In 2016, while studying in Kenya, Yvonne Ahimbisibwe spent her weekends wandering through Nairobi’s vibrant Maasai Market. She was captivated by the handmade brass jewellery, the craftsmanship behind every piece, and the stories each one carried. What began as curiosity soon became a calling.
Being away from home gave her a new appreciation for the richness and diversity of East African cultures. Inspired by the artisans she met and the work she encountered, she began creating jewellery that celebrated African identity through a contemporary lens. That idea became Shwanda Kollection, a Ugandan brand specialising in handcrafted brass jewellery inspired by African authenticity and creativity.
For years, Yvonne built the business with passion and determination. ‘The biggest challenge was limited resources and a lack of exposure to wider, more upscale markets,’ she says. ‘I had the passion and the vision, but I needed access to opportunities that could help me grow.’ That opportunity came through the British Council’s Creative DNA Uganda programme.
For Yvonne, it was more than training, it was a shift in perspective. One lesson stayed with her above all others: great creativity also needs structure. Shortly after completing the programme, she formally registered and incorporated Shwanda Kollection as a company.
‘I realised that running the business professionally wasn’t just good practice, it was a growth strategy,’ she says.
The impact was soon evident. Through mentorship, grant funding, and industry exposure, sales increased by 25 per cent and the brand secured retail partnerships with Bold in Africa and Sawe Creations. Through more than fifteen Creative DNA-supported showcases and pop-up markets, Yvonne introduced Shwanda Kollection to new audiences across Kampala’s growing premium fashion market.
Bigger stages followed. In 2025, she exhibited during Creative Economy Week in Harare, Zimbabwe and participated in Africa Fashion Week London with support from the British Council.
The international visibility Creative DNA unlocked translated into something unexpected back home. Miss Universe Uganda officially appointed Shwanda Kollection to style contestants for their national photoshoots, a recognition that placed Yvonne’s handcrafted jewellery at the centre of one of Uganda’s most high-profile platforms. “At this point I knew the brand had reached another level,” she says.
Today, Shwanda Kollection is more visible, more structured, and better positioned for long-term growth than ever before. Yet the heart of the business remains unchanged, every piece of jewellery tells a story of identity, creativity, and pride in African craftsmanship. Through Shwanda Kollection, Yvonne is showing that locally made products can resonate far beyond their place of origin, and that African stories, told with authenticity and confidence, can find audiences around the world.
Our Impact Stories is a curated collection of individual stories showcasing the impact of British Council programmes across Arts and Culture, English and Schools Education, Higher Education, Non-Formal Education, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across Sub-Saharan Africa. From fashion entrepreneurs in Ethiopia and Kenya to educators in Rwanda, animators in Nigeria, and heritage preservationists in Zimbabwe, the book captures the breadth and depth of what our programmes make possible when ability meets opportunity.
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