INSPIRATIONAL LEADERS
Adrine Kobusingye : A Life of Pü pose and Impact
Adrine Kobusingye: I grew up in Bushenyi, the firstborn in a humble family of 12 children. My parents were tea farmers with no formal education but a strong belief in its power. My father was a visionary who loved and believed in me deeply. He often said, “Once you finish school, I will chase poverty out of my house.” We worked hard—clearing fields and running a small grocery shop. By age eight, I was helping run the shop, selling to customers and handling money. That early hustle taught me resilience, responsibility, and the value of hard work—lessons that still guide me today. PK: Could you walk us through your educational background? Which schools did you attend, and how did your academic journey unfold? Adrine Kobusingye: My education started at Katonjo Primary School, just two miles from our village. We walked there barefoot, carrying our food—“entanda”—wrapped in banana leaves. Those seven years shaped my foundation. I performed well, and though resources were tight, my father sold part of his land to send me to St. Cecilia in Bushenyi for secondary school. It was life-changing—my first time in shoes, in a car, and hearing fluent English. After four years, I moved to Maryhill High School for A-Levels. My younger siblings paused their schooling so I could continue. My father believed I would pave the way. At Maryhill, surrounded by confident city girls, I felt out of place—but I saw opportunity. I began selling chapati and mandazi,
jobs were hard to find. Inspired by a woman typing coursework, I opened a secretarial bureau with 1 million shillings from my uncle. We made little progress, spending most earnings. A friend then lent me 700,000 shillings to start a printing business on Nasser Road. My first profit—150,000 shillings—was the turning point. From that moment, I knew I was on the right path. PK: Could you please take us through your entrepreneurial journey from that point onward? Adrine Kobusingye: When I earned my first 150,000 Ugandan shillings from my printing business, it felt like a major breakthrough—like catching sight of dry land after drifting in open water. That moment affirmed that I could survive and thrive on my own terms. After university, most graduates hope for formal jobs in government or big companies. But I found myself on Nasser Road, in a field I hadn’t studied. Still, I needed validation, and for me, that came through income. I didn’t need the prestige of an office job—earning money gave me confidence and purpose. I spread the word to friends and family: I was officially in business—doing printing and stationery. My first big opportunity came from a friend who needed books printed. I gave a quotation, and to my surprise, it was accepted. The project expanded into a 20-million- shilling Local Purchase Order. I had no capital, no bank account—but I had faith and determination. I borrowed materials on credit, reached out to my mother for 2 million shillings, and fulfilled the order. When I received a check for 20 million, I opened a bank account, paid my debts, and walked away with 8 million in profit. I repaid Michael, the friend who first believed in me, with 1 million—more than he had loaned me. That gesture meant everything. But life took a hard turn when my husband passed away from cancer, draining all my savings. It was an incredibly difficult time, but I couldn’t give up. I had children to raise. I moved offices and shifted my focus
O ur Bulletin Officer, Peter Kahindi, had a chat with Rtn Adrine Kobusingye and she offered eye-opening revelations. With her usual energy, Adrine takes us through her life’s journey, childhood, education, early business life, her family and her philanthropy. PK: Good morning, MD Adrine. Let us start simple—who is Adrine Kobusingye, at her core? A drine Kobusingye: My name is Adrine Kobusingye, a proud mother of two daughters and a lifelong entrepreneur. I often joke that I’ve never had a formal job—I’ve always been self-employed, and I truly love the hustle. I was born and raised in Bushenyi, the firstborn in a family of 12, and that responsibility shaped my resilience and drive. Today, I run multiple businesses, including a supply chain company that delivers on demand with precision, and Hotel La’ Vena—one of my proudest ventures. There’s immense joy in knowing I provide jobs and support families through my work. I also served as the board chairperson for Igara Growers Tea Factory for six years. That role held deep meaning for me, as I grew up in a tea farming family. Tea paid for our education and built our
lives. My journey reflects dedication, leadership, and a commitment to building something greater than myself. PK: Let’s take it back to the beginning—your roots. Just briefly, what was it like growing up in Bushenyi?
earning 20,000 shillings a day, which helped cement our house and buy furniture. I later joined M a k e r e r e University, s t u d y i n g Development Studies. After graduating,
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