By Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L. H. D. (Hon.)

“To create income-generating ideas that others can use—that is my purpose,” says Ssonko Ronald, a Ugandan entrepreneur who turned personal setbacks into scalable innovations now transforming communities across the country.

The Birth of Tukole Financiers

In 2017, after being denied a small loan from the Uganda Microfinance Foundation (UMF), Ssonko began to deeply reflect on the challenges many entrepreneurs face accessing credit. Sitting in his small shop in Busega, an idea struck him: What if there was a microloan program offering small, fast, low-requirement loans repaid in manageable daily installments—each covering both principal and interest?

Encouraged by his father’s support, Ssonko launched Tukole Financiers, a pioneering microcredit initiative in Busega Township. The idea quickly gained traction, spreading across Uganda until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations, forcing him to sell the venture.

Bridging the Digital Divide with Affordable Wi-Fi

By 2022, Ssonko had set his sights on a new challenge: the digital divide in low-income areas. With his background in ICT, he and a friend envisioned creating affordable Wi-Fi hotspots in underserved communities where mobile data remained prohibitively expensive.

Ssonko Ronald at work

They partnered with Airtel, installed their first AirCube router, and began educating residents on how Wi-Fi works and how it could save them money. Many were skeptical, so Ssonko offered free trials to build trust. With time, interest grew, especially after partnering with local market leaders and using public address systems to spread the word.

As adoption increased, he developed a model using custom towers and elevated routers to extend coverage over wide areas. Despite technical hurdles—including weak equipment, poor ISP reliability, and cyber intrusions—he persevered, adapting strategies like MAC blocking and personally assisting customers.

Soon, demand surged. A 24-hour pass cost just UGX 1,000 (approx. $0.27 USD). He printed his contact number on the network SSID and helped clients connect each morning. Yet issues like router hijacking persisted until Airtel introduced Nokia Beacon 1.1 devices, which offered advanced user management features.

Scaling Up: From Startup to National Brand

Armed with better equipment and more knowledge, Ssonko expanded to over 30 Wi-Fi branches, employing over 40 staff members, including students and part-timers. He remained hands-on, serving as the lead technician while managing operations from a central office.

As the brand—Ssonko Wi-Fi—gained recognition, other aspiring entrepreneurs approached him for partnerships or mentorship. Many began operating under his umbrella, further extending the network’s reach. Today, landlords, ISPs, small business owners, and entire families benefit from the model he pioneered.

Solving the Power Problem: Ssonko Power Solutions

Frequent power outages presented another barrier, so Ssonko responded by launching Ssonko Power Solutions. These portable battery systems use AC-to-DC conversion to charge and supply reliable power during blackouts—without the need for solar panels, which are often impractical or insecure in temporary structures.

Ideal for small businesses, homes, salons, retail shops, and phone repair kiosks, the systems offer a dependable, quiet, and fuel-free alternative to noisy generators. They are also available for rental or purchase, making them accessible to many.

Charging stations have been installed in markets and other densely populated areas, but more users are now renting or owning units for personal use. The technology has become a household necessity, powering lighting, phone charging, and even enabling off-grid connectivity.

A Leap Into E-Mobility: Rechargeable Motorbikes

The innovation didn’t stop there. Ssonko’s latest frontier is rechargeable motorbikes. These eco-friendly bikes can travel up to 80 kilometers on a single one-hour charge, offering a clean and sustainable transport option for Uganda’s growing urban and peri-urban population.

Ssonko Power batteries now also serve as mobile energy hubs, useful during trips to villages, outdoor events, or any location without electricity. With their lightweight design and ease of use, they are quickly replacing traditional generators.

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Empowering Uganda, One Innovation at a Time

From microloans to digital connectivity and clean energy, Ssonko Ronald is not just building businesses—he’s creating ecosystems of empowerment. His story exemplifies what is possible when resilience meets vision, and when innovation is guided by the desire to uplift communities.

“As long as there’s a need, I will keep creating,” says Ssonko.

And Uganda is all the better for it.