags, laying the foundation for my business journey with Etha Fashions” Naziwa said.  

Following her initial year of training, Naziwa began crafting clothes for her inner circle using textiles from her mother’s tailoring shop. Profits from these sales enabled her to enhance her materials, sourced from downtown Kampala, and scale her market beyond personal connections. Driven by a desire to grow her enterprise and make a broader impact, Naziwa is actively seeking capital to expand her operations and invest in necessary machinery. 

According to Arthur Bagenze, Lead MoTIV Business, “MoTIV was established from the need to support creatives transform their ideas into scalable businesses across the value chain. This has been achieved through a series of interventions, including skill development via our academy, provision of tools within our makerspaces, enabling market access on both online and offline platforms through Omwoleso, and organizing community events such as Creative Fridays where they can network, share ideas, and collaborate.  

Bagenze said that despite these concerted efforts, the creative industry in Uganda is still far from realizing its full potential. This is primarily attributed to limited policy frameworks and infrastructural support, as well as a lack of professional capacity within the creative sector to produce high-quality products and services.  

Additionally, many players in the sector lack formal training, contributing to the sector’s lag. Limited awareness of the importance of culture and the creative economy, coupled with disintegration within the sector, further exacerbates the challenges. This has greatly affected the quality and quantity of creative work put out.  

“Amidst all these challenges, MoTIV has consistently spearheaded a transformative movement, equipping creatives with practical skills in various fields including kitchen, fabric, wood &metal, media, and art. These skills gained have empowered them to adapt their businesses effectively amidst the current circumstances” Bagenze added.  

Through Omwoleso market days, held monthly across Kampala, Jinja, Mbarara, Gulu, Mbale, Iganga, and Kasese, we provide both offline and online marketplace opportunities for our creative entrepreneurs to expand their product reach beyond their locality. By running these markets simultaneously in multiple cities, we have successfully facilitated a marketplace for 1,187 makers, utilizing both the online and offline Omwoleso platforms, Bagenze added. 

Uganda’s creative industry boasts a wealth of talented individuals seeking platforms to translate their ideas and skills into sustainable businesses. By nurturing the growth and development of these creatives, we aim to stimulate industrial expansion and nurture local enterprises, thereby uplifting our socio-economic landscape. 

In 2021, MoTIV was honored with the UNESCO–Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman International Prize for the Creative Economy, recognizing its exceptional efforts in fostering youth engagement within the creative and cultural sectors. This for the establishment, built as a home for creatives was just the beginning and an endorsement for what it seeks to achieve in advancing the opportunities in the creative industry.      

As Ivy Michelle Alwedo, a multifaceted storyteller and member of the MoTIV community talks, the sound of the haven’s significance is loud enough.  

“MoTIV looks and feels much like the inside of my head. It’s a colorful place with so many characters and running over with potential,” Alwedo says.   

 MoTIV was established in 2020 with a focus of refining the ideas of creatives as well as scaling their businesses to meet local and international market demand. The interventions have been five-fold ranging from providing tools, training, a marketplace, value chain support as well as a community for creatives to cross paths with people walking the same journey.  

As it was built during the first nationwide lockdown in March, its first task was to respond to the health crisis through the production of Personal Protective Equipment for Ugandans. The need to combat the pandemic made it necessary to have the Fabric District up and running.   

Since then, The Mastercard Foundation has swung into action as an enabling partner for the various initiatives at MoTIV.  From studio spaces for creative businesses, a spacious studio equipped with an infinity wall that accommodates large scale productions and a podcast studio, cutting edge machinery and tools for efficient woodwork, an expansive gallery space that plays host to diverse art exhibitions and trainings, a dynamic warehouse that is home to a diverse fraternity of fashion designers to the multipurpose centralized food and beverage kitchen lab that works in conjunction with foodpreneurs, MoTIV caters to the needs of an industry that often takes a backseat when the national discourse about key sectors occurs.  

The sentiments MoTIV holds about the potential of the creative industry are shared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). To emphasize this, the UN declared 2021 the International Year of the Creative Economy for Sustainable Development. The agency noted that it was time to fully recognize the creative economy’s role in providing decent work, supporting entrepreneurship, stimulating innovation and reducing poverty.  

A report by UNESCO indicates cultural and creative industries that generate annual global revenues of US$2,250 billion, nearly 30 million jobs worldwide and employs more people aged 15−29 than any other sector.  

The cultural and creative industries in Uganda have existed for generations and provided avenues for jobs and revenue to the country. The sector directly contributes to accelerated economic growth, job creation, tourism export earnings, and social inclusion.  

In 2016, a Creative Economy Outlook report by United Nations Conference for Trade And Development indicated Uganda’s exports to top ten partners for creative goods stood at $8.7 million. It also showed Africa accounts for 80 per cent of the total market and main trade partners were Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Sweden and the United States. 

However, even with these notable revenues from the creative industry, there is still plenty of work to be done, before it can live up to its full potential. Inadequate policy environment including the infrastructural support, inadequate professional capacity in the sector to produce quality products and services with few players in the sector lacking formal training have a lot to do with the lag in the sector.  Limited awareness of the importance of the culture and creative economy in general not to mention the disintegration within the sector are all to blame.  

All these issues have only increased in magnitude since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic that has made the industry regress significantly. With limitations on travel and tourism, the ban on gatherings in Uganda, the cultural and creative industries have lost out on significant amount of revenue. While the most affected are performing artists, it is important to note that the creative sector relies on physical interactions and many run small businesses that have not been able to bear the shocks. 

An Africa-wide survey of the economic impact of COVID-19 on cultural industries Associate Professor from University of Kishansa Ribio Nzeza indicates Uganda lost $134,360 in the second quarter of 2020. Many creatives are still out of touch with their markets and audiences.  

“Artists especially musicians do not have money. It’s all I can tell you,” Asiyat Gamba, a young female musician from Mbarara, performing under the stage name “One Blood” says. 

Prior to the pandemic, One Blood performed at concerts every Friday and took home between Shs300,00-Shs500,000.  At least once every month, she performed at large concerts earning Shs1,000,000.  

The sustained ban on recreational events in 2021, Gamba says has sunk artists in deeper financial trouble. These creatives continue to pay studio fees to record music, pay promotion fees for their art but do not make returns on their investment. She says 2021 has been mostly spent on working on her visibility and relevance to the public through promoting herself on Whatsapp and Youtube so that her name doesn’t fade off the musical map.  

Gamba says government needs to lift the ban on concerts and enforce the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures.  

“At least, let them give us a limit of people to host for the concert and let them ensure we wear masks,” she implores. She has also noticed that in Kampala big corporate companies are partnering with music recording companies like Swangz Avenue to host artists for online concerts. While these initiatives are great, she feels that Western Uganda where she hails from, and other regions have been left behind. Gamba’s song, “Amate” which is doing fairly well on Youtube, is affirming to her that digital platforms can enable creatives earn a living.  

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Creative Economy Programme Head, Marisa Henderson said when the resolution to make 2021 the International Year of the Creative Economy for Sustainable Development was being negotiated and approved in 2019, no one could have anticipated that the intervening year would hold a status quo-shattering pandemic.   

“More than ever, we need creative thinking, innovation and problem-solving to imagine ourselves out of the challenges of inequality and vulnerability that we face daily. The creative industries, the lifeblood of the creative economy is well placed to help,” Henderson says.  

MoTIV Community Manager, Eugene Kavuma, says creatives lack opportunities to collaborate as a result of restrictions. This affects the quality and quantity of creative work.  Amidst all this, MoTIV has led a wave of change out of the crisis by providing Omwoleso, an offline and online marketplace where creatives can set up their own shops while eliminating the hassle of securing individual payment systems and platforms for themselves. Up to 55 visual artists have been able to showcase their work through the Art Salon. Training programs such as the Creative Business Academy are honing the skillset of creatives as well as helping them to restructure their businesses to thrive in the current situation. Through its platforms, this makerspace has created over 500 jobs and linked over 250 businesses to market.  

Now, the recent traction from the international community is to many a reaffirmation that Uganda needs to develop relevant policies, increase both private and public investment in the sector as well as support adoption of digital technologies. Out of 69 institutions nominated. MoTIV emerged winner of the UNESCO–Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman International Prize for the Creative Economy.  The award is intended to recognize creative institutions globally for their outstanding initiative to promote the engagement of young people within the creative and cultural industries.    

Acknowledging the award, MoTIV Team Lead Japheth Kawanguzi said the win belongs to the entire creative community. He said, “We believe that by supporting the growth and development of creatives, we will drive industrial growth and nourish local businesses within the ecosystem, as we strive towards transforming our socio-economic trajectory upwards.”   

The Mastercard Foundation is MoTIV’s partner under the Young Africa Works strategy.  Commenting on the catalytic work MoTIV  is doing, former Country Head, Samuel Adela said, “The recognition they have received is well deserved and serves as a reminder that across Uganda and Africa, young people are charting unique pathways to opportunity and by getting behind their aspirations, we can create an unstoppable multiplier effect.” 

Kavuma believes that the award is proof that creative ecosystems are versatile enough to create necessary opportunities not just locally but internationally as well. “It confirms how far communities can go when they collaborate and work together,” he says.  

In attendance at a stall stocked with uniquely crafted Afrocentric earrings is 24-year-old Anita Kanyesigye. She is the brain behind Afraw Dope, an Instagram-based business that sells bespoke jewelry.  

Kanyesigye expressed joy at the return of the physical Omwoleso. “Have you heard about that running joke about online shopping, where people talk about being scammed online with pictures of what they ordered versus what they received? Well, as a small business without a physical address, the Omwoleso market allows my clients to physically experience my earrings before they buy them,” Kanyesigye says. 

While she is known for making earrings from wood, Kanyesigye is bringing something different to the festive season with her new collection of polymer clay earrings that are colorful and versatile. She anticipates sales from the online discount sales associated with the festive season. The physical market is complemented by the online market platform accessible via omwoleso.africa. It currently hosts creative products including accessories, art, bags, beauty, clothing, crafts, furniture, food, plants as well as home and living products.   

Like Kanyesigye, Joel Okalany, a fashion designer specializing in leather bags and apparel, did not miss the opportunity to interact with his customers. Excited as well to display his products at Omwoleso again, Okalany  has been selling his merchandise online through the omwoleso.africa platform. Since the closure of the physical marketplace, he has made sales worth Shs3,000,000 on omwoleso.africa. With the physical marketplace and the just concluded Black Friday discounts, his prospects look good.  

To him, the idea of Black Friday rakes in income for the creatives while exposing them to more customers. “You will be surprised by the amount of money you can make off the internet,” Okalany says. 

The Marketplace lead, Nicholas Spencer says that the return of Omwoleso and Black Friday discount deals of up to 50 per cent during last weekend marked a key milestone in the work MoTIV is doing to enable creative businesses grow.  

“We started with only physical markets and then during the lockdown, we pushed our work online. Today, we are proud to showcase a fully immersive ecosystem which allows the Small and Medium Enterprises we support, to reach customers where they are and that is online or in person,” Spencer says. 

He says it is vital to continue creating marketplaces that are dedicated to and designed for creatives. The necessity of these efforts is affirmed in a report by the United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that indicates that the creative sector has created nearly 30 million jobs worldwide and employs more people aged 15−29 than any other sector. Here in Uganda, the creative sector employs more than five million young people aged between 15−29. 

 Spencer says initiatives at MoTIV are geared towards creating an experience that works for creatives. This includes innovation in the areas of payments, customer experience and logistics. 

As  MoTIV works towards building the infrastructure that will change the industry, you can work on the immediate goal of supporting Ugandan creatives by purchasing their products via omwoleso.africa platform this festive season.  

When the advert to attend the Design to Industry program became public, the name alone was the first thing that compelled him to apply. He hoped that at the end of the program, he would be able to create a viable product that he could take to the market. 

MoTIV, the makerspace of creatives and artisans doing carpentry, art and crafts, textile, mechatronics, put in place the Design to Industry program to offer intensive mentoring and training to creatives.   

MoTIV Product Manager, Silas Byakutaaga, says the goal of the program is to skill youthful people who can go on to create jobs for themselves.  

Impact 

Iga says the training is fulfilling his expectations by providing him with all the skills that he had been looking for thanks to the experiences of facilitators who have had fruitful careers. He feels that he can make it in the field as well.  

Most importantly, Iga says he has learned to marry functionality with beauty in a product. “Sometimes, I would design a very aesthetically pleasing product, but then I would receive feedback about how dysfunctional it was. I have learnt to include both aspects,” Iga says.  

Ever close to his dream of creating a viable product, Iga and one of the mentors are now discussing how to build on an idea that he nursed before participating in the class.  

“Right now, I have the design skills, resources plus a mentor in Silas who can enable me to bring this idea to life. I want to start making luxurious and uniquely designed concrete bathtubs. Ugandans are used to the porcelain tubs but I have a unique product coming up,” he says.  

A quantity surveyor by profession, Iga’s heart yearns after entrepreneurship and right now, he is seriously considering a career change. 

“I see so many foreigners come into the country to make a fortune. They build businesses from scratch and end up employing people like me. I want to create a big business like those that are created by Indians in Uganda. I don’t want my kids to look for jobs,” Iga explains. 

This goal of the Design to Industry program aligns with the agenda of The Mastercard Foundation whose Young Africa Works Strategy is to empower young people. This emanates from the belief that a better future for Africa will be built by the capable hands of young people who are skilled enough to break into new markets and create jobs or discover invisible jobs. The Design to Industry program further opens up and exposes a barrage of employment opportunities to young people. 

“Often, people like to create an original and unique design but there’s a gap between communicating one’s idea to the artisan. Many people end up settling for online pictures to inspire their product, sometimes settling for less than they want,” Byakutaaga says. 

By introducing the program, MoTIV wants to create and accelerate the design, development and production of local products, and consequently create more jobs for people. 

Byakutaaga says that the first cohort consists of 11 people from various fields. He also says that there are many benefits that result from putting a group of talented individuals, entrepreneurs, investors, and business decision-makers in one program. From having a one-of-a-kind networking opportunity among the attendants, accessing opportunities with well-established companies and influencers, having personalized guidance from experienced practitioners to having collaboration and partnerships with innovative makers, the accelerator program gives individuals a chance to learn how to overcome early challenges together. 

The program which started in June 2021, and was meant to last for three months, had a few setbacks when Uganda went through a second lockdown in the same month that the program commenced. With the lockdown lifted, the second cohort will graduate in December 2021. 

Byakutaaga says with graduation weeks away, there is a lot to look forward to. The products from the first cohort are currently in the prototyping phase where they are undergoing testing and further development until they are ready for the market.  

“Very soon, a customer will be able to log onto the omwoleso.africa online market to purchase from a limited edition of a locally designed and original piece of furniture,” he says.  

The current cohort’s training will end mid-December with a demo day when the designers will showcase their products and the inspiration behind them. 

Byakutaaga believes that the Design to Industry accelerator is a great initiative for anyone interested in creating new products and original pieces from their ideas.   

People attending the program can expect to learn from experienced practitioners like Prosper Byamungu of Brownstridge, an Architectural Design Firm, Sandra Niyonsaba, the Founder of BasicX by Niyo, Arnold Mugagga of ZETU AFRICA and Lawrence Okoth from Design Without Borders.  

Testimonies like Iga’s, show that young people are actively seeking opportunities to improve themselves and their communities. Clearly, all it takes is a gentle nudge in the direction of these opportunities.  

“We are using shipping containers to make lodges,” Byamungu, also the Team Lead, says.  

Last Saturday, a luxurious self-contained two-bedroom lodge converted from a shipping container was unveiled at MoTIV, in Bugolobi, a Kampala suburb. The container lodge now furnished like a modern house while maintaining the uniqueness of its metallic material, possesses all the amenities tourists are accustomed to; a living and sleeping space, a bathroom, a toilet as well as an external shower with a bathtub made from tarpaulin. The container lodge comes with good plumbing and electricity as well.   

With the tourism sector in mind, the container was fitted with large glass doors to provide an unobstructed view of beautiful landscapes or lush vegetation for the tourist. One needs not to worry about safety because a biometric door was fitted at its entrance. 

Where it all started 

To Brownstridge, the idea of conventional buildings set up within and around tourist destinations is a cause for concern.  

“It costs a lot of money to put up those buildings. There is a lot of fuel burnt, cutting down a lot of trees, burning wood to make bricks, producing cement in the factories. There is environmental impact alongside production of these materials,” Byamungu says, “Containers in this case, reduce the effect in the long term and because they are made of metal, they last longer than conventional building materials.” 

Speaking on Saturday at the breakfast chat that sparked a conversation about the housing innovation under the theme, “Sustainably Built Environments in the Tourism,” Byamungu said that as the country discusses climate change, there is need to first limit exploiting the earth and looking towards sustainable living by repurposing what is already available. 

Away from environmental concerns, the team is focused on widening investment options for Ugandans in other sectors.  

“We are creating an opportunity for people to get into real estate in the tourism sectors,” he says. They want to bring down the excessive cost of production incurred by tourism players as well as create new tourist experiences whether they want a coffee shop, a viewing deck, gift shop or even a swimming pool.  

A global trend and what is available 

Since 2012, the trend of using old shipping containers to construct homes that sprouted in Europe, spreading out from port cities into the mainland, has grown. The durability, flexibility, adaptability and simplicity of shipping containers is offering a sustainable solution to housing in Europe that we could benefit from as well in Uganda.  

According to The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 2020 review on maritime transport, 80 per cent of the volume of international trade in goods is carried by sea, and the percentage is even higher for most developing countries. Information on maritime from sites like Porta.stor states that shipping containers which are the primary form of storage for cargo are used for 10 – 12 years before they are retired from use.   

Porta.stor reports that there is an estimated number of 43 to 72 million containers in existence globally. Part of these are 14 to 23.3 million out of service containers which are often repurposed as storage units, used in construction or left redundant in scrap yards.  

“Shipping containers are readily available and they could provide an alternative supply of materials for construction. The fact that the containers can be stacked on top of each other makes it easy to construct them in a way that optimizes space. They could be turned into storied buildings especially in a country like Uganda where land is expensive, reducing the ability of many to own large spaces,” Byamungu says.  

Amos Wekesa, a reknown passionate tourism sector player and Founder of Great Lakes Safari Limited shared his perspectives during the breakfast chat too.  

When he started out in the tourism industry, tourists accustomed to modern housing wanted to experience life in a grass thatched lodge. However, tourist interests have since evolved. He believes container homes are gradually gaining traction and deems it timely for the tourism sector to tap into this curiosity and desire. 

“There are few Ugandans in the tourism sector who have tested it out and constructed container homes. They have found it to be a lucrative business. The rooms in container houses go for a handsome price and yet they still pull tourist traffic,” he says.  

One of the great selling points for containers is the fact that they are mobile. Wekesa, says for a sector that is dynamic, they present a pragmatic solution for housing that can be changed or moved when the need arises.  

“The tourism industry is not static. It is an adventure-driven environment that is ever-changing so sustainability should be a part of it. If the tourism attraction changes or if you want to invest in a new place, you simply can pack up your housing and leave,” Wekesa says.  

Finding the market 

Byamungu says there is strength in numbers and that once a sizeable number of travel enthusiasts embrace container lodging, it will catch on in the tourism and housing sectors.  

“We simply need to educate people on the benefits of container homes and also train them on how to work around them,” he says.  

As an architectural and design firm, Brownstridge is leading the movement of sustainable housing in the tourism sector and beyond.  

Their work can be seen and experienced at MoTIV Bugolobi where the firm has successfully transformed a warehouse into a thriving place for creatives through repurposing shipping containers.   

Ivy Nyonyozi, MoTIV Marketing Manager notes that to advance the movement of sustainable housing, MoTIV also a home for creatives, will provide the tools among other necessary resources to make this a reality.  

As a space that is built out of repurposed shipping containers, MoTIV offers evidence of how functional and feasible the Brownstridge’s container lodge is. 

Within one year, the startup has not only survived its first birthday, but it is also thriving. Bel Deluxe was founded by 25-year-old Belinda Regina Esaete whose entrepreneurship dream bloomed in 2020. In the middle of the nationwide lockdown, she found the time to reflect about her own life as a young urban woman. 

Working seven days a week in a construction firm, Esaete felt that there had to be more to life than spending one’s life in a routine that gave her little opportunity for rest. She also sought to engage her mind and time in more meaningful ways. 

Resting at night barely came with ease. This sent Esaete searching the internet on how to get better quality sleep. Findings indicated that sleeping attire played a part in helping someone have a more restful night. She began reading about the fabric that provides comfort during the night. 

Her research led her to commit to helping young urban women get rest and quality sleep through good sleeping attire. She began working on a range of silk products including silk robes, sleeping masks and silk nightwear. 

“There was an option of shipping already made pieces from China, but I realised that we need to end the cycle of importing things we can make. I decided that we will do production here and create jobs for urban women and youth while we are it,” Esaete resolved. When the lockdown was lifted, she met with seamstresses and production began.  

Like many beginnings, this one was also rocky. The first batch of silk wear had flaws that did not meet the standards of the premium product she envisaged. More mistakes were made. However, for Esaete, it became a journey of lessons, and this has facilitated her personal growth and entrepreneurial growth. 

With a degree in Procurement and Logistics, she integrated her supply chain management skills in the business. She was able to plan production, do inventory management and manage customer relationships thanks to her qualifications. 

She says the construction industry where she’d worked required a lot of shrewdness and aggressiveness, traits she has since brought into her business. 

“It has taught me a lot on a personal level. I have learnt to be patient with people. I have learnt how the market works. I know right now that building relationships in business is the most important thing and I have learnt to leave room for disappointment,” Esaete recounts the lessons she has learnt. 

With the lessons has come growth as well. From an initial investment of Shs300,000, the business now rakes in approximately Shs1.5 million per month. When she started out, she would make one sale in two months. A year later, she makes 15 to 18 sales a month. 

From being a one-woman dream in 2020, Bel Deluxe has nine people earning along its production line including models, seamstresses as well as those that deliver the products to her customers. 

Esaete says the growth of her business has solved many of the problems she set out to solve for herself. The first being a healthy work and life balance as well as the privilege to do meaningful work.  

Always passionate about entrepreneurship in the past, Esaete is happy that at 25 years old she is running her own business and living up to the principles she has gathered in the past about entrepreneurship. 

She is one of many creatives who belong to the MoTIV tribe, a community of artists and artisans working in the medium of wood, metal, fabric, acrylics, and other forms. This creative ecosystem consisting of community, mentorship, workspace, and a marketplace nurtures ideas and provides mechanisms for business’ survival. 

Esaete says this ecosystem has been beneficial to Bel Deluxe, especially via Omwoleso, an online marketplace that has given her access to a wider market.  

“Joining Omwoleso has been extremely helpful. The platform has resources that help me track my business. I can see the products I am selling, what I am doing right and what needs to be modified. It helps me plan our production and progress,” she says before adding that the team at Omwoleso is proactive and helpful whenever she reaches out. 

“This September, I have been able to earn Shs900,000 from the platform and this has come from repeat purchases. This is in a period of 11 days, don’t forget that,” Esaete says. She attributes part of her success to the knowledge, resources, networks, and marketing partnerships received through the MoTIV Tribe. 

Between August 2020 to August 2021, a young business sprung up to change the life of not just its owner but set off a chain reaction of jobs while solving a problem. These stories are the realisation of a conviction that MoTIV and The Mastercard Foundation holds- that young people have the solution to problems, both personal and communal.