From Despair to a Thriving Confectionery Business

At just 31 years old, Gloria Dawa, a South Sudanese refugee faced challenges that could have crushed anyone’s spirit. Returning to Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement from Kampala two years ago, she had no house, no food, and no source of income. Gloria’s life was engulfed by hopelessness, even contemplating ending her life. A friend of hers allowed her to sell liquid soap for a commission of UGX 2,000 per 20 liters.

In 2024, Gloria’s joined God’s Mercy Youth Group under the World Food Programme’s Agriculture Market Support (AMS) project. Gloria started saving UGX 2,000 weekly and used a small loan of UGX 20,000 to make and sell pancakes door to door. As her confidence and business acumen grew, so did the opportunities. She then picked a larger loan of UGX 1,000,000, which allowed her to expand into farming as a business and value addition.

With input from WFP, such as vegetable seeds, and connections to private partners like Omia Agribusiness, Gloria began growing high-value crops like carrots, onions, and peppers, which she skillfully blends into cakes, bread, and other baked goods. This unique fusion has not only distinguished her products in the market but also tripled her sales.

Today, Gloria’s daily working capital stands at UGX 400,000, earning her a net profit of UGX 25,000 per day. Beyond her financial success, she has become an inspiration to her community, where she now provides training to disadvantaged youth. Gloria has opened two outlets in Gasper and Molokony trading centers within the settlement, employing three young people, and paying school fees for her seven children. With the skills in financial literacy, Gloria earns additional income by training others, empowering them to replicate her success.

WFP and the Mastercard Foundation have joined hands to create more job opportunities for young people in agriculture in Uganda, especially young women. Through the project youth like Gloria are creating new, tailored opportunities to help them succeed not only in agriculture but also enhancing technical and business practices along value chains.

“The skills and support I received gave me hope again,” Gloria says. “I learned how to grow my business and make it work, and now I can provide for my family and even help others”