Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges, lessons, and growth. For Ojok Moses Walter, founder of House Ojok Investments Limited, the Empower YOU project was a game-changer. Based in Gulu City, House Ojok Investments is an agro-processing company specializing in chili products. Since its inception, the company has developed three products in the chili value chain: chili powder, chili sweet and hot sauce, and chili garlic oil.
Overcoming Challenges with Empower YOU
“Before joining the Empower YOU program, we struggled with marketing and distribution. Despite having high-quality products, reaching the right market and increasing sales was a major challenge,” said Moses Walter. “The program provided us with the training and mentorship we needed to tackle these issues head-on, equipping our business with essential strategies to expand our reach and improve sales.”
A Turning Point in the Program
The real transformation came during the Acceleration phase of the program. One of the most impactful lessons came from a session on business survival. Learning that an average business takes about three years to break even was an eye-opener. This insight reassured Moses that House Ojok Investments was on the right trajectory, and with focused efforts, breaking even before their second anniversary was an achievable goal.
The program also introduced new perspectives on sales strategy. Moses learned that if he wanted to secure 100 sales, he needed to reach at least 1,000 potential customers—a 10% conversion rate. This realization pushed the team to aggressively expand their marketing efforts, and the results were almost immediate. Sales numbers began to rise as they refined their sales approach, shifting from merely highlighting the quality of their products to addressing the specific needs of their B2B clients. Instead of just telling shopkeepers how good the product was, they now emphasized how fast it could move off the shelves and the profit margins retailers could expect. Speaking the customer’s language made all the difference.
Winning the Empower YOU Grant
“Receiving the Empower YOU grant was a defining moment for House Ojok Investments. It wasn’t just my win—it was a victory for my entire team, our loyal customers, and the community that has supported us. The grant came at a crucial time, just as we were preparing to scale and needed the financial backing to seize new opportunities,” said Moses Walter.
One of the most immediate needs the funding will address is packaging. A major opportunity arose through StartHub Africa—signing a distributorship contract with a company handling distribution in Kampala and Mid-Western Uganda. This required proper packaging of products, something the company had struggled to afford due to high costs. The grant will now make it possible to invest in quality packaging that meets market standards.
Additionally, the funding will help expand inventory to meet growing demand. Shortly after receiving the award, the company landed an order for ten cartons—over 50% of its current inventory. With increasing orders, ensuring a steady supply of products is essential to maintaining both local and national demand.
Looking Ahead
With the support of the Empower YOU program, House Ojok Investments is poised for remarkable growth. The lessons learned, the refined sales strategies, and the financial boost have set the business on a path toward sustainability and success.
