Ruthafia: A game-changing solution to Malnutrition in Nakivale
In Nakivale Refugee Settlement, malnutrition remains a serious concern, especially among young children. According to available health data and humanitarian assessments, children aged 0 to 5 years in the settlement face nutritional challenges due to limited access to diverse, nutritious foods and low awareness of healthy diets among caregivers. This contributes to stunted growth, weakened immunity, learning difficulties, and—in severe cases—life-threatening conditions. While exact figures vary, surveys suggest that acute malnutrition rates among children under five in Nakivale are around 3.8%. This leads to stunted growth, weak immunity, learning difficulties, and in severe cases, even early death.
But from within this crisis, two young visionaries rose to create a local solution with a lasting impact.
Ruth Wanie and Fabrice Abel, both game-changers from the 10th cohort of Promise Hub, came together during their three-month journey of training and mentorship in digital entrepreneurship and community innovation. Passionate about nutrition and community well-being, they co-founded Ruthafia. A locally produced, affordable, and nutrient-rich porridge designed to prevent and reduce child malnutrition in Nakivale.
100% Locally made!
The porridge flour, Ruthafia, is made from locally sourced ingredients, including:
• Rice provides fibre for digestion and energy
• Soybeans are rich in Vitamin B9, calcium, and magnesium to support strong bones
• Millet is high in iron to combat anaemia and boost oxygen levels in the blood
• Sorghum offers Vitamins B1 and B3 for cardiovascular health
• A touch of sugar to support brain development in young children
The founders carefully selected these ingredients for their high nutritional value and availability, ensuring the product is both effective and sustainable.
A Shared Dream to End Hunger.
Ruth wannie and Fabrice Abel at the graduation ceremony of the 10th cohort.
Ruth is deeply passionate about childhood nutrition, while Fabrice brings a strong commitment to food innovation and sustainable business. Together, they form a powerful team, united by a vision to ensure that no child in Nakivale goes to bed hungry or malnourished.
A practical plan matches their entrepreneurial spirit. With 34,000 UGX, approximately $10, they can produce 5 kg of Ruthafia porridge flour. Each kilogram sells for 8,000 UGX, or $2.20, with a profit margin of 1,200 UGX, or approximately $0.30 per kilogram. To grow the business and increase its impact, they are currently seeking 445,000 UGX, equivalent to $ 123.60, to purchase tools and raw materials.
“We believe that solving malnutrition doesn’t need to wait for external aid. We can start with what we have, right here, right now,” says Fabrice.
At Promise Hub, we are proud to walk alongside young leaders like Ruth and Fabrice, who use creativity, courage, and collaboration to change the future of their communities. We promote teamwork, and seeing two of our game-changers align their strengths for a shared vision brings us pride.
Ruthafia isn’t just a porridge. It’s proof that solutions created by refugees for refugees are not only possible, they are powerful.
Albert Mesi