After graduating from our Youth Mechanic Training Program, David opened his own auto repair shop in Kampala, now employing 5 other program graduates.
David Mukasa grew up in Kawempe, a suburb of Kampala, where options for education and employment were limited. After completing his O-levels, David struggled to find meaningful work until he discovered Car Tribe Uganda's Youth Mechanic Training Program.
In 2022, David enrolled in our 6-month intensive training program, where he excelled in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. "The hands-on training was what made all the difference," David recalls. "We weren't just learning from books, we were solving real problems on real vehicles every day."
From Trainee to Entrepreneur
Upon graduation, David was placed with a local garage as an apprentice mechanic. Within a year, he had saved enough to invest in his own basic tools and started offering mobile repair services to car owners in his neighborhood.
The demand for his reliable and honest service grew quickly. With a small loan from our microcredit program, David was able to rent a small shop space and establish "Mukasa Auto Care" in 2023.
Creating Opportunities for Others
Today, David's business has expanded to include five employees, all graduates of the same training program. His shop specializes in diagnostic services and engine repairs for Japanese vehicles, which are popular in Uganda.
"What makes me most proud is not just having my own business, but being able to create jobs for people from my community," says David. "Everyone deserves a chance to build a skill and make a living."
Impact on the Community
David's shop has become a community hub, often offering free basic maintenance classes to local youth and discounted services for community vehicles like school vans and church buses.
The ripple effect of one successful graduate has created employment for five more individuals directly, and indirectly supports dozens of families in the community.
