Angella Babirye’s journey from a single mother’s home in the picturesque Busoga region to the helm of a transformative agroecological business is one of grit, passion, and relentless perseverance. Born and raised in Jinja, Uganda, Angella’s roots run deep in agriculture, though for much of her life, she didn’t see herself as a part of it.
Raised by a single mother alongside eight siblings, the odds were stacked against her from the start. Yet, in a turn of events, the very industry she once avoided became her calling—a calling that would not only transform her life but also impact hundreds of farmers and communities across Uganda.
“I grew up in a family where farming was always there. My grandparents were well-known farmers, but I never saw agriculture as a path for me. I had a negative mindset towards it,” Angella reflects, offering insight into the initial conflict between her upbringing and future aspirations. “But COVID-19 changed everything for me. It opened my eyes to the potential in agriculture, and from that moment, there was no turning back.”
Angella’s early life wasn’t easy. With her mother doing everything she could to keep the family afloat, there were times when Angella couldn’t attend school due to a lack of fees. “At one point, I sat at home for two years because my mother couldn’t afford school fees,” she shares, her voice tinged with emotion. “But when I finally got the chance to go back, I made a promise to myself: one day, I would help others, especially young girls and women, who faced the same struggles I did.”
That promise became the foundation for what would later become Lamalo Essentials—a company born from Angella’s vision to make a difference in her community. After completing her degree in Accounting and Finance at Kyambogo University, she embarked on a path few saw her taking. “I became an agroecological entrepreneur, and it was never just about business; it became a way to empower farmers, reduce post-harvest losses, and create high-quality, natural products.”
The Birth of Lamalo Essentials
Lamalo Essentials was conceived during a challenging yet enlightening period—right after Angella had given birth and completed university, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time when she reflected on what she truly wanted to achieve. “I asked myself: how can I create something meaningful? Something that would make a difference,” she explains.
The answer came swiftly. Lamalo Essentials was created to address two pressing problems: the mismanagement of valuable oilseeds like castor, neem, and shea, which were being cut down for firewood, and the widespread issue of post-harvest losses among smallholder farmers in rural Uganda.
“Many smallholder farmers were losing their crops to mold and poor storage. Seeds like groundnuts and sesame were going bad, and there was no value added to them,” Angella recalls. “Instead of letting these valuable seeds go to waste, why not add value and create something marketable? That’s how Lamalo Essentials started.”
What began as an idea quickly transformed into a thriving agribusiness. Lamalo Essentials, based in Jinja Wanyange, now works directly with over 200 smallholder farmers across northern and eastern Uganda, purchasing oilseeds at fair prices, thus reducing waste and providing market access.
The company processes these seeds into oils like castor oil, neem oil, and Nilotica shea butter. In addition, Lamalo Essentials has expanded its product range to include organic skincare items like African black soap, natural lip balms, and organic fertilizers made from neem and sesame seed cakes.
“We don’t waste anything,” Angella proudly states. “We even use the residues from our oilseed processing—like neem seed cakes—to create organic fertilizers, which we sell back to farmers at an affordable price. We also make animal feeds from peanut and sesame seed cakes.” This commitment to sustainability and value addition has set Lamalo Essentials apart in the marketplace.
Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Success
While Angella’s vision for Lamalo Essentials was clear, the journey was far from smooth. Accessing funding in the early stages proved to be a significant challenge, as most financial institutions were skeptical about small agro-processors. “We had to rely on savings and small grants to get started,” she admits. “But we didn’t let that stop us. We kept pushing forward, and today, we have grown beyond what we could have imagined.”
As Lamalo Essentials scaled, Angella and her team encountered competition from larger companies, but the key to their success was innovation and perseverance. “The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that entrepreneurship is about resilience. You must stay true to your vision, keep innovating, and never give up,” she says, her voice resolute.
Indeed, the results speak for themselves. Lamalo Essentials has garnered several accolades, including “Agribusiness Company of the Year” from ACOYA in 2022, “Agribusiness Company of the Year” by the Humanitarian Awards in 2023, and the “Beauty and Health Award” at the Digitally Fit Awards in 2024.
“Winning these awards has been incredible, but what really excites me is the impact we’re having on the ground—helping farmers increase their income and creating jobs,” Angella reflects with pride.
Angella also highlighted the importance of learning from others and being part of business networks. “We’ve also learned from other entrepreneurs and companies like Divine Organics, KIKAZI Agri Products Ltd, BALIMISA, Sulma Foods, Pumzi teas and so many others,” she explained.
She further emphasized the role of networks in her growth: “We joined various business networks like PELUM Uganda, Mkazipreneurs, Starhub Africa, Outbox, Guzakuza, Einstein Rising, Innovation Village, Uganda Small Scale Industries Association, NOGAMU, Herworking women, TEF, YALI, YouthConnekt, Agritourism, Growmovement, UWEAL, Hermotiv and so many others.”
These collaborations, she noted, deepened her knowledge of Agribusiness and the agriculture sector as a whole. Reflecting on her progress, she concluded, “This journey has transformed not just our business but also our mindset. What once seemed like a small venture has now become a movement, proving that with the right vision, continuous learning, and a strong team, growth is inevitable.”
Lamalo Essentials also received significant funding from various prestigious programs. Notably, the company secured $20,000 from the NSSF HI Innovation program in 2022, a milestone that marked a significant boost to their growth. As Angella noted, “That was in 2022.” More recently, in 2024, Lamalo Essentials received $5,000 from the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) program, specifically the Women Entrepreneurship for Africa initiative. This funding, according to Angella, “has enabled us to boost our business growth.”
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Angella’s community impact is undeniable. She is the founder of the Mirembe Noble Cause Foundation, which tackles plastic pollution in the Busoga region. “We train young people to create eco-friendly products like bags and carpets from recycled plastic waste,” she shares. “It’s about tackling an environmental issue and providing employment opportunities for youth.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Looking ahead, Angella is eager to embrace new trends in agriculture. “The market is increasingly leaning toward organic and sustainable products, and that excites me,” she says. Lamalo Essentials is working on introducing organic fertilizers and animal feeds made from seed cakes, furthering their commitment to sustainability. “The future is bright for agroecological products, and I’m ready to contribute to that movement,” Angella adds.
For other entrepreneurs just starting out, Angella offers this advice: “Start small, but think big. Learn from others, collaborate, and focus on continuous improvement. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek out partnerships. Entrepreneurship is not a solo journey—it’s about working together and growing together.”
As for the journey she’s walked, Angella’s biggest lesson is clear: “Leadership isn’t about giving orders; it’s about serving others. True leadership means empowering your team, your community, and building something that lasts beyond yourself.”
Angella Babirye’s story is one of transformation. From the struggles of her youth to the success of Lamalo Essentials, her journey proves that determination and vision can turn challenges into opportunities. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope for other aspiring entrepreneurs, especially young women in Uganda, showing them that with perseverance, anything is possible.
In the end, Angella’s story isn’t just about business. It’s about creating impact, uplifting communities, and forging a path to a more sustainable future. And for her, the journey has just begun.
