When Mr. Okello Jimmy graduated from Uganda Technical Institute in Mbale, he didn’t just walk away with a diploma — he carried a dream.
Armed with skill, determination, and a borrowed welding torch, he founded D & SONS Metal Fabrication Company in 2014 in Kalongo, Northern Uganda.
His goal was simple yet ambitious: to use his hands to build a future for himself, for local youth, and for a community rebuilding after years of hardship.
“I started small,” Jimmy says. “I was fixing bicycles and welding small metal pieces. But I knew it could become something greater.”
That “something greater” has grown into one of Kalongo’s leading metal fabrication workshops, supplying essential infrastructure across the region and training dozens of young artisans.
What D & SONS Metal Fabrication Does
At its core, D & SONS specializes in metal fabrication and welding, producing a wide range of steel products essential for modern construction and everyday life.
The company’s services include:
- Fabrication of metallic doors, windows, and gates
- Production of furniture such as steel chairs, beds, and tables
- Construction of roof trusses and water tank stands
- Crafting goal posts and hand-washing facilities
- Providing youth training and apprenticeships in welding and metalwork
From homes to hospitals, churches to schools, D & SONS’ work has become an integral part of Kalongo’s infrastructure — quite literally shaping the town’s skyline.
A Business Born from Resilience
Starting with just UGX 25,000 (about $7 USD), Jimmy faced immense challenges in building his business. Equipment was expensive, raw materials had to be sourced from cities like Lira and Gulu, and transportation was unreliable and costly.
On top of that, power outages frequently halted production, forcing him to rely on backup generators to meet deadlines.
Yet, through sheer determination, D & SONS not only survived but thrived — steadily growing its client base and reputation.
“Every challenge has been a lesson,” Jimmy reflects. “Each obstacle pushed me to innovate, to find solutions instead of excuses.”
Powering Kalongo’s Reconstruction and Growth
In the aftermath of Northern Uganda’s conflicts, Kalongo needed rebuilding — from schools to health facilities and homes.
D & SONS quickly became a vital player in this recovery effort, fabricating key materials for:
- Dr. Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital – metal gates, roof frames, and ward fittings
- St. Mary’s Midwifery Training School – dormitory beds and window frames
- Kalongo Catholic Church – roof structures and church benches
- Wipolo Martyrs Shrine – steel roofing for the rectory and office spaces
- Voice of Salvation Church – metalwork and roofing support
Each completed project stands as a testament to how local innovation can rebuild communities — one weld at a time.
Empowering the Next Generation
Perhaps the most remarkable achievement of D & SONS is its commitment to youth empowerment.
Recognising the high unemployment rate among young people in Northern Uganda, Jimmy decided to make his workshop a place of learning and transformation.
Over the years, dozens of young men and women have trained under his guidance — acquiring technical skills that have allowed them to start their own businesses.
Some of these success stories include:
- Kilama – now runs a metal workshop in Kalongo Town
- Mwanga – operates independently in Karumu, Parabongo
- Komakech – established his own workshop in Kubwor
- Akot Lilly – a trailblazing female welder from Namokora
“My greatest pride,” Jimmy says, “is seeing my trainees succeed. That’s how we build the future — by giving others a chance.”
Innovation Despite the Odds
While the road has been tough, Jimmy has continued to innovate.
Recent upgrades include:
- A new welding plant and generator to counter power outages
- A carpentry machine that complements metalwork and supports local carpenters
- On-site training for NGO projects such as those by World Vision and Christian Children Fund, offering practical skills to rural youth
These advancements not only improve productivity but also diversify income sources — keeping D & SONS resilient in a challenging business environment.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite its success, D & SONS faces ongoing challenges common to small enterprises in rural Africa:
- High material costs due to transportation and import fees
- Unreliable electricity impacting production schedules
- Poor road infrastructure making it difficult to access markets
- Limited access to modern machinery and finance
Jimmy’s dream is to own a larger workshop yard to expand operations, employ more youth, and invest in modern equipment like designing and spraying machines.
“We have the talent and the will,” he emphasises. “What we need is the right support.”
A Beacon of Grassroots Enterprise
What D&S Sons represents goes beyond a single workshop — it symbolises the spirit of African entrepreneurship.
This is development from the ground up — where a local craftsman’s idea becomes a job creator, a skills centre, and a driver of industrial progress.
Grassroots enterprises like D & SONS are the unsung heroes of Africa’s economic future. They address unemployment, promote sustainability, and empower communities to take control of their destinies.
A Message to the Youth and Investors
To the youth of Uganda, Jimmy offers a word of wisdom:
“Don’t look down on technical work. Use your hands. There is always demand for builders, welders, and fabricators. Hard work will never betray you.”
To investors and development partners, his message is clear:
“Support small enterprises like ours. We don’t just make products — we make progress.”
Why Supporting Grassroots Enterprises Matters
When you invest in businesses like D & SONS, you are:
- Creating sustainable jobs for youth and women
- Boosting local production and self-reliance
- Building skills that last generations
- Strengthening Africa’s industrial base from the community level
These enterprises are not just small businesses — they are the engines of Africa’s transformation.
Call to Action: Invest in Africa’s Grassroots Innovators
You can be part of the change. Support D & SONS Metal Fabrication and other enterprises like it that are lifting Africa from within.
Here’s how you can help:
- Partner with local artisans and workshops to scale production
- Contribute tools, training, or financial support
- Share their stories to inspire others to invest in Africa’s youth
“Every spark from our welding torch,” says Jimmy, “is a spark of hope for someone’s future.”
Join the Movement
Let’s build a stronger Africa — one entrepreneur, one workshop, and one innovation at a time.
Support D & SONS Metal Fabrication and invest in Africa’s grassroots future today.
Call to Share:
If you believe in Africa’s potential, share this story using the hashtags:
#InvestInAfrica #SupportLocal #MadeInUganda #GrassrootsInnovation