We follow the inspirational story of Abeed Gabunga who started out as one of several masons trained to install SATO products and is now a successful entrepreneur.
Meet Abeed Gabunga: a journey from being a mason to becoming an entrepreneur
After taking the SATO mason training offered by USAID Uganda Sanitation for Health Activity (USHA), he has since gone on to train his fellow masons and build a comprehensive and profitable business in the Bukomansimbi district, Uganda, making a difference in his own community.
With many households still using open-pit latrines in his area, Abeed quickly realised the great need for better sanitation and decided to turn it into a business, not only installing SATO products full-time but creating a mason’s network, driven by the belief that it would be a fruitful business.
Previously working as a builder and earning 20,000 UGX daily, Abeed believes in the power of the customer and making sure every household gets the best quality service. In a market where customers spoke directly to each other and word of mouth was the best marketing tool, he took feedback seriously.
In some cases, when masons incorrectly installed SATO Toilets, he went an extra mile and worked on the project again at no additional cost. His honest outlook got him loyal customers, who referred their friends and relatives.
Abeed also stepped out and promoted the products by knocking on almost every door. He would also use megaphones at weekly markets in order to connect with community leaders who could influence villages. He also targeted motorcycle taxi stations, such as boda-boda, to get them involved in promoting SATO pans.
“I am grateful to SATO for the jobs I have created for the community members, the capital I built and the overall impact of the SATO products on hygiene and sanitation”, says Abeed.
Plans for the future
Through hard work, Abeed has paid off his debt for the piece of land he acquired at Lukaya trading centre and has ambitious plans for the future. Besides developing his installation business, he plans to build commercial buildings and is also looking at farming business.
“I was inspired by one of my SATO customers who has a big farm with mangoes, coffee, sugarcane, and papaya. It was indeed an admirable farm! Thanks to my work with SATO, I’m able to see different lifestyles, get inspired, and improve my own,” he says.
SATO mason’s training sessions are held regularly in Uganda. Get in touch with us on sato@lixil.com or send a direct message to SATO Toilets Africa on Facebook and SATO Toilets Uganda on Instagram if you would like to know more.