For Niyizana Juliet, a clinical officer-turned-entrepreneur, the journey into public procurement seemed daunting, but with the support of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), she was able to overcome these challenges.
The CEO of Definite Spotless Cleaners, a professional cleaning service in Mbarara City, Uganda, credits her success to the information-sharing and capacity-building sessions that helped her register her business, gain confidence in the bidding process, and take advantage of the 15% government procurement quota for women-led businesses. We acknowledge the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Open Contracting Partnership (OCP), and Hewlett Foundation for the support.
In her interview with Gaaba Lakel Maria, Juliet shares how the training opened doors she hadn’t previously imagined. She also shares about the challenges she still faces and her advice for other women entrepreneurs looking to succeed in Uganda’s procurement space.
Can you tell us how you started your business and what motivated you?
I’ve always had a tiny bit of OCD, and I asked myself how I could use it for good. I’ve always wanted to start a cleaning business because in Mbarara, there aren’t many cleaning businesses, especially with us becoming a city. I had used cleaning services before, but they didn’t meet my expectations. They were rude and didn’t deliver quality work, and I thought, “Why not just do it myself?” So, I decided to start a cleaning business.
Q: How did you start the business?
A: I started slowly about two years ago. I didn’t have much knowledge about the cleaning business, so I sought internships to learn. For example, I learned about carpet cleaning by shadowing someone who did it, and I also learned how to clean sofas. I researched on social media, took the initiative to learn, and then I started offering the services. I knew there was a market because Mbarara needed these services. Though the pay wasn’t great initially, I knew it would improve over time.
Q: How did you manage to get started, financially speaking?
A: At the time, I had just finished school and was working a survival job before finding a career in my field. I started saving gradually, wrote down the machines I needed, and began buying them. My goal wasn’t to start big, just to have the equipment so I could do quality work when someone called me. I marketed the business through social media, and when I worked for clients, they would spread the word about my services.
Q: What challenges did you face in the beginning?
A: One of the challenges was attracting clients, especially because people had bad experiences with cleaning businesses in the past. To overcome this, I would go to neighborhoods and offer free cleaning services to show people that there was a reliable business they could trust. Gradually, I built a reputation. Also, the money I earned went back into the business for equipment maintenance, so I haven’t used any of the income for myself yet. But now, I’ve managed to acquire the necessary machines, and my next goal is to get a warehouse.
Q: What is your professional background, and how did it relate to your business?
I’m a clinical officer by profession. Initially, I was doing business alongside my medical career, but I realized that balancing both was difficult. When you entrust people to run your business, they don’t always understand the image or brand you want to project. This led me to pause my business to focus on my clinical profession. I worked with an organization that did road trips, and when I returned, I refocused on my business.
How did the training you received help your business?
The training we had last year, organized by PPDA and AFIC, was very valuable. It taught us important things, like how the government reserves 15% of contracts for women, how to handle bidding, and the importance of reading newspapers for tender opportunities. I had not registered my business before, but after the training, I went ahead and registered it, which opened doors for me. Now, I understand how to submit bids and increase my chances of winning contracts.
Q: Have you been able to secure any government contracts so far?
I haven’t secured any government contracts yet, but I’ve worked with other big companies, like Centenary Bank. Before I registered the company, people would say I didn’t have a team or didn’t meet the requirements. But once I registered and got a TIN, I was able to gain more trust, and I started working with more organizations. I have also bidded for government contracts.
What do you think are some of the main challenges that women face in business?
The main challenge for many women, including myself, is fear and lack of knowledge. Funding is another barrier. Women often don’t share information with each other, which makes it hard to get the support you need. I also faced fear when I started, especially competing with men who already had larger, more experienced businesses. Some people discouraged me because I lacked experience, but I’ve been overcoming that fear slowly.
What do you think needs to be done to support women in business?
More training is essential. The training we received was incredibly valuable, but there’s a need for ongoing education and support. The government’s 15% reserved contracts for women are a great initiative, but we need to ensure that we have the knowledge and skills to take advantage of these opportunities.
How do you balance running a business and family life?
Balancing family and business is challenging but not impossible. The key is prioritization. I prioritize my family because, while business can come and go, family is forever. I communicate with my family and make sure everything is sorted at home when I’m away on business. I also delegate tasks in my business so I’m not overwhelmed. I’ve trained my workers, but I still supervise to ensure the quality of work. And, importantly, I make sure to rest on Sundays, which helps me recharge for the week ahead.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business in the community?
Business ideas are all around you; you just have to look for gaps or areas where something is lacking. It’s important to use your experiences and passions to guide you. For me, I wouldn’t have pushed through with the cleaning business if I didn’t love it. Even though there were setbacks, my passion kept me going. So, don’t rush into something because of pressure from others—focus on what excites you and build a strong brand.
What are your final thoughts on business and success?
The key is to start slowly, build your brand, and save as you go. Don’t rush the process. Business is a journey, and it’s never too late to start. Keep pushing forward, and remember that success doesn’t come overnight.
Background
In Uganda, many women entrepreneurs face numerous hurdles when trying to tap into procurement (government contracts) despite the supportive policies—navigating complex bidding processes, understanding compliance requirements, and securing the necessary resources.
In 2021, the government of Uganda amended the PPDA Act to include regulations that encourage the participation of women-led businesses in public procurement. These regulations introduced a 15% procurement quota for women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), which was further reinforced in 2024 with guidelines. AFIC has been at the forefront of capacity-building efforts, empowering women entrepreneurs to tap into these opportunities through training sessions focused on key sectors like local government procurement and public services.
