LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise promoting literacy through children’s storybook publishing and capacity building
Dr Margaret Kemigisha is the founder and CEO of Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise that promotes literacy through the publishing of children’s storybooks, offers social research consulting, and builds capacity among fresh graduates. Her work bridges development and applied research, supporting governments, development organizations, and the private sector with evidence-based solutions and creative tools for impact.
As the lead children’s author at Igaaza Creations, Dr Kemigisha brings a unique blend of academic insight and creative storytelling to her work. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Health and Policy from the University of London, a Masters in Environmental and Community Health from Griffith University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Makerere University. Her entrepreneurial journey integrates research, creativity, business, and advocacy—championing innovative, community-centered models for transformation.
Lioness Weekender spoke to Dr Margaret Kemigisha about her inspirational journey to close the literacy gap for children, and about her vision for the future of her enterprise.
What does your company do?
Since its registration in 2019, Igaaza Creations has been at the forefront of using storytelling, play-based materials, and community engagement to nurture a culture of reading and learning among children and families. The stories published under Igaaza span a wide range of topics aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), weaving together themes of culture, environmental stewardship, and education. Alongside the story books, we produce puzzles and other play materials. We also do social research consulting, capacity building for new graduates and teachers of reading in lower primary school. We run a Saturday library and book shop service.
What inspired you to start your company?
Igaaza Creations began in 2015 as a heartfelt response to the lack of storybooks in rural Ugandan schools. During an early outreach visit to Bukuuku Primary School in Kabarole District, supported by a network of Old Girls (OGs), we delivered donated storybooks to eager learners. The children’s eyes lit up with curiosity. But as they turned the pages, something became clear: while the stories sparked wonder, they described worlds far removed from their own. That moment became a turning point. We realized that many children in Uganda who were learning to read were not seeing themselves in the stories they read. Determined to change that, we began writing and sourcing culturally rooted storybooks, stories that reflect our local landscapes, languages, daily realities, and dreams. In 2019, Igaaza Creations was officially registered. Since then, we’ve grown into a mission-driven publishing and literacy organization, producing storybooks and so far, we have more than 20 titles and still growing. We want to close the literacy gap!
What makes your business, service or product special?
Igaaza blends storytelling and research to develop inclusive, impactful books, designed with community insight. We write for children from birth to 12 years-offering such titles as picture books, My first Word Book, 3-6 years old story books and books for older children up to 12 years, sing along songs and puzzles. Our stories are intentionally developed to respond to the Sustainable Development Goals addressing such issues Health, and Environment Climate Change among others.
Tell us a little about your team
Our team is diverse and includes educators, creatives, and researchers, all deeply committed to transforming literacy in Uganda. We intentionally work with young people because we want them to appreciate stories and carry this to the next generation. We believe in the African saying that it is the young trees that make a thick forest.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Though I don't come from a business background, it was my academic and community experiences that gave rise to Igaaza Creations. This far, the activities of the company have been funded through my small savings here and there. What began as a vision has grown into a publishing and literacy enterprise—built through resilience, local insight, and collaboration. Because our work requires ongoing advocacy and promotion of reading culture, we are constantly reflecting and innovating to develop demand-driven models for literacy materials and storybooks—an area that remains a significant challenge in Uganda.
We are steadily building our brand through social media, with a bold ambition: to be known as the team that disrupted the status quo by transforming literacy and creating pathways for children to thrive. As a small but passionate part-time team, we understand the hurdles of growing a young company, but our commitment to driving transformation through reading and literacy-based products and services keeps us moving forward. We got our first breakthrough selling nearly 2000 story books comprising three titles in one go in June 2025. Otherwise, we have been selling small quantities.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We want to expand our publishing, introduce books and writers to our team, write in more African languages, establish a creative literacy hub, and grow our consulting arm, which has only just started.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Knowing that the story books we produce, plus related reading and literacy promotion activities, will fill a literacy gap not only in Uganda, but the world. The belief that if we promote early literacy, fewer adults will suffer from literacy poverty, and we shall cause intergenerational transformation.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
I have found that if there is a problem or challenge you are trying to solve, and you are constantly reflecting and innovating, this makes the journey worthwhile and enjoyable.
Believe in your vision enjoy the journey, celebrate the wins, build your brand, and connect with all who can help make your business visible.
To find out more about the inspirational work of Dr Margaret Kemigisa and Igaaza Creations, email: kemigisa@igaaza.com or visit the website and social media platforms:
Website: http://igaaza.com
TikTok: @igaaza.creations
