RIL Story | Celebrating Resilience and Innovation: Ddokolo Distributors Atom Uganda Limited

From Humble Beginnings to Regional Impact

Established in 2012, Ddokolo Distributors Atom Uganda Limited located in Mpala, Wakiso District is more than a business—it’s a lifeline for vulnerable communities. Inspired by the term “Ddokolo,” a slang word symbolizing resilience and cultural identity from Northern Uganda, the enterprise has grown under the stewardship of Ms. Winfred Nanungi. Today, Ddokolo is a guiding light of hope, blending innovation, community development, and social impact into its core operations.

Inside the Ddokolo display center, showcasing packaged Mukene products ready for distribution. Staff members proudly manage the inventory that supports nutrition and livelihoods in the community.

Driving Change Through the Silver Fish Value Chain

Ddokolo’s journey in the silver fish (Mukene) value chain has been marked by groundbreaking innovations. The organization responded to urgent community needs, including malnutrition among vulnerable children and joblessness among women and youth. Key initiatives include value addition, such as transforming Mukene into nutritious porridge and silver fish paste to address food security and boost immunity for HIV-positive children; skilling and empowerment programs that train women and school dropouts in drying, packaging, and craft-making to foster self-reliance; and educational initiatives, including the establishment of a school for vulnerable children to provide quality education and a brighter future.

Ddokolo staff and workers involved in sorting and packaging Mukene products. This process provides jobs for women and youth in the community, empowering them economically.

Overcoming Obstacles with Resilience

Challenges such as weather disruptions, land shortages for drying, and contamination during processing have driven Ddokolo to adopt innovative solutions like: Leveraging sun-drying partnerships with Mpala and Kitala Barracks; Incorporating eco-friendly and durable drying practices, and exploring the use of modern dryers to ensure year-round production.

“We innovate within our means, focusing on sustainable methods and empowering our suppliers to ensure continuity. With more resources, we aim to revolutionize silver fish processing for long-term impact.” (Quote from Management)

Partnerships Powering Progress

Ddokolo’s ability to drive meaningful change is strengthened by strategic partnerships that have been instrumental in its growth and impact. Collaborations with the Response Innovation Lab (RIL) and Save the Children have equipped the business with vital tools and resources, enabling it to thrive in challenging conditions. Through RIL’s targeted boot camps and Save the Children’s financial support, Ddokolo has enhanced its branding, bookkeeping, and business management capabilities, laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth. Partnerships with Kitala Barracks and Mpala Mango Dryers have addressed critical infrastructure needs by providing reliable drying spaces for Mukene production, while local fishermen from Gerenge ensure a consistent and quality supply of silver fish. Further supporting Ddokolo’s mission, Vision Child Healthcare assists with packaging and plays a key role in distributing products to over 300 supermarkets and local stalls, significantly expanding the company’s reach and reinforcing its commitment to delivering quality nutrition to the community.

“The training we received has transformed our operations. Today, our Mukene products are not only nutritious but also meet market demands with consistent quality. “ (Testimonial from the Community)

A demonstration of Mukene drying in progress. Winfred explains the importance of using elevated drying racks to prevent contamination and improve efficiency at the Mango tree drying center in Mpala.

Social Impact: Empowering Communities Through Action

Ddokolo’s influence reaches far beyond its business operations, leaving a profound mark on community development by addressing some of the most pressing local needs. The organization has created employment opportunities for over 500 beneficiaries, including women, youth, and children, empowering them to gain financial independence and valuable skills. Through comprehensive education and training programs, participants are equipped with practical knowledge in areas like financial literacy and craft-making, enabling them to start and sustain their own businesses. These initiatives have transformed lives and provided pathways out of poverty, while Ddokolo’s innovative Mukene-based porridge and other nutritional products have played a vital role in improving food security, particularly for children at risk of malnutrition. By tackling these critical issues, Ddokolo continues to serve as a catalyst for positive change, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency within the community.

The story of Aine Hellen exemplifies the life-changing impact of Ddokolo’s programs. At just 22 years old, Hellen credits Ddokolo with giving her the skills to read, write, and thrive as an entrepreneur. After participating in the vision skilling initiative, she launched a successful piggery project that now provides her with a sustainable income. Reflecting on her journey, Hellen shares, “I now communicate better with my clients and manage my business effectively, thanks to Ddokolo’s training and support.” Her transformation from a young woman with limited opportunities to a confident business owner underscores the power of Ddokolo’s commitment to community empowerment and development. Through stories like Hellen’s, it becomes clear that Ddokolo is not only transforming lives but also building a foundation for a brighter future.

Sustainability at the Core

Ddokolo’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its innovative approach to environmental conservation and resource efficiency. The organization ensures that nothing goes to waste by repurposing silver fish residues as animal feed, reducing waste while supporting eco-friendly operations. This circular approach aligns with their broader vision of sustainability, which also includes the production and sale of energy-efficient cookstoves to promote environmental conservation and reduce reliance on traditional firewood. To diversify revenue streams and meet the evolving needs of their customers, Ddokolo has expanded its product portfolio to include groundnut paste and nutritious flour, providing communities with healthier food options while strengthening the company’s economic resilience. These initiatives showcase how Ddokolo is blending business innovation with ecological responsibility to create a lasting impact.

Winfred inspects traditional cooking areas used for value addition processes, including the preparation of Mukene-based products for the market. In the background is an example of an energy efficient cookstove that is built at Ddokolo.

Looking ahead, Ddokolo is poised to amplify its reach and deepen its community impact through ambitious future plans. The company aims to expand its market to underserved regions and refugee camps, ensuring access to their nutritious products for those who need them most. Scaling production capacity is also a priority, with plans to invest in modern equipment such as vacuum sealers and flour millers to enhance efficiency and product quality. Central to their vision is the establishment of a fully-fledged factory, a step that would not only boost production but also create more jobs and solidify their position as a leading force in Uganda’s social enterprise landscape. These aspirations reflect Ddokolo’s unwavering commitment to growth, innovation, and improving lives in the communities it serves.

Gratitude for Support

The journey of Ddokolo Distributors Atom Uganda Limited has been profoundly shaped by the unwavering support of the Response Innovation Lab (RIL) and Save the Children. From critical funding to transformative training programs, these partnerships have empowered Ddokolo to innovate, expand, and leave an indelible mark on the community. By enhancing skills in branding, bookkeeping, and operational management, and providing the resources to scale production, these organizations have enabled Ddokolo to evolve into a beacon of social enterprise success. The synergy between Ddokolo’s grassroots efforts and the strategic support from RIL and Save the Children demonstrates the power of collaboration in driving sustainable, community-centered development.

“We are indebted to Save the Children and RIL for their guidance and financial support,” says Ddokolo’s leadership. “Their belief in our vision has enabled us to grow into a viable social enterprise, and we remain committed to sustaining and scaling our impact.” This commitment is evident in Ddokolo’s dedication to innovation and resilience, serving as a model for how local businesses can address global challenges. As Ddokolo continues to grow, it inspires others to invest in the potential of social enterprises to drive meaningful change. Join us in supporting initiatives like Ddokolo—together, we can build a future where innovation and community impact go hand in hand.