Young & Inspired: Quick Chat with Patricia Mafigiri, Founder & CEO of Travell Kichwa

She is one of Uganda’s leading young techpreneur. Meet Patricia Mafigiri, an exemplary lady who is the CEO of Travell Kichwa, a premier online travel advisory platform which she launched in 2023. Ms. Mafigiri shared some thoughts with us a while back, and the interview was published in the maiden edition of Travels & Thrills magazine in January 2025.

Introduction

My name is Patricia Nimusiima Mafigiri, Founder and CEO of Travell Kichwa – Uganda’s premier online travel advisory platform.

About Travell Kichwa:

Travell Kichwa is a comprehensive online platform designed to connect service providers with tourists seeking unforgettable experiences in Uganda. We specialize in providing quick and detailed travel advisory services, including information on accommodation, tour sites, activities, car hire services, and tour guides across the country. Our platform enables service providers to gain visibility and market to a broader audience of potential tourists, while offering travelers a seamless trip planning process with the best deals on accommodation, tour operators, guides, and car hire services.

My Background:

I was born and raised in Rukungiri, southwestern Uganda. My name, Nimusiima, symbolizes gratefulness, Mafigiri means greatness, and Patricia signifies nobility or royalty. Growing up, I was a curious and creative child, often giving my parents a run for their money with my active nature. Fascinated by nature; water and the skies, I initially thought I would become a lawyer or systems administrator. I completed my education in Uganda, including a degree in Computing and Informatics from Makerere University Business School. This background laid the foundation for my journey as a techpreneur.

The Genesis of Travell Kichwa:

The idea for Travell Kichwa stemmed from a challenging trip during university. Planning the trip, including finding a tour operator and deciding on a destination, took about four months due to a lack of guidance and information. After university, I joined the tourism industry, working for a Ugandan tour company called Rambura Safaris. I realized there was a significant information gap in the tourism sector, with tour operators struggling to make arrangements, often requiring over 100 calls. With my background in Computing and Informatics, and the expertise of my colleagues Eliot (Statistics) and Collen (Tourism), we decided to create a travel information bank.

The Meaning Behind Travell Kichwa:

The word “Kichwa” means “head” in Kiswahili, symbolizing a head with a brain full of solutions. Kiswahili is spoken across seven East African countries, aligning with our vision of scaling across the region. Hence, Travell Kichwa stands for travel solutions.

The Journey:

As a young woman entrepreneur, the journey has been challenging, filled with moments of doubt. Mentorship from the American Embassy, French Embassy, and AWE in Uganda has been invaluable, providing resilience and leadership training. One of our major challenges was hiring an app developer who failed to deliver, forcing us to start over. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and solid contracts.

Achievements and Vision: (What are your projections for the future? Where do you see your company in the next 5 – 10 years?)

We launched our platform on December 21, 2023, and within six months, we have 60 registered businesses. The positive feedback has been overwhelming, and we are just getting started. Our vision for the next 5 to 10 years is to become East Africa’s leading online travel advisory platform, with at least 3 million registered service providers. We have established our space in the industry through persistence, leveraging mentorship, and building strong partnerships. We aim to employ youth and talented women, and improve livelihoods across the region.

Final Thoughts: (What would you have done better in hindsight?)

While the journey has had its challenges, I have no major regrets. Every mistake has been a learning opportunity. However, in hindsight, I would have focused more on learning to write solid contracts with vendors. This would have helped us avoid the significant delays and issues we faced with our initial app developer. Moving forward, I am committed to learning and growing, ensuring that Travell Kichwa continues to thrive and make a significant impact in the tourism industry.

Advice to Young Entrepreneurs:

If there is a fire inside you to start something, begin no matter what. Social capital is vital in your entrepreneurial journey. You will face challenges and stereotypes but know that Resilience is crucial. Use every setback as a learning opportunity and keep pushing forward always remember,” small hinges turn big doors.”

Believe in yourself and trust in the Lord; that’s a sign of victory.