By Dr. Linda Lilian
As hope for many graduates to get into the job market shrinks due to the obvious reasons I won’t divulge into. Many are resorting to self-employment and independent production to put their knowledge and skills to use they’ve acquired from the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI)
In this particular article, we are talking the knowledge of herbal medicines, herbal foods and in particular we focus of Robert Kabakyenga who is one of those turning tables and making heads roll in the industry with his wide range of products.
Robert Kabakyenga tells his story with determination written on his face. He is a Protegee of Prof. Patrick Ogwang and Enoch Ndyabanawe of the ARTAVOL anti-malaria tea. ARTAVOL was incubated at the Uganda Industrial Research Institute before it graduated into an independent company that has continued to penetrate the Ugandan market.
During its incubation period at the Uganda Industrial Research Institute Robert Kabakyenga says he worked under the resourceful guidance of Prof. Patrick Ogwang and Enoch. “During this time, I learned how to make herbal teas and it has made me what I am today,”
He further asserts pointing at the herbal teas he has efficiently been able to produce noting that after his UIRI experience he joined the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association which has since opened doors for him in furthering his knowledge on taxes, quality standards and even taken him to exhibitions outside Uganda where he has sold his products.
Kabakyenga whose products go by the brand name KABSMAN says the Uganda Industrial Research Institute is very instrumental in supporting product development and analysis, however he credits his progress to joining business associations like USSIA.
To his name he has a beetroot tea for boosting immunity and Lemon grass tea. As he continues to grow his product range Kabakyenga Robert has set his goals towards certifying his products and ensuring quality.
Wao CABSMAN