As a second-year student at Mbarara University School of Science and Technology, Joseline Justine Mikaye might seem like any other young adult pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Gender and Reproductive Health. Yet, there’s something exceptional about Joseline. She is an alumni of the Leadership Academy of South Sudan (LASS), and her heart and actions are driven by entrepreneurship and purpose-driven work with the aim of transforming lives.
It was during her time at LASS that Joseline’s entrepreneurial spark first ignited. In a simple yet profound lesson, she learned how to make liquid soap—a skill that filled her with excitement and a vision. That holiday, she sold her first few jerrycans, experiencing the thrill of building something with her own hands and seeing the joy it brought others. Her passion had found its direction, and she realized that entrepreneurship wasn’t just about profit; it was about creating value and impacting lives.
Like any entrepreneurial journey, Joseline’s path was not without its hurdles. At university, she faced the harsh realities and challenges of running a business. But when she heard about Sinapis—a partner of 4africa and special program with a mission to empower entrepreneurs to build “kingdom businesses”—Joseline saw an opportunity to grow and refine her skills. She eagerly joined the 3-month program, where her perspective shifted in powerful ways. At Sinapis, she learned the vital skills of bookkeeping, business pitching, and how to align her business with her faith, embracing the idea that even her business could be a means of serving God and her community.
The concept of a kingdom business fascinated her. Through Sinapis, she found not only the tools to improve her business but also the vision of how her work could be a ministry, a way to contribute to building up her community while staying true to her faith.
This vision bore fruit sooner than she expected. In October, Joseline attended an empowering event organized by YARID (Young African Refugees Integral for Development), aimed at helping young refugees launch their dream businesses. Out of 413 online applicants, Joseline emerged as one of the 80 selected for an intense, 5-day training. Here, she applied everything she had learned from LASS and Sinapis. Her pitch, fueled by her passion and honed skills, won her a spot among the top five, along with a grant of 1,000,000 UGX as startup capital.
Joseline is now partnering with her former LASS classmate, Bero Alfred, to run a poultry and goat farm in Gulu. Together, they’re expanding operations, aiming to acquire additional land and grow their farm. This partnership is a testament to the strong bonds and collaborative spirit fostered by LASS—a true brother and sisterhood built on shared values and a commitment to positive change.
For Joseline, this is just the beginning. The prize money, the partnership, and the network of support have not only given her confidence but also opened doors to even bigger possibilities. She’s determined to maximize her resources, knowing that with careful stewardship and continued growth, she’ll qualify for even greater funding in the future.
Reflecting on her journey, Joseline acknowledges the pivotal role of LASS and Sinapis: “This would not have been possible without the foundation LASS gave me, and the training and support from Sinapis and LAOSA. They have provided guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support every step of the way.”
Joseline’s story is a powerful example of LEAD4Africa’s vision in action. Through core pillars like entrepreneurship and partnerships with like-minded organizations like Sinapis, we are building a pipeline of Discipled Nation Builders. Her journey showcases the impact that a committed community, practical skills, and aligned purpose can have in shaping leaders who will transform nations.
