Our People
Justin Ndiide ( Manager)
Justin’s ambition is to level up our shop into something extraordinary—a larger space, not just for business, but a hub of learning. A training center designed to uplift women who’ve not had a chance for traditional schooling, teaching them the craft of tailoring and sewing. What’s fuelling Justin’s passion? It’s the hunger to create a lasting impact, leaving behind a legacy that resonates. And, tucked in the dreamscape is the aspiration to reign as Africa’s foremost designer.
Proudest Moment: In 2019, Justin’s proudest moment came while she was working and she had enough money to buy a pay-as-you-go cell phone. She was proud because she was able to buy a phone and was able to make money with it since it was a business phone.
Fun Fact: Justin loves to eat--especially cakes!
Stewart Walukaga (Founder)
Stewart is a Ugandan who grew up in Kampala, Uganda and was the first person in his family to earn a Bachelor of Science in Population Studies from Makerere University. Since then, he has moved to the United States and completed a master's in Public Health. His journey into the world of art began early, collaborating with his mother on various projects like beautifying churches and decorating weddings. Her dedication to volunteering and supporting our community left a lasting impression. She always envisioned teaching women how to sew and design clothes, a means for them to earn a living.
Life took an exciting turn when Stewart became the house manager at the University of Minnesota house in Kampala in 2017. Through this role, he connected with experts interested in high-quality clothing. He began linking these individuals to his mother. Over time, what started with one sewing machine turned into a fleet of over ten, enabling us to mentor more than twenty women.
African Twist—a tale of transformation from despair to hope. Our vision weaves traditional African kitenge cloth into bespoke, chic cotton designs. Beyond fashion, our mission revolves around empowering young mothers and girls. We equip them with tailoring skills, computer literacy, and essential reading and writing abilities. And there’s more! We also offer tour and travel services for tourists exploring Uganda. As part of this adventure, visitors get a peek into our shop, diving into fabric stores, placing orders, and departing with tailor-made garments steeped in African culture before bidding farewell to the country.
Fun fact: Stewart has run six marathons within two years of moving to America, despite never having run long distances before.
nAKIWALA SOPHIA
Nakiwala Sophia was born to parents who did not believe in educating their female children. She was a single mom taking care of thirteen children, had no formal education, was disowned by her family, and was abandoned by my father. We all lived in a windowless home the size of a one-car garage. She volunteered in a public hospital helping AIDS patients, even though she struggled to put food on our table. She showed us that volunteering was the ultimate definition of service beyond self.
She arranged fundraising events for clothes and other things to help people in the hospital and stayed in and acted as a bedside attendant for those who did not have anyone to take care of them. Given that she did not have any protective equipment she contracted Tuberculosis (TB) twice which led to chronic chest pain.
She embraced ART, teaching women how to make paper beds, draw, and other skills, even though she had no formal education in fashion and design. She was loved by everyone, and with her infectious smile, she was able to persevere through hardships. Her dream was to teach fashion and design to women who had been abandoned by their husbands. Over the years she worked with different women in the community transferring her knowledge and skills. After identifying the need for African crafts and fabrics, we decided to start the African twist designs business to continue teaching more women. When she passed away in 2018, we were determined to continue the legacy and share her work.