Farida Nalumansi: “The Voice of Diaspora”

Farida Nalumansi, also known as “The Voice of Diaspora,” is an accomplished entrepreneur in the real estate and property development sector in Uganda, and advocate for sustainable development. She shares her journey from diaspora life to empowering Ugandan communities through real estate, philanthropy, and education reform.

Through her company, Mafuta Real Estate Management, she assists people living in the diaspora with monitoring their properties back home. Having spent 15 years abroad, including time in the UAE, the Netherlands, and the UK, she has a remarkable story of resilience and persistence.

Journey Abroad

In 2006, Nalumansi decided to leave Uganda due to family issues. After making several inquiries and conducting research on potential destinations, she discovered that Dubai was the most accessible city within her budget. She decided to pursue this option, and within a few weeks, she successfully arranged her travel to Dubai.

Blending in was easy for her, as the agent who received her introduced her to the “bed space” system, job search strategies, and the city’s do’s and don’ts. She quickly adapted to life in Dubai, sharing an apartment with twenty others from different countries.

In the shared apartment, residents had varied routines: some woke up early to go to work, others spent their days searching for jobs, and a few, despite their joblessness and lack of valid visas, were content to pass the time drinking, watching movies, and taking occasional part-time jobs. “It is always a free world; you choose the journey of life you want to take,” Nalumansi reflects. She chose to focus on her goal, joining a group of job seekers who tirelessly distributed their CVs, hoping to secure employment.

However, her stay was cut short when a police raid during a birthday party held by some of her housemates led to her deportation. Neighbors found the party disruptive due to the loud music and voices and called the police, resulting in a surprise raid. The police found most attendees drunk, in possession of unlicensed alcohol, and some with expired visas. Consequently, everyone in the apartment that night was deported, regardless of their employment status or involvement in the party. This abrupt end to Nalumansi’s first stay in Dubai came after only one month. The experience led to a period of depression, fueled by feelings of failure and mockery from back home.

Despite this setback, she quickly recovered and decided to return to Dubai with a new mindset. Without revealing her plans, Nalumansi secured a quick loan from a local money lender. And this time, she packed Ugandan local food in her luggage, which she sold at a high price in Dubai. This venture evolved into a Ugandan cuisine bed space restaurant, where she also offered deliveries. As her market expanded, she hired workers and added a bar to the restaurant. The business grew rapidly, and she began considering registration and relocation to a larger space.

Unexpectedly, just as she was about to register her business, she was arrested and spent three months in jail before being deported. This marked the end of her time in the UAE. However, she had gained significantly during her three years in Dubai, buying her first piece of land, supporting her three children’s education, and saving money for future ventures. She decided not to return to Dubai.

Undeterred, Nalumansi aimed to move to the Netherlands, where she believed she could secure permanent residence and stay with her children. Drawn by the positive aspects of the country, she was determined to succeed despite not knowing anyone there.

European Challenges

Nalumansi eventually made it to Europe, but her first impression of the Netherlands was disappointing. She felt exploited by the people there, who charged her 200 Euros for her first month’s food, rent, and orientation. Unlike in Dubai, where she experienced free hospitality, she quickly realized that nothing was free in the Netherlands. Running out of money, she ended up in an asylum camp and applied for asylum, which was initially rejected.

Undeterred, Nalumansi appealed the decision, providing clearer reasons and evidence. Despite her efforts, her appeal was denied, and she was moved between camps until she lost all camp benefits and had to live on the streets. There, she met a street pastor who helped her convert to Christianity, find a good lawyer, and eventually win her asylum case.

As a legal resident, Nalumansi secured a job in an elderly nursing home, fulfilling her dream. She brought her children to the Netherlands and later transferred to a job in the UK. However, the Netherlands remained her European home where her children still reside. Now back in Uganda, Nalumansi spends most of her time running her businesses. Reflecting on her experiences, and emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities at home she says, “I’ve seen it all, but no country feels homely like Uganda.”

Nalumansi advises the Ugandan government to improve the education system to foster job creators rather than job seekers as this reduces brain drain and empowers youth to succeed locally. “Many people have gone to school, but there will never be enough jobs if they remain job seekers,” she notes. Through Mafuta Real Estate Management, she provides quick loans to small-scale business owners without requiring collateral, encouraging self-employment.

Looking ahead, Nalumansi plans to expand her philanthropic efforts by establishing a charity under Mafuta Enterprise. This organization will support the needy, elderly, prisoners, and orphans, providing them with a family and resources to thrive.

Conclusively, Farida Nalumansi’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of creating opportunities both at home and abroad. Her experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for Uganda and beyond.