My Uganda Estonian Cafe in Africa by Sisi Saetalu

chatTALK TO OWNER

One day, an Estonian man named Jüri, while volunteering in Uganda, comes up with the idea of opening a cafe in the capital city Kampala that offers employment to young locals with special needs. Despite being a generally peaceful and friendly country, unemployment is extremely high and it is almost impossible for young people with special needs to enter the workforce. Determined to make it happen, we gather the necessary funds through donations in Estonia, and I, eager to make a meaningful impact in Africa, set off to Uganda to carry out the plan. Constant warnings not to trust people, the locals' tough lives, nerve-wracking traffic, and being labeled with the status of muzungu—meaning white person—test the patience of a foreigner lost in the city. Besides the unfamiliar environment, the cafe project faces challenges from financial issues, limited time, and typical business risks. However, it soon becomes clear that with the right attitude, it is indeed possible for a foreigner to navigate and succeed in Kampala. By approaching things positively and flexibly, life in Uganda can turn into an adventure full of endless surprises.