A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention
At just 23, Kenneth Galiwango has already lived several lives — a farmer, barber, and now a budding media entrepreneur — each chapter building on lessons of resilience and reinvention. From the bustling suburb of Mpererwe in Kampala, where he was born and raised, Galiwango is proving that young Ugandans can create opportunities even when the odds seem stacked against them.
“I’ve learned that every stumble builds your strength,” he says quietly, recalling the long journey that began more than a decade ago with a few vegetable seedlings and two goats. Born on July 15, 2002, to Kasozi Jackson and Najjuma Joyce, Galiwango grew up in a close-knit community where hard work and unity were central values. As a boy, he was fascinated by how stories connected people — in markets, on street corners, or during evening gatherings. That love for storytelling now fuels his latest venture, Santa Media Uganda, an online platform sharing news, entertainment, and lifestyle stories for young audiences.
But getting there was anything but easy.
Starting Small
Galiwango’s entrepreneurial journey began early. At just 11 years old, in 2013, he started growing vegetables in Mpererwe to earn a little pocket money. The following year, his parents bought him two goats, which he proudly tended after school. “Seeing them grow gave me a sense of ownership,” he recalls.
In 2016, he tried his hand at poultry farming, starting with eight hens. A year later, thieves broke into his small makeshift coop and stole everything. “It hurt so much,” he admits. “But I told myself it was just another lesson — that nothing good comes easy.”
Those lessons in patience and resilience would become invaluable later when he ventured into business on a larger scale.
The Barbershop Era
In 2019, with the little savings he had, Galiwango opened Santa Barbershop in Mpererwe — a modest, brightly lit space where young men came not just for a haircut but for conversation. “The barbershop became more than a business,” he says. “It was where people shared ideas and encouraged one another.”
When Covid-19 struck in 2020, Uganda went into lockdown and businesses, including barbershops, were shut down. “I thought it was over,” he recalls. “But instead of giving up, I used that time to reflect and plan.”
That pause inspired him to explore other ways to connect with his community — this time through information and storytelling.
Launching Santa Media Uganda
In February 2025, Galiwango launched Santa Media Uganda, a digital platform for breaking news, celebrity gossip, politics, and lifestyle stories aimed at young readers. The name “Santa,” he explains, comes from the idea that news should be a gift — fresh, honest, and valuable.
Running an online platform, however, came with new challenges.
“Competing with big media houses isn’t easy,” he says. “Funding is tight, and not everyone has access to reliable internet.” Still, he remains undeterred, producing content that’s short, visual, and relatable to the youth.
Uganda’s digital media space, he notes, is growing but faces hurdles — poor internet access, limited digital skills, and low advertising revenue. “We’re getting better, but we need more digital education,” he says. “That’s why I’m working to make content that’s simple and accessible.”
Educational Journey and Growth
Galiwango’s educational journey mirrors that of many Ugandan youths determined to succeed despite limited resources. He began at Yudesi Primary School in 2006, moved to Grace Primary School in 2008, and completed his primary education in 2014. For secondary school, he attended Wampeewo Ntakke Secondary School and later Kitetika High School for O-Level, before joining Princess Diana High School for A-Level.
The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted his final year, forcing schools to close. When candidates were eventually recalled for final exams, Galiwango returned determined to finish. “That period taught me to keep learning, even when things are tough,” he says.
Balancing Many Hats
Today, Galiwango manages to balance his barbershop business with running Santa Media. On most mornings, he opens the shop himself before heading out to meet contributors and manage social media content for his platform.
“It’s not easy juggling both,” he admits, “but I believe every skill I’ve learned connects somehow. Whether I’m cutting hair or writing news, it’s all about people — listening, understanding, and serving them.”
His work ethic has inspired many of his peers in Mpererwe. Some of his former schoolmates now look up to him for business advice, while others volunteer to contribute stories to Santa Media.
Lessons in Entrepreneurship
For Galiwango, entrepreneurship is about persistence and purpose. “Start small, stay true, and don’t fear failing,” he advises. “My farming losses and business struggles taught me that failure is part of growth. Every step, even backward, teaches you something.”
He hopes that his story encourages other young Ugandans to take chances, learn skills, and create their own paths rather than waiting for perfect conditions.
As he looks around his bustling barbershop filled with laughter, music, and chatter, Galiwango smiles. “This is where it all began,” he says. “If I can grow from here, anyone can.”