From a Shop Veranda to Her Own Store: How Robinah Omolo Is Building a Business in Lira

What the report says

Robinah Omolo, a young trader in Lira, Uganda, has moved from selling second-hand children’s clothes and drinks in informal spaces to operating from her own shop, according to Nile Post. Her business began with limited capital after she became a mother at 20, and for years she worked along shop corridors or on another trader’s veranda because she could not afford rent.

The article says Omolo built her business gradually through small daily profits, saving through a local SACCO and reinvesting what she earned. It notes that she later used about Shs1 million from those savings to secure a shop in early 2026, following a shift in Lira City that pushed roadside traders toward more permanent premises. The new space gave her a more stable base, but she still needed money for shelves, stock and shop fittings.

Nile Post reports that Omolo later sought support from FINCA Uganda’s Youth Empowerment Loan. She applied for Shs1.5 million, but was first approved for Shs500,000 after her business was assessed. She used the funds to restock refreshments, which provided quicker returns, especially in dry periods.

Her story highlights the role of savings, gradual growth and access to credit for small traders trying to move from informal vending to more established businesses. Omolo says she wants to expand her stock and eventually become a leading entrepreneur in Lira City, while also building a better future for her son. For context, youth-focused lending products such as this are designed to help small businesses access capital, though outcomes can depend on the scale and capacity of each enterprise.