Walking into a vibrant furniture workshop in Mutungo Twins, Biina Parish, I am immediately welcomed by the scent of freshly cut timber and the rhythmic hum of machinery. Amid the buzz, Lewis Wani, expertly operates a sanding machine, greeting me with a friendly nod.
When I ask about the price of a pallet bed – a low-lying bed crafted from strips of finely thinned timber – Wani gestures towards a nearby gentleman, explaining that his client is eagerly awaiting the delivery of his bed the following day.
After a few back-and-forth exchanges, we finally begin our conversation, which unfolds into an inspiring tale of his noble journey in furniture making.
A childhood spark
Long before 2010, 26-year-old Lewis was an ordinary school-going pupil in Primary Five. Little did he know that the next phase of his life – spent at his uncle’s home – would determine the path he walks today.
What began as a casual relationship of ‘helping out’ at his uncle’s carpentry workshop would soon nurture his skills and ignite a deep passion for woodwork.
‘During my Primary Five, I started going to my uncle’s workshop in Mutungo to help him with simple tasks during the school holidays,’ Wani recalls.
At first, Wani helped with basic carpentry tasks such as sanding, varnishing, and hammering. These seemingly ‘simple’ chores would later form the foundation of his long and fulfilling career in carpentry.
Each task, completed with patience and curiosity, built upon the last – and before long, Wani began crafting beds, coffee tables, and centrepieces.
‘The first pieces I made were these small stools, then beds, and later cupboards for my friends and acquaintances,’ he notes with a hint of pride.
Learning by doing
Throughout his school years, Wani continued this apprentice arrangement, spending every holiday at his uncle’s workshop perfecting his craft. By the time he completed his Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), he had already developed into a skilled and confident craftsman.
However, after finishing his A-levels, pursuing university education – the conventional next step – did not materialise. His parents could not afford to finance further education, even with his own efforts to contribute.
‘After sitting my UACE in 2019, I wanted to continue to university, but there was no money,’ he recalls. ‘Then I thought – why can’t I just focus on this?’
By then, Wani already knew nearly everything about furniture making, except for boardwork.
‘After 2019, I learnt how to use hand drills and other modern carpentry machines. But when Covid-19 set in, I mastered everything about both woodwork and boardwork,’ he says with a touch of pride in his voice.
Blending tradition with modern craft
From then on, Wani devoted his attention to the workshop, keeping up with emerging trends in furniture design and woodwork – from working with boards to creatively incorporating materials such as marble, ceramics, and fabricated metal into his pieces.
Wani had a solid foundation working with real timber and conventional carpentry tools before transitioning to modern materials like boards and plywood. He attributes much of his expertise to this traditional work environment training ground.
‘I currently do boardwork. The earlier pieces were pure woodwork – and with traditional tools, we did everything manually: sanding, cutting, and more,’ Wani explains. He admits that traditional carpentry methods are physically demanding but essential for beginners.
‘It’s where the craft was born,’ he advises. ‘So it’s good to start with real woodwork and traditional tools.’
A workshop that shapes futures
Today, at Mutungo Furniture Workshop, Wani operates as an independent craftsman among other carpenters. His expertise – evident in the low-lying bed he is finishing – is a testament to years of patience, passion, and the commitment he gained from his apprenticeship under his uncle.
Wani notes that he charges between Shs 200,000 and Shs 2m for beds, and Shs 50,000 to Shs 400,000 for tables, depending on size and type. On average, he earns a minimum of Shs 400,000, and in a good month, over Shs 1m.
The workshop, managed by his uncle, employs several other family members who share rent and utility costs. Beyond being a source of livelihood, it has become a beacon of hope for many – nurturing young people from diverse backgrounds who come as apprentices and eventually leave to establish their own ventures across the country.
‘Some of them have gone as far as Arua and Adjumani to start their workshops,’ Wani says proudly. He adds that they never charge those who come to train with them; most arrive to help with simple tasks and eventually leave equipped with valuable skills.
‘There are also parents who ask us to and train their children,’ he adds, underscoring the workshop’s impact in skilling youth in carpentry and furniture making.
Eyes on the future
When asked whether he plans to start his own workshop, Wani reflects thoughtfully on the strong bond he shares with his uncle and fellow carpenters. He speaks of plans to develop and expand the workshop, acquiring more modern tools to handle large-scale home furnishing projects. He also aspires to return to school to enhance his expertise.
‘I plan to go back to school and study building and construction,’ he shares. He believes this will help him integrate his furniture and carpentry skills with building and construction, creating a well-rounded niche for his craft.
A lesson in passion and persistence
For Wani, his journey has been a blend of commitment and passion. Fate played its part when his uncle, seeking an extra pair of hands, unknowingly set him on a lifelong path in furniture making – a craft he has since embraced with devotion and pride.
He advises other young people to follow their passions alongside formal education. He believes that pursuing something one loves – and continuously improving one’s skills – is crucial, as the future is never certain.
Fascinating job
Turning wood into something worthwhile is no easy task. While carpentry can be exciting, some projects present unique challenges that test a craftsman’s skill. It is through overcoming these challenges that a novice becomes an expert.
The trade also brings many people into a carpenter’s life, offering opportunities to network. It is up to the carpenter to nurture relationships with clients.
Carpentry work can vary widely-from major projects such as building bridges, commercial buildings, and residential structures, to smaller specialized tasks like making cabinets, chairs, and other furniture. While sometimes underestimated, carpentry is a valuable skill.
One of its most attractive aspects is the potential for self-employment, allowing one to be their own boss. Starting a carpentry business does not usually require a large investment. A skilled tradesman can begin as a freelance carpenter, using smart marketing and networking to secure projects.
With the steady demand for quality carpentry, opportunities are rarely scarce. Starting with smaller projects can pave the way for bigger, more rewarding assignments over time.