Saidath Masika is a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She lives and works as a tailor in Arua, Uganda.
Arua, has in the recent past seen a significant influx of refugees, primarily from neighboring countries such as South Sudan, DRC and Burundi. The refugee population in Arua often seeks safety and asylum due to conflict, violence, and political instability in their home countries.

Before Saidath left DRC, she had dropped out of school due to pregnancy. After the birth of her child, she began learning tailoring but before she could master the craft, her family was forced to flee to Uganda due to political instability. Determined not to give up, Saidath began her tailoring business in Uganda but faced challenges because she lacked vital skills like making men’s wear such as shirts and trousers.

Saidath’s business took a different turn when she applied for a tailoring course to acquire the skills she was lacking. After the intensive training, Saidath who had previously been living in Koboko, decided to move her business to Arua, a more vibrant and busy town, with the hope of getting customers.

Many refugees in Arua freely engage in entrepreneurial activities, such as small businesses, agriculture, and handicrafts, contributing to the local economy and their own self-reliance. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local authorities play a crucial role in providing assistance, protection, and support to refugees in Arua and surrounding areas.

“Initially, it was difficult due to a small base of clients, but now, life is better because over time, I have gained loyal customers.”
Despite the initial setbacks, Saidath pushed on and today, she has no regrets. She is happily earning while doing what she loves to do.
“I encourage other young females like me to have courage, learn something so that they can have some money to survive.”

Her business has helped her chip in to buy school requirements like uniforms for her children, while their father pays their school fees. She is also able to buy food for them. Sometimes she extends help to her siblings by buying them food and clothing.

Her biggest challenge in her business is with difficult customers who change their minds after tailoring exactly what they told her. Sidath gets frustrated but because she wants to retain them, she usually goes over the design with them again and starts tailoring afresh.

Before she shifted her business to Arua, she was working in Koboko, where she trained 4 girls from the host community, 3 of whom have since started their own tailoring businesses. She is currently training 6 girls who she charges 300,000/= each for 6 months.

Through her mentorship, she not only imparts skills but fosters a sense of unity and collaboration among her diverse students who include both Ugandans and refugees.