By Rita Kalendera
Ethan Kaweesi, a fourth-year law student at Makerere University is the founder of Mbio za Mungu, a clothing movement that combines art and tailoring. Kaweesi’s educational roots go back to Mugwanya Preparatory School where he had his primary education; Kibuli High School where he had his Ordinary Level education and Seeta High School (main campus) where he had his Advanced Level education.
Ethan Kaweesa in his own suit making an advert
Kaweesi started his fashion business by making T-shirts and jackets and branding them while in Senior Six in 2020. His passion for art and smart dressing led him to start his brand in 2021, after the COVID-19 pandemic when he joined Makerere University. He has since seen his brand grow as he says, “My business is growing from me looking for clients to clients looking for me.”
Part of what led to the business expanding was collaborating with media personalities like Isaac Daniel Katende (aka Kasuku), Moses Kiboneka (aka Uncle Mo) and many others. These collaborations helped sell his brand as they advertised his work on different social media platforms.
Makerere University's Guild president (in the middle) wearing a Mbio za Mungu suit on his swearing in Day
Despite the challenges he has faced, such as contracting a photographer who failed to deliver his work, Kaweesi has seen his business grow, and now has a workshop at SB Plaza where he creates bespoke suits for both men and women.
“My brand, Mbio za Mungu, which means ‘God's race’ in Swahili, reflects my passion for art and my desire to create unique, bespoke clothing that tells a story,” says Kaweesi.
He credits his family for their moral support, and he is grateful for the platform that Makerere University has given him to connect with potential clients and grow his Mbio za Mungu. These include residents of Micthell hall where Kaweesi resides, like the 90th Guild President Lubega Vicent Nsamba who is dressed by Mbio za Mbungu.
Uncle Mo in a Mbio za Mungu suit
Kaweesi also plans on involving Mitchell Hall in making advertisements for the Mbio za Mungu brand. He hopes to collaborate with other artists and entrepreneurs in the future and dreams of dressing notable figures like Barack Obama and the President of Uganda H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“I would also like to one day dress the Archbishop of the Anglican Church, Stephen Kaziimba,” says Kaweesi.
His advice to young entrepreneurs is to surround themselves with loyal people who share their vision and to stay focused on their goals. He believes that success comes from hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn from setbacks.
Ethan Kavuma in a Mbio za Mungu tailored suit
When asked how he is able to deal with doing a demanding course like law and pushing his business at the same time, Kaweesi says he tries to find a balance between the two. "It's not easy. I'm not looking at being the best performer in my year..." he says, adding that he is keen to get qualifications in law but even more, he is keen to see that his brand succeeds.
Kaweesi has a few suggestions for the university on how they can inspire students to find out their talents.
“I call upon Makerere to introduce an art gallery at the university because there are very many students with talent so this will be a platform for them to explore more and be inspired,” he says. As he looks to the future, Kaweesi is excited to see where his brand will go and how he can continue to make a mark in the fashion industry.
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