In 2009, a small sandal company was started in Uganda as a way to generate income to enable academically gifted young women to continue on to university. That small sandal company, Sseko Designs, grew significantly and largely due to the incredible leadership in Uganda which included Agnes Netunze. 

Agnes started at Sseko Designs as an intern and worked her way up through the company until she eventually became the general manager. 

When Sseko Designs and Noonday Collection merged, Agnes stepped into a new level of leadership and influence by becoming the owner of Sseko Uganda which she is now named Arise Kollection. 

Now, a fully Ugandan female-owned and operated team, Arise Kollection is making more of an impact than ever. Their specialty is high-quality leather goods including footwear, handbags and accessories. 

Aggie is using her passion, skills and business acumen to create dignified, fair-wage jobs for Ugandan women, as well as carrying for the Sseko legacy of investing in female scholars to become the leaders of tomorrow. 

In addition to investing heavily in her local community, Agnes has traveled the world and is invited into policy conversations on a global stage advocating for Ugandan businesses and fair-trade. 

And she’s doing it all while being an incredible mama to five daughters, an amazing wife and a very active member in her community. 

Uganda is a central African nation the size of Oregon (with 10 times the population).It is a highly diverse country with 30 ethnic groups and 40 languages, as well as a vibrant community of immigrants. Known for its natural beauty, Uganda is often referred to as “The Pearl of Africa.” The country’s rift valley basin is home to many diverse animal and plant species, and 23% of its land is set a side as wildlife reserves to protect them.