Agnes Netonze Chitumba is a married woman, mother of five, and social entrepreneur based in Kampala, Uganda. Raised primarily by her father, Agnes grew up under strong expectations. Her father dreamed she would become a doctor — a path that, for a time, felt imposed rather than chosen.
As she matured, Agnes began discovering her own interests and direction. She pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Logistics, encouraged by the promise that it would lead to a prestigious corporate career in multinational companies.
Like many graduates, reality proved different. It took her eight months just to secure an internship placement — an experience that would unexpectedly redirect her life’s work.
Agnes eventually secured an internship at a small, women-led shoe manufacturing enterprise called SECO. Initially, it was meant to be a short placement — a stepping stone toward corporate employment.
But within two months, everything changed.
Working alongside women who were crafting shoes and transforming their livelihoods through enterprise stirred something deeper in her. She became inspired not just by the product, but by the empowerment behind it.
That moment sparked her entrepreneurial awakening.
She realized she didn’t have to wait to be employed — she could create employment.
This realization led to the founding of Arise Collections Limited, a leather and textiles social enterprise focused on sustainability and women’s economic empowerment.
Agnes built Arise Collections around three core pillars:
1. Sustainable Manufacturing
The business repurposes hides and skins from the beef industry — materials that would otherwise go to waste — transforming them into high-quality leather bags, shoes, jewelry, and apparel.
She often jokes:
“As long as we have sisters and brothers who are ‘meat-licious,’ the hides and skins will always be there.”
By positioning the company within the recycling value chain of the meat industry, Arise merges environmental sustainability with manufacturing.
2. Impact-Driven Production
The enterprise works primarily with disadvantaged Ugandan women, bringing them into workshops where they are trained and employed to produce export-quality goods sold in international markets.
3. Community & Collaboration
Agnes emphasizes ecosystems over isolation. She actively builds networks with fellow entrepreneurs — locally and globally — believing shared energy, referrals, and emotional support are critical for survival.
She champions entrepreneurial communities where women uplift one another through shared learning and partnership.
For Agnes, success is measured in both enterprise growth and human impact.
Arise Collections has built:
- A skilled female manufacturing workforce
- A global customer base, particularly in the U.S. and Europe
- A strong e-commerce platform selling Ugandan-made goods worldwide
She proudly describes their buyers as part of a “sisterhood” — consumers who purchase not just products, but purpose.
Internally, Arise operates like a family:
- They celebrate births together
- Babies visit the workshop before maternity leave begins
- Wins and losses are shared collectively
She believes organizational culture is as important as commercial performance.
Agnes offers grounded, experience-driven insights for entrepreneurs — especially African women:
1. Find Your Community
Entrepreneurship is emotionally demanding. Build circles where you can learn, recharge, and share burdens.
“If you want to go far, walk alone. If you want to go farthest, go together.”
2. Be Strategic About Funding
Funding is available — but discernment is key.
Entrepreneurs must ask:
- Do we need funding?
- How much?
- When?
- From whom?
Too much funding can damage a business just as much as too little.
3. Formalize Early
Legal registration, documentation, and governance structures make it easier for funders to trust and invest.
4. Balance Impact & Profit
Running a social enterprise means constantly balancing mission with financial sustainability — one of her toughest ongoing lessons.
5. Build a Strong Support System
Family, partners, friends, neighbors, and faith communities all play a role in sustaining women entrepreneurs juggling business and home life.
6. Embrace Technology
E-commerce and digital platforms allow African women to manufacture locally and sell globally — without leaving their countries.
7. Seek Mentorship
Mentors provide perspective, emotional support, and strategic guidance during moments of doubt — in business and in life.