Uganda: Kind Businessman Restoring Dignity To Kids Says He Wore His First Shoes In Form One

• Brian Yesigye Bravo, CEO of Bravo Shoes, identified with the plight of a barefooted schoolboy as he first got a pair in Form One
• Yesigye's humble upbringing and struggles drove him to uplift children from similar backgrounds through his organisation, Bravo Shoes Community Support
• Bravo Shoes not only thrives in business but also thrives in social responsibility, and so far, he is fully educating 21 children

In 2021, a photo of a barefoot boy gazing at a picture of a schoolboy on a van moved the internet, and when Bravo Shoes Chief Executive Officer Brian Yesigye Bravo spotted it, he was taken back in time.

Where is Mbarara town?

Just like the barefooted Elvis Bwire, Yesigye also grew up in a humble family background and only put on his first pair of shoes when he was going to Form One.

"I was a village champion, and I know what these children go through and how a single opportunity can open doors for him and his family," said the Bravo Shoes Company founder.

Unlike Bwire and more than 21 children under Yesigye's wing, no one came to rescue him from the jaws of poverty; he quit his village school at only 15 years old and ran off to Kampala city to see what it was all about.

"As soon as I stepped into the city, I knew that would never go back to my home in Mbarara, Uganda unless I was going to visit," he told TUKO.co.ke.

Yesigye starts selling newspapers in Kampala

"Luckily, I found a job selling old newspapers to women who sell chapatis and maandazis and used that money to enrol myself back in school. Shortly afterwards, a family friend gave me a job selling clothes in his shop," he said.

After some time, Yesigye started a business with only KSh 4000; he started selling shirts at a shop. He was doing so well when he got a letter for a university placement.

"I went to fill out the forms and when I returned to the shop, I discovered a customer had come to buy in bulk, and upon missing they went away. I didn't make a sale that day and I decided I was done with university," said the philanthropist.

"I had already paid tuition but still left and in 2006, I got into branding. It was time to concentrate on one thing and I chose branding," said the entrepreneur

Yesigye starts Bravo Shoes Company

The father of two started selling school shoes through Bravo Shoes Company, and while at it, he realised he was giving more than he was selling because he was very compassionate about the kids.

Over time, Yesigye learnt he wanted to run a company that would prioritise social responsibility as a legacy.

The government finally licenced him to become a community organisation, which is how Bravo Shoes started a Community Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, the Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation.

"In my organisation I work with children from underpriviledged background and I have been funding all activities; I am yet to get sponsors," said the businessman.

"I usually tell them to work so hard that they never have to go back to the village to live there. I, however, make them go back to love with their parents whenever they are not in school so that they can inspire other kids and never feel shamed of their homes," he added.

Yesigye helps Sam Bright Muhindo

Yesigye revealed they worked on little Sam Bright Muhindo, who used to dance at functions for money.

"We had to take his ego, change his discipline and take him for formal education. We also got him some people who could become his father and mother," he said.

At the moment, Yesigye is supporting young children.

"I believe in quality support, not massive support; these children will one day change the world," he said.

Yesigye's dream is to ensure that his company always supports the community on an even larger scale.

"The best entrepreneurs can give is to have a company that supports humanity. I want to be an inspiration to my community," said Yesigye who is also a Rotarian.

Yesigye nominated for an award

Yesigye finally went back to school in the UK, where he studied how to become a foot health practitioner and even caters to people who are living with diabetes.

Along the way, Yesigye has caught the attention of many with his good job, and the latest is the nomination for the Humanitarian Awards Global.

Given the amount of work he does as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, having a good time is very pertinent.

Apart from spending time with his family, he also subscribes to living in the moment.

"Don't ask me about yesterday or tomorrow; ask me about today," he said.

Rescued boy writes thank you note

In another story, Bwire wrote a touching letter to his well-wisher, and it came to light; his handwriting moved many.

Bwire was captured staring at a neatly-dressed student while he was barefooted. The viral photo conveyed his earnest desire to own a pair of shoes and emulate the well-groomed boy.

TUKO.co.ke learnt he found a well-wisher who changed his life.