In the heart of Uganda, a remarkable entrepreneur, Aturinda Catherine, is revolutionizing the agribusiness sector. As a passionate agricultural researcher and clinical nutritionist, Aturinda is dedicated to feeding Ugandans nutritious food while earning a substantial income.
From Humble Beginnings to Success
Aturinda’s journey began at the Mwana Mugimu Nutrition Unit, where she learnt a lot about nutrition and taught mothers how to prepare nutritious meals. This experience inspired her to start her venture, Nouri-Mix, a value-addition enterprise that produces a range of nutritious packaged instant foods.
“Witnessing the transformative power of proper nutrition inspired me to pursue a venture that could not only heal but also empower communities,” Aturinda says.
“And, out of passion for nutrition and a desire to make a tangible difference, I decided to transition into a business that offers nutritious porridge to those in need,” she adds.
Recalling how she started from a humble background with almost no capital, Aturinda said, “I started small by mixing little batches of what later became the Nouri-Mix Family Porridge. Initially, I just used to mix it for a few patients. However, over time, with invaluable support and mentorship from my mentor, I refined my recipe. But besides starting small, continuously learning from feedback and improving the product to meet the nutritional standards of my clients has greatly enabled me to improve.”
Innovative Products
Aturinda’s Nouri-Mix products include Nouri-Mix family porridge, Nouri-Mix Instant Millet Porridge, and Milk Booster, which is specifically designed for breastfeeding mothers. Her products are tailored to meet different nutritional needs, reflecting her mission to ensure that people “eat food as medicine, not medicine as food.”
Overcoming Challenges
Despite starting with minimal capital, Aturinda persevered, reinvesting profits into the business. She emphasizes the importance of seeking mentorship and guidance from experienced individuals in agribusiness.
Advice to Youth
Aturinda advises young entrepreneurs to start small, scale up gradually, and believe in their mission. “Stay dedicated, even when challenges arise,” she urges. Her remarkable story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and innovation in achieving success in agribusiness.
Future Plans
With a growing customer base, Aturinda is now working on registering her company and working with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards to certify her Nouri-Mix products. She aims to supply nutritious food to schools and institutions across Uganda and East Africa, cementing her position as a leading icon in Uganda’s agribusiness sector.