Sylvia Muyanja serving the local food she cooked. Photos by Jovitah Mirembe

FOODS AND NUTRITION

KAMPALA - Food is a sensitive item to the human body as it can either poison or keep it healthy which is why it has to be handled cautiously.

This is the reason why James Etobo, the managing Director of Classic Baking and Catering Uganda, annually gets together with his former students to explore the different innovative ideas in order to stay relevant in the competitive food industry.

This year, they met at the school premises in Kisaasi on January 19.

 
"We share challenges and the team finds solutions because usually, we meet similar challenges in the field," he explains.  

Etobo adds that for one to stay in business, they have to come up with innovations and improve their services as well. This helps to have unique products on the market that can attract customers.

He also encouraged the corporate class to join the food industry because it can be done from home as a side business to supplement their monthly earnings. 

Samuel Kwamusi cutting cake that he baked

 
The director of the school, Samuel Kwamusi encouraged former students to be the school agents out there so that many people can benefit and fight unemployment as well.

The participants showcased different kinds of unique pastries, local and international dishes, confectionaries and juices among others. Winners scooped prizes.

At the end of the day, Sylvia Muyanja was awarded a unique apron for preparing the best traditional food and cake decoration.

Monica Ruzigye got the second prize for baking where she was given a cake steamer (this makes the cake shine after decorating it).

James Etobo, the managing Director of Classic Baking and Catering Uganda speaking

Classic Baking and Catering Uganda offer baking and cooking services for various events in different parts of Kampala.

It also runs diploma and certificate courses in collaboration with public institutions. The courses have a duration of 1-3 months depending on what the learner wants to practice.

For example, for professional certificates in baking and pastries plus local and international cuisines, one studies for a year and the diploma for two years.

Etobo has trained over 200 youths, both male and female in baking and cooking. They have since started their own businesses where they employ people.