The Spark
In the bustling city of Kampala in 1992, a young boy named Noah Walakira spent his school holidays sitting quietly beside his grandmother. With patient hands, she showed him how to knit, loop by loop, stitch by stitch. At first, it was just a way to pass the time. But life has a way of turning small beginnings into lifelines.
The Struggle
When Noah’s father lost his job, the family faced uncertainty. While most children of his age worried about schoolwork and play, Noah carried a heavier weight. At only 14 years old, he made a decision that would change his life. With little more than determination and the skills his grandmother had given him, he started Namirembe Sweater Makers.
The Breakthrough
The early days were tough. People doubted him—who would take a teenager seriously as a business owner? Money was tight, resources scarce, and every mistake felt magnified. But Noah kept going. His knitting needles became tools of resilience, weaving not just sweaters, but hope.
What started as a few sweaters stitched together in faith grew into something far greater. Within a few years, his business was producing over 500 sweaters every month, supplying more than 45 schools, and creating much-needed jobs in his community. The vision expanded: uniforms, sportswear, and even free training programs for young people looking for opportunities.
The Recognition
Recognition soon followed. In 2014, Noah was named an Anzisha Prize Finalist, receiving a $2,500 award. Later, the Mulwana Innovation Award brought funding for modern equipment, fueling even greater growth. Yet for Noah, the greatest reward was never the accolades, it was the chance to use his business to fund his own education, help employees pursue their studies, and give back by empowering youth with skills for the future.
When asked about his journey, Noah often says:
“You don’t need vast capital to create change—just creativity, resilience, and purpose.”
Why He Inspires
Today, Noah Walakira stands as a symbol of what is possible when vision meets perseverance. From a young boy learning to knit in his grandmother’s home to a changemaker building livelihoods and inspiring communities, his story is a reminder that innovation can rise from the most unexpected places.
From knitting needles to nation-building, Noah’s life shows us that one idea, when pursued with passion, can truly empower many.