Who can dare call Grace Nanyonga ‘chicken’ today?
Grace Nanyonga
What you need to know:
Street hawker turned millionaire. She has come to be known as the orphan girl who made a fortune from her pocket money of Shs150,000. To inspire other women into investing, Grace Nanyonga shared her story at the health camp, as reported by Brian Mutebi.
“My siblings and I lost our parents when we were still young. I roasted chicken in Banda on Kampala-Jinja Road to take care of my siblings and get school fees, and children at school used to call me “Chicken”. Then someone saw my story in the Daily Monitor news article and gave me a bursary. But that was up to Senior Six.
In my vacation I sought jobs but I was told if people with qualifications lacked jobs, where was I going to get one. Then one woman told me about the fish business in Kalangala. I went to Kalangala and began smoking fish which I would pack nicely and sell in Kampala. I made profits.
Today, at 30 years, I own my own company, Grana Fish Supplies Limited. I have travelled in many parts of the world to share my story including speaking at the White House in Washington DC. My story has been quoted by President Obama and wife, Michelle.
When I speak, I do not quote people, but people quote my story. Today, I am a Girls Challenge Education Ambassador.
I have a degree and diploma. I fly frequently, then I remember people who chased me from their taxi because I was carrying smelly fish.
It is us who have the solutions to our problem. I have learnt that anyone can make it in life. We can all beat the odds if we have a positive attitude.”
