Director

My Journey: From Struggles to Empowerment

My name is Boonabana Agnes, and I was born on 26th June 1983 in Kyakasozi Village, Bigando Ward, Bigando Division, Masindi Municipality. I come from a family of seven children—four girls and three boys. I hold a Diploma in Education (Business) from Kyambogo University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Business) from Makerere University.

I grew up in a rural village where my uncle, who was the sole provider for his family, was imprisoned, leaving behind his wife and five children—three boys and two girls. His wife, a full-time homemaker, struggled to support the family, and they soon faced severe financial hardships. Given the close bond between our families, my father, as the eldest brother, took responsibility for my uncle’s children, providing for their education, healthcare, clothing, and other basic needs.

My uncle remained in prison for several years, and during this time, his wife eventually left and remarried in another district. As a result, my cousins and I grew up as one family, supporting and relying on each other. Our parents allocated each of us small portions of land to grow vegetables, teaching us responsibility and self-sufficiency from a young age. The proceeds from selling these vegetables helped us meet our daily needs. While growing up, I had a friend involved in event decoration, and I often accompanied her to different events. Through hands-on learning, I acquired skills in decoration and later involved my siblings in the trade. Together, we started offering affordable decoration services, which helped us earn extra income.

Discovering a Passion for Skills Development

During my time at university, I befriended a classmate who later moved to Kenya to work in a lubricant manufacturing company. We maintained communication, and upon his return after two years, he shared insights into his work. He introduced me to the concept of recycling used motorcycle and car oil, which was often discarded, into valuable grease and lubricants. Intrigued, I decided to explore this opportunity further.

With his guidance, we sourced the necessary materials and started experimenting with the process. Within a short time, I successfully produced basic grease products and began selling them in Kampala, particularly in areas like Ndeeba, Katwe, and Natete. With continued practice, my siblings and I refined our techniques and started producing high-quality grease using locally available methods.

The Birth of SPAG Women Forward Initiative

Through this journey, I witnessed firsthand how practical skills could transform lives. I also reflected on the struggles faced by women; particularly those left vulnerable due to circumstances like incarceration, abandonment, or financial hardship. Inspired by my experiences and determined to make a difference, I founded SPAG Women Forward Initiative.

SPAG Women Forward Initiative was established to empower women, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by equipping them with vocational skills, financial literacy, and business development support. The initiative focuses on providing hands-on training in various trades, including decoration, small-scale manufacturing, and entrepreneurship, enabling women to achieve self-reliance.

What started as a means of survival in my childhood has now grown into a mission-driven organization dedicated to uplifting women and their families. Through SPAG Women Forward Initiative, I strive to create sustainable opportunities for women, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build a better future for themselves and their children