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In this inspiring sit-down, we speak with Koshaba Grace, the founder of Inspire Lives Africa (ILA). Known affectionately as “Teacher Grace,” she has turned her humble beginnings and professional background in accounting into a mission-driven organization that empowers mothers, girls, and youth across Uganda. From overcoming the loss of her physical headquarters to launching transformative skills programs, Grace proves that leadership is defined by resilience and heart.
1. Who is Koshaba Grace beyond her professional titles?
Koshaba Grace is more than just her professional titles… she is a devoted big sister, a caring wife, a loving mother, and a teacher at heart. In the community, many call her Teacher Grace, because through Inspire Lives Africa, she guides young people, mothers, and the entire community with love and wisdom. She’s driven by a deep passion for seeing others thrive… she believes that everyone deserves to feel loved, supported, and valued.
2. When and where were you born?
I was born in Rukungiri district, in western Uganda.
3. What was your educational journey, and did you always want to be an entrepreneur?
My educational journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Makerere University Business School (MUBS). I chose this path because I wanted to empower myself, gain solid financial knowledge, and stand out in the business world. Though accounting gave me a strong foundation, it was through that discipline that my passion for entrepreneurship and social impact really took root.
4. How has your relationship with your siblings shaped who you are today?
As the eldest sibling, I’ve carried a quiet strength since I was a child. I felt a deep calling to be a protector, a steady guide for my younger siblings. Every step I take, I think of them… wanting to show them what is possible, to be a safe harbor when life is uncertain. That bond fuels everything I do… especially in my work at Inspire Lives Africa, where I strive to guide others toward hope and a brighter future.
5. What was the “spark” that led to the founding of Inspire Lives Africa?
The spark that ignited Inspire Lives Africa came from my upbringing in a humble family. We didn’t have much, but I saw my mother work tirelessly, ensuring we stayed in school even when every step was a struggle. I realized that education wasn’t just an escape; it was a lifeline.
In that moment, I promised myself that I would build a future where children… especially girls, and their mothers… could dream bigger. I envisioned a place where they would be seen, valued, and given the chance to rise. ILA is that dream I carry… one step at a time, we are building a future where every child, every girl, every mother sees that their dreams are possible, and together we will bring this vision to life.
6. When was ILA officially launched?
Inspire Lives Africa was officially launched on the 4th of November, 2020. This date marked a significant milestone, a dream that I had carried for years finally becoming real. While it began as a vision, it was that moment we took the first concrete step toward a future where children, especially girls and their mothers, could dream bigger and thrive.
7. What does “inspiring lives” look like in your daily operations?
Inspiring lives in my daily operations means being fully present to the hopes and struggles within my community. I pay attention to what people lack… not just resources, but hope… and I step in as a guide, a steady hand, reminding them they are seen, valued, and capable. Each day, I create a space where love, strength, and possibility flourish… so that every person knows they have the power to rise and build a future they once only dreamed of.
8. Who are the key team members helping you drive the ILA vision?
The key team members are myself and my sister, Natalie. Together, we lead every initiative, with our families by our side. This is not just a professional partnership; it is a shared mission. Each day, we pour our hearts into listening, creating, and ensuring that every project brings real hope, real empowerment, and a sense of connection that uplifts everyone we reach.
9. What specific programs does ILA run for the youth in Uganda?
We run a series of transformative programs designed to empower youth and their families:
- Entrepreneurship Skills Training Program: We equip young mothers and youth with essential skills… such as sewing, baking, hairdressing, and knitting… so they can build small businesses, generate income, and ensure a hopeful future for their families.
- Reusable Pads School Outreach Program: We visit schools to distribute reusable pads, educate girls on menstrual hygiene, and inspire them to stay in school. This helps reduce dropout rates by fostering dignity and knowledge.
- Community Library: Our library is a sanctuary where both in-school and out-of-school children can come to read, learn, and grow. We believe education is a right, so we empower every child in our community to unlock their potential.
- Christmas Meal Project: We prepare and share special meals with mothers and children at Christmas, bringing them comfort, connection, and a reminder that they are loved and never alone.
10. What is your most significant milestone as a social entrepreneur?
My most significant milestone is that every time we bring a project to life… no matter how big or small… it becomes a beacon of hope for someone. Whether it’s completing a reusable pads distribution or seeing a young mother start her business, each milestone fuels us to keep going. No single achievement defines us… it’s every step forward, every person we uplift, that makes the journey worthwhile.
11. Can you share the toughest moment you’ve experienced since starting ILA?
The toughest moment for Inspire Lives Africa (ILA) was when we lost our ILA House… our central hub where all activities were based. Due to limited funds, we simply couldn’t afford the rent anymore. It was a devastating blow, as that space was like home to all of us. But we didn’t stop. We adapted to moving the library and training programs to different locations every now and then. Though we no longer have a single home base, we continue to push forward, driven by resilience and a refusal to give up on our dream.
12. What lesson did that difficult period teach you?
I learned that I didn’t need to rely on one physical location. Losing ILA House showed me that I could reach people anywhere… by moving, by adapting, and by taking our mission to them. Even though it was hard, I realized that every step… every new space… expanded my reach. So, I don’t measure success by a single building; I measure it by the lives we touch, wherever they are.
13. Why is social entrepreneurship the right vehicle for African development?
Social entrepreneurship is the ideal vehicle for African development because it blends purpose with sustainable impact. It allows us to address critical challenges… like education, income generation, and dignity… directly from within our communities. By fostering innovation rooted in local realities, we empower individuals to become agents of change, ensuring that development is driven by Africans for Africa.
14. How do you measure the success of the lives you’ve impacted?
We measure impact by the real, tangible changes we see in people’s lives. When a mother gains a skill and starts a small business, when a child stays in school thanks to our support, we know we’re succeeding. We don’t just track numbers; we see how each person stays in school, builds a business, and gains confidence. Each life changed is a ripple that propels our mission forward.
15. What has been your favorite memory from the Impact Forge program so far?
My favorite memory was the first time I received the email that I had been selected for Impact Forge. That moment was so uplifting; it opened a door I never expected. And even more, I will never forget the session where we learned how to turn ideas into action. That class gave me the confidence to take all these dreams I had and turn them into real steps, and that was a breakthrough that keeps me going every day.
16. How do you handle the pressure of being a young leader?
I handle the pressure by staying anchored in my vision and mission. I see the change I want for my community, even when challenges arise, and that keeps me moving forward. No matter the obstacles… whether it’s lack of resources or doubts… I remind myself that every step is about the bigger goal. And so, I keep going… because I know this work is bigger than me, and it’s worth every bit of courage I bring to it.
17. What is one thing you wish you knew before you started ILA?
One thing I wish I knew is that the real magic happens when you bring people together around a shared vision. I used to think leadership was about going at it alone, but I’ve learned that when people unite… sharing dreams, resources, and hope… we multiply our impact. If I had known this earlier, I would have built those connections sooner and trusted that collective strength could push us further than I ever imagined.
18. What is the next big project ILA is working on?
Our next major project is the launch of the Inspire Lives Africa Skills Training Center. This will be a dedicated hub where women and young girls access hands-on entrepreneurial training like baking, sewing, jewelry making… turning their passions into sustainable businesses. This center will be a fully operational space where they can build skills, access mentorship, and take their dreams to market. I’m so excited about this step, because it’s not just a program… it’s a foundation for lasting transformation.
19. What is your message to the youth who feel hopeless about the future?
To the youth who feel hopeless, I want you to know that your story is still being written. Even when the path ahead feels dark, you have the strength to keep going. I promise you, small steps… one after another… will lead you to brighter days. Don’t give up, because even your smallest effort today can
