Akello Florence tells her story of Training to Enterprise
Northern Uganda | 07 September 2026 | Text By Kadlah Nabakembo | Photos By Gulu Hands of Women
Akello Florence: An incubatee from Hands of Women, Northern Uganda, tells her story of Training to Enterprise.
When I joined the tailoring training, I came with a desire to learn a skill that could help me earn an income and become more independent. Through the training, mentorship and practical sessions, I have learned that tailoring is not only about knowing how to sew, it is also about understanding what a customer wants, producing quality work and turning a skill into a business.
One of my proudest moments came when I completed a dress that had been ordered by my customer, Jennifer. I worked carefully to make sure it was well finished and that she was happy with the final product. When I delivered the dress, I earned UGX 35,000 from the sale.
Receiving that money meant so much to me. It was not just UGX 35,000; it was proof that the skills I had acquired could actually earn me an income. I realised that I could move from being a trainee to producing for real customers and gradually build an enterprise of my own.
This experience has encouraged me to take my work more seriously, pay attention to quality and listen to what my customers want. I also want to continue improving my tailoring skills, attract more customers and increase my income so that I can become more self-reliant.
I am grateful to Ms. Jennifer Anena, Director of Hands of Women, and her team for the training, encouragement and mentorship they have given us. I also appreciate AAIN for the timely support that is helping young women like me gain practical skills and opportunities to improve our livelihoods.
My journey is only beginning, but earning from something I made with my own hands has given me the confidence to dream bigger. I can now contribute to supporting my family, and what gives me the greatest hope is the possibility of one day fully providing for my child who has a disability. With every step forward, I am building a future where I can better meet my child’s needs and help them thrive.
