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Dorcas Amoding is an Advocacy and Communications specialist who previously worked with various NGOs, including the Community Health and Information Network (CHAIN), a Ugandan organisation focused on youth development and health.
She boasts of extensive experience working with vulnerable youth, with a particular emphasis on the importance of mentorship and support in their development.
Now based in the United Kingdom, Dorcas is an established businesswoman who has made her mark selling authentic Ugandan local foods and products. Through her social media platforms, she has gained significant recognition and influence.
We had the chance to speak with Dorcas in-depth. Read on for her inspiring story.
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While speaking with you, we noticed that you fluently speak several languages, yet your name, Amoding, is an Eastern name. Where exactly were you born?
Ha, yes! I speak several languages fluently because I interact with so many people. I went to school in Mbale, Jinja, and Kampala. Along the way, I met people from different cultures, and I have always been fascinated by culture.
Uganda has a large and diverse population, and my love for learning led me to engage with many people, which is how I ended up becoming a linguist.
Well, Dorcas, it's great to finally have you for this interview. It's been quite a challenge to get you, as you're such a busy woman. What’s your typical morning like?
I always have busy days. I’m not exactly an early bird, but I make an effort to wake up earlier. Usually, by 7 am, I’m out of bed, I say my prayers, and start planning my day. You wouldn't believe it, but there are days when I barely have time for breakfast. I rush to catch the train or bus to work. That's just how my days go. Nothing extraordinary.
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Now, let’s dive into your education and career background. Can you tell us more about that?
My primary school years are filled with great memories. I attended Gangama Primary School in Mbale before moving to Magwa Primary School in Jinja, where I completed my primary education. I then joined Wanyange Girls Secondary School, where I spent six years.
I’m proud to say I was the Deputy Head Girl at Wanyange Girls, and I’m still remembered fondly to this day. After that, I went to Kyambogo University for my undergraduate degree and later pursued my Master’s degree at Cavendish University.
As for my career, it’s been quite a journey. While still in high school, I volunteered with TASO, during a time when HIV/AIDS rates were high.
We started the AIDS Youth Challenge Club, where we visited schools to talk about abstinence and safe sex. We also engaged with out-of-school youth to educate them about living safely. We did a lot to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in Uganda.
After high school, I worked as an Advocacy and Communications Manager at CHAIN Uganda. I helped coordinate events, including those for CHOGM, and was responsible for HIV workshops and activities across Commonwealth Africa.
I also worked as a Commonwealth coordinator, managing HIV programmes across Commonwealth countries in Africa. Even while on international assignments, I stayed connected with young people, often offering motivational talks. I also served as an assistant lecturer at Makerere University and Cavendish University. Interacting with young people has always been a passion of mine.
In my career, I also worked with AGHA (Action Group for Health and Human Rights).
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Coming from a humble background, what inspired you to become such a hardworking individual?
Well, my parents were incredibly hardworking. I grew up in a tough environment in a rural community, and during that time, there was a lot of insecurity in the area.
Rebel groups terrified us, and we would often have to walk long distances to hide from them. I always wanted to be in a safe place, which motivated me to work hard for a secure life. The people around me also had a big impact on me.
Is there a specific challenge you’ve faced in life that has shaped you into who you are today?
One thing I can tell you is that if you're an African child, you’ve probably experienced poverty. Poverty forces you to work. Education became our way out, and I’ve witnessed poverty firsthand. I used to visit slums in Kampala and saw how poorly people were living.
In Uganda, it’s hard to ignore the lack of access to proper health services. These challenges shaped my work ethic and determination to succeed.
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You mentioned you’re a trained public health worker. What’s one thing you’ll never forget from your time in the field?
One thing I’ll never forget is the interaction with people. I love listening to people, and as a trained health worker, it’s something that has stayed with me.
You’re also an excellent communicator. Where does this skill come from?
My father was a great spokesperson and a trained public health communicator who worked with the Ministry of Health before retiring.
I learnt a lot of my communication skills from him. My mother, on the other hand, is very disciplined, and she made sure I was always where I was supposed to be. Between the two of them, I gained the qualities that have shaped me today.
Now, let’s talk about your life in the UK. What are you doing now, and when did you leave Uganda?
Before I left Uganda, I was working as a human rights activist and advocate for health and human rights. I managed projects related to maternal health and HIV, encouraging mothers to deliver in hospitals. I worked with women across Eastern and Northern Uganda, teaching them that maternal health is a right, not a privilege.
From public health worker to entrepreneur in the UK, how did that transition happen? Was public health not paying well?
Public health does pay well because it changes people’s lives. Seeing a mother deliver safely was fulfilling. However, personal circumstances led me to leave Uganda for the UK.
I’ve always been interested in business. I started learning crochet during my primary school vacation, which gave me some income and kept me from idleness. That was when I realised I had a knack for business.
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Why did you choose to do business in the UK rather than Uganda?
I’ve done business in both the UK and Uganda. Over time, I noticed more business opportunities in the UK. While business is tough, you have to keep trying new things. If one idea fails, you try another.
Today, you’re a well-known seller of Ugandan local foods in the UK. How did this business come about?
This business is a partnership between my husband and me. He has extensive experience in business, and together we saw the potential in selling Ugandan organic foods.
We also realised that there was limited access to such foods in the UK. With his experience in exports and my knowledge, it was easy for us to get started. We also ventured into other businesses like Amo Crafts and Amo Decorations.
How do you source these foods and get them to the UK?
We source the foods directly from Uganda, and we have suppliers and clearing agents who help us legally import them into the UK.
How did your local food restaurant in the UK come about, and was it an easy journey?
The restaurant wasn’t something I started alone. We worked with others to create a place where Ugandans in London could meet, speak our local languages, and enjoy our organic foods. Food brings people together, and we saw the need for such a place.
Is your restaurant catering to all of London, or just a specific area?
The restaurant is open to everyone in the UK, though we mainly serve a large number of people in West London.
Are you the one preparing these local foods?
We work as a team. It's a large group that helps in preparing the food.
What has been the biggest challenge in this business?
Business is never easy. The rent in the UK is expensive, and the cost of importing and taxes are high. But despite the challenges, we manage to keep serving our community.
People love your organic foods. Is this your official career path?
Food is more of a lifestyle than a career for me. While I enjoy interacting with people over food, I don’t see it as a career. It’s a way of life.
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Do you miss health activism?
I do miss it very much. It’s part of who I am. I still make contributions, even in small ways, and I miss being on platforms speaking about health and human rights.
Your social media pages and YouTube are full of inspiring content. How do you come up with such authentic content?
What you see on my social media is simply me. I love sharing my life and experiences. I believe we all have something to teach others, and I enjoy learning from others too.
Finally, let’s talk about life. Are you married, and how do you balance a busy career with family life?
Yes, I’ve been married for 15 years, and it’s going strong. There’s an Ateso saying, "Omuteso tanooba" (meaning that Ateso women respect and uphold marriage regardless of the challenges), but marriage is very personal, and I wouldn’t generalise it. It’s unique to each individual involved.
What’s your take on women’s emancipation?
Emancipation has often been misunderstood. To me, it’s about both men and women understanding their roles and how they complement each other. Women have been left behind in many areas, but now they can see the world clearly, just as men can. It’s about equality and mutual respect.