He started his business in 2009, and today Sebulime says he would never trade his business for anything else.
What is the name of your business?
I named it Swahaba 11 because I am a religious man. Swahaba in Islam means the trusted people Prophet Muhammed used to move with, and 11 is my favourite number in football.
What do you do at Swahaba 11?
We do a lot of things, including video editing, secretarial services, computer maintenance and accessories, DVD, CD burning, movie sales, generator hire, we also sell flat screens and monitors.
Why wouldn’t you concentrate on one thing?
Because I graduated in Business Administration, I don’t limit myself when it comes to business. I participate in everything that brings money and the best capital one has is the brain, so if my brain can work on something, I take part.
How much did you invest in this business?
My initial capital was Shs1.5m. I used Shs1m to buy a computer and a printer and paid Shs500,000 for rent.
What makes you more money?
Computer repair and maintenance because I am the only one who does it on that street.
How much do you charge for your services?
For repair and maintenance, we charge according to bids and organisations. We charge Shs300,000 for video editing, Shs5,000 and Shs3,000 for DVD and CD burning respectively, movie sales, if one is taking more than 500 copies, we charge Shs1,200 each. Flat screens cost according to the size and label. A 32-inch is Shs800,000, 40inch is Shs1.2m, 42 is Shs2m, while monitors range between Shs140,000 and Shs200,000 according to size and make. We charge Shs50,000 a day for generator hire, but you leave security worth the generator.
What are some of the challenges in this business?
KCCA chasing people off the streets yet they are our best clients and there are a lot of duplicated computer accessories on the market.
What has this business helped you achieve?
I have plots of land, own a house in Wakiso District and I also bought a car.
Where are you located?
Namirembe Road, Plot 18, opposite lower Victorious Kindergaten School.
