Musisi moulds a fortune from clay
Apr 13, 2010
HE was deported from the UK and life seemed to have hit a dead end. Hamis Musisi had been living there for 12 years doing kyeyo (odd jobs). Even in his wildest dreams, Musisi had never imagined his life taking the magic turn it has today.
By Juliet Lukwago
HE was deported from the UK and life seemed to have hit a dead end. Hamis Musisi had been living there for 12 years doing kyeyo (odd jobs). Even in his wildest dreams, Musisi had never imagined his life taking the magic turn it has today.
Musisi wondered how he would settle back home. He was only armed with the determination to do anything for survival though he never had money on his account nor hope to get a loan. His only capital was his brain.
He borrowed sh20,000 from a friend and bought some clay. The land Musisi had bought while abroad had a lot of clay. He had acquired some elementary pottery skills while in secondary school.
Using his land as a source of raw material, Musisi opened up his pottery in Kitende along Entebbe Road.
Most of his friends thought he had gone crazy when they heard he was making and selling clay pots. Some of them made fun of him and sent emails to friends abroad telling them about his ‘desperate’ state.
Armed with determination, Musisi swallowed his pride and continued with the project. Five years down the road, he is a proud owner of a pottery business that earns an average of sh100,000 on a good day and sh55,000 on a bad day.
Business success
His business was exhibited during the Common Wealth Head of Government Meeting, in making decoration items like flower pots, vases and jugs.
Musisi has expanded his business by opening another branch in Bbunga on Ggaba Road. As a way of networking, Musisi has joined the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association at Kajjansi.
He makes different types of flower vases depending on customer needs. Musisi also makes jugs, candle stands, and charcoal stoves for big hotels. The prices of products range from sh1,000 to sh2m. From his income, he pays fees for his children and takes care of his family.
Challenges
Musisi is challenged by coming up with unique designs that can attract customers. This compels him to be creative to meet the customers’ preferences and specifications.
The items are also very fragile during the production process. Care has to be exercised to preserve their beauty and quality.
“He who laughs last laughs longest,†goes the old adage. Musisi’s success has silenced friends who laughed at his business initiative. He continues to laugh, all the way to the bank.
Training in ceramics
Margaret Trowel school of Industrial and Fine Art, Makerere University offers three year Bachelors degree in fine art with ceramics as an option. The tuition fee is ranges from sh800,000 to sh1m.
Kyambogo University offers two year diploma in ceramics. The fee ranges from sh450,000 to sh550,000.
HE was deported from the UK and life seemed to have hit a dead end. Hamis Musisi had been living there for 12 years doing kyeyo (odd jobs). Even in his wildest dreams, Musisi had never imagined his life taking the magic turn it has today.
Musisi wondered how he would settle back home. He was only armed with the determination to do anything for survival though he never had money on his account nor hope to get a loan. His only capital was his brain.
He borrowed sh20,000 from a friend and bought some clay. The land Musisi had bought while abroad had a lot of clay. He had acquired some elementary pottery skills while in secondary school.
Using his land as a source of raw material, Musisi opened up his pottery in Kitende along Entebbe Road.
Most of his friends thought he had gone crazy when they heard he was making and selling clay pots. Some of them made fun of him and sent emails to friends abroad telling them about his ‘desperate’ state.
Armed with determination, Musisi swallowed his pride and continued with the project. Five years down the road, he is a proud owner of a pottery business that earns an average of sh100,000 on a good day and sh55,000 on a bad day.
Business success
His business was exhibited during the Common Wealth Head of Government Meeting, in making decoration items like flower pots, vases and jugs.
Musisi has expanded his business by opening another branch in Bbunga on Ggaba Road. As a way of networking, Musisi has joined the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association at Kajjansi.
He makes different types of flower vases depending on customer needs. Musisi also makes jugs, candle stands, and charcoal stoves for big hotels. The prices of products range from sh1,000 to sh2m. From his income, he pays fees for his children and takes care of his family.
Challenges
Musisi is challenged by coming up with unique designs that can attract customers. This compels him to be creative to meet the customers’ preferences and specifications.
The items are also very fragile during the production process. Care has to be exercised to preserve their beauty and quality.
“He who laughs last laughs longest,†goes the old adage. Musisi’s success has silenced friends who laughed at his business initiative. He continues to laugh, all the way to the bank.
Training in ceramics
Margaret Trowel school of Industrial and Fine Art, Makerere University offers three year Bachelors degree in fine art with ceramics as an option. The tuition fee is ranges from sh800,000 to sh1m.
Kyambogo University offers two year diploma in ceramics. The fee ranges from sh450,000 to sh550,000.