Dorothy W. Kimuli: Turning Local Flavors into Global Success Through Vision & Resilience

In Uganda's growing agro-processing industry, indigenous entrepreneurs work tirelessly to valorise farm produce and compete on the world stage, compelling innovation by circumstance. But to go from kitchen test on the stove to a national brand takes much more than a recipe that wins. It takes vision and the talent to motivate at both grassroot and boardroom levels. Dorothy W. Kimuli, Managing Director of D&M Group International, has all three.

Raised in Jinja by a single mother, Dorothy earned an education against all odds. She holds an Industrial and Fine Arts degree, followed by an MA in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies, before spending years honing her communication skills to emerge as a hard-hitting voice in Uganda's agribusiness advocacy movement.

When conventional employment remained out of reach following a career break to raise her children, Dorothy decided to make her own way. She began by producing chili sauce in her home, a product that soon impressed friends, relatives and neighbourhood supermarkets. In 2012, that spark developed into D&M Group International, a business now supplying condiments to hotels, restaurants and supermarkets in Uganda and Rwanda.

Outside product development, Dorothy leverages her communications experience to speak for Ugandan businesspeople on global stages such as the WTO. Her contribution has been awarded several accolades, and her voice continues to inform national policy through experience working with regulatory agencies.

Tell us about your early years and the key influences that shaped your path.

I was born in 1977, a time very different from today. Technology was virtually non-existent, and growing up, we had limited exposure to global opportunities. I grew up in a town called Jinja and studied at Tororo Girls School. I later joined Uganda Martyrs Senior Secondary School, Namugongo, where I a followed by a Master’s in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies.

I built my business from a kitchen spark to an international brand through vision, resilience, & grassroots leadership

My biggest inspiration has been my mother, Edith Lumonya Wegoye. After my father passed away when I was 11, and she single-handedly raised nine children. Her commitment and resilience are traits I’ve drawn from and continue to apply in my own life, especially on my entrepreneurial journey.

Share your journey as a leader in communications and marketing and highlight your key areas of expertise?

Communication has been central to my business and career. I have served as the spokesperson and face of D&M Group International. These skills led to my participation in the National Reference Group Meetings (2016-2019). During that time, we spearheaded the implementation of the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, promoting local production and entrepreneurship.

I also participated in regional conferences and workshops through SEATINI Uganda (Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiations Institute) and CUTS International (Geneva), which led to my attendance at the World Trade Organization Summit (circa 2018–2019). There, I presented a paper on CUTS’ role in advancing women in agribusiness in Uganda.

I was recently invited to Ghana for a CADA training, aimed at strengthening trade and policy in Africa. Though I serve as the Managing Director of D&M Group International, I continue to work with institutions like the Uganda Registration Services Bureau and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards to support the growth of entrepreneurship in the country.

Tell us about D&M Group International and its growth journey so far.

D&M Group International was incorporated in 2012 in Uganda, where it continues to operate. Unlike many businesses, D&M Group started from an idea that emerged at home. For three years, I produced chili sauce in my kitchen because, at the time, there wasn’t a 100 percent hot chili product on the market. Family and friends who tried my chili loved it, and that positive response sparked the idea to turn it into a business.

With guidance from a food scientist, I developed samples of the chili sauce in early 2012 and introduced them to the market. Later, I officially started D&M Group International.

Today, our products are sold in restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets. In 2023, we expanded into the Rwandan market under a private label. There, our products are sold as Zuri Chili Sauce, Zuri Chili Oil, and Zuri Tomato Ketchup.

What key challenges do you face in leading D&M Group and how do you navigate them?

One of the major issues has been access to finance. Another major challenge is taxation. Businesses are subjected to tax obligations immediately after starting, without any grace period for growth. We also face stiff competition in a global market. Packaging is another critical issue. Most of our products are packaged in plastic, which gives a shelf life of about 12 months. Lastly, certification poses a challenge. The processes and costs associated with obtaining certification are high compared to the revenue most small agro-processing enterprises generate.

What are the key milestones in your journey so far and what’s your success mantra?

One of the key milestones in my career has been successfully building a company that covers the entire value chain. Another significant milestone was receiving an Award of Excellence in 2016 as a woman entrepreneur who has successfully started and continues to run a growing and profitable business venture at Regional level in Uganda. I was honoured with an entrepreneurial award from the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association (UWEAL).

Overcoming the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic was another defining point. Restarting from scratch after three years and reviving the business was a major accomplishment.

How is Uganda’s business landscape changing and what strides are being made towards gender equity?

The business landscape in Uganda today is thriving. There was a time when the government was often blamed for not providing enough support. Now, the government of Uganda is taking significant steps to support businesses, especially those led by women. There are numerous funding opportunities, many of which specifically favour women entrepreneurs.

The government is also offering financial support through banks and cooperatives, but it’s our responsibility to formalize our businesses and position them to access these opportunities. Compared to ten years ago, women in Uganda are thriving more than ever.

Dorothy W. Kimuli , Managing Director, D&M Group International

Managing Director of D&M Group International for over 13 years. In Uganda, she is a well-known name in the agro-business industry with skills in oral and written communication as well as presentation. She is a communication enthusiast who works with expertise in digital PR strategies.