Balunywa Foundation Youth Mentorship Program: The Story Behind Masha Foods and Shabani Matovu's Journey to Success

*By John Kusolo*

In today’s world, the mantra “Nobody Owes You a Living” is increasingly relevant. For young entrepreneurs like Shabani Matovu, founder of Masha Foods, this statement resonates deeply. At the Balunywa Foundation’s Youth Mentorship Program, under the theme “Get Up and Go—No One Owes You a Living”, Matovu shared the inspiring story of how Masha Foods was born, a testament to his resilience, hard work, and willingness to overcome challenges ony the path to success.

*From Humble Beginnings to Big Dreams*

Shabani Matovu's entrepreneurial journey began during his time at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), where he was enrolled as a government student in the Bachelor of Commerce program in 2009. Matovu(39), with an MBA in Accounting and a background as a tax expert at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), had no immediate aspirations to start a restaurant business. However, his background in cooking from home and his initiative to support fellow Muslim students during Ramadan helped shape his future.

At MUBS, Matovu observed the need to provide meals for Muslim students breaking their fast. Driven by this idea, he proposed the concept of providing food to the Chairperson of Muslim students, who encouraged him to take it up with the Dean of Students, Madam Nyakojjo, and the counselor, Judith Batega. After securing nearly unanimous support from fellow students, Matovu began offering meals to them during Ramadan, which proved both practical and successful. Encouraged by the MUBS kitchen staff to consider starting a restaurant, Matovu began contemplating a business idea that would later evolve into Masha Foods.

*The Birth of Masha Foods*

While still a student, Matovu started laying the groundwork for what would eventually become Masha Foods. Through a side business that earned him a modest but steady income of UGX 30,000 daily, he began saving and stocking his rented room with essentials for his future venture, such as plates and cups. His friends supported him, both morally and financially, as he built up his business plan.

Upon completing his studies, Matovu faced a pivotal decision. His family wanted him to join his brother in the United States, but he was determined to pursue his business dream. This choice met with family disapproval and even threats of withdrawn support, but Matovu persisted. In early 2012, he rented a space in Iganga, and by June, Masha Foods had officially launched, initially specializing in local food. However, challenges quickly arose: many customers defaulted on payments, and Matovu incurred heavy debts, prompting him to sell his first location at a loss and relocate to High Street in Iganga. This shift marked a strategic change in his offerings as he transitioned to a fast-food menu, focusing on chicken and chips—a move that finally brought him profitability.

*Building a Brand Amidst Challenges*

As his business stabilized, Matovu balanced his entrepreneurial pursuits with teaching at MUBS Jinja campus, monitoring his business while imparting knowledge to students. In February 2015, he joined URA, leading him to eventually transfer the management of Masha Foods in Iganga to a friend under a Memorandum of Understanding that prevented him from opening another branch there.

Yet, his passion for Masha Foods never waned. In 2016, while working with URA in Mbarara, he explored ways to return to the restaurant business. Despite an initial setback, he was able to start Masha Foods again in December 2018, this time at Kireka Shopping Center in Kampala. A branch at Kingdom Kampala soon followed in 2019 but had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, Masha Foods operates successfully in Bugolobi and Kireka, employing 25 staff and contributing to Uganda’s economy through taxes and job creation.

*Looking Ahead:*

Expanding Masha Foods

With a monthly tax contribution of UGX 8 million and a goal to open three more branches by 2026, including one in Jinja, Matovu’s vision for Masha Foods is clear. He aims to expand his brand within Kampala and beyond, maintaining his mission to provide quality, affordable meals while creating employment opportunities for Ugandans.

*Lessons for the Youth:*

Determination, Resilience, and Innovation

Shabani Matovu’s journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved through persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks. His story emphasizes the importance of not relying on external support but instead seizing opportunities and pushing forward, even when obstacles arise. For young Ugandans attending the Balunywa Foundation’s Youth Mentorship Program, Matovu’s message was clear: Get Up and Go—No One Owes You a Living.