Anatoli Kiligwajjo’s Journey: From Passion to Creating Safer Communities with Yunga
Meet Anatoli Kiligwajjo, the co-founder of Yunga and the team lead of Yunga Technologies, a startup with a remarkable mission – creating safer communities by bridging technology with communities. In this inspiring story of ambition and tenacity, Anatoli shares his journey from a passion for technology to founding Yunga, a startup that strives to make neighborhood safer.
Anatoli’s love for technology began during his childhood when he had the opportunity to play computer games at a neighbor’s house. This sparked his curiosity and led him to pursue computer science in university. While there, he discovered his interest in programming and honed his skills in software development.
It wasn’t until a life-altering event that Anatoli found the inspiration to start his own company. He experienced a home break-in, a common crime in Uganda, and realized the need for a better security solution. This motivated him to create an app that could connect people in danger to law enforcement and neighbors swiftly. However, as he progressed, he realized that merely having a button to press in times of trouble might not be enough to create the necessary impact.
Determined to make a difference, Anatoli and his team at Yunga transformed their vision. They developed an innovative IT device that not only connected individuals to law enforcement and neighbors but also included a digital security guard feature. This enhancement empowered users to activate a protective mode when leaving their homes or going to bed, increasing the frequency of usage and making people feel safe every day.
To fuel their ambitious project, Yunga faced the challenge of finding the right team members who shared their vision. As a startup with limited resources, convincing talented individuals to join their venture was not an easy task. Anatoli understood that building a cohesive team was crucial for the company’s success. He sought like-minded individuals who believed in the mission, even if they had to work without immediate financial rewards.
Securing funding was another significant challenge. Anatoli persevered and applied for an accelerator program, where Yunga won a $20,000 grant in 2018. This funding allowed them to refine their product and test it in the market. They listened to customer feedback and iterated their product multiple times to ensure it catered to the specific needs of their target audience.
Yunga’s innovative solution soon gained momentum. By building a product that addressed a recurring problem faced by many households, they secured a loyal customer base. Their focus on continuous improvement and frequent interactions with their customers helped them make meaningful progress.
Anatoli also emphasizes the importance of understanding the market and the industry you are entering. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in the field, either by working in a similar industry or partnering with experts who can provide valuable insights.
The journey of Yunga is a testament to the power of determination, discipline, and adaptability. Despite facing setbacks, Anatoli’s passion for making a difference in his community fueled the company’s growth. Today, Yunga’s IT devices protect over 1300 households, creating safer neighbourhoods and empowering communities to stand united against crime.
As Anatoli’s story unfolds, it’s clear that startups require a strong foundation, a committed team, and an unwavering belief in their mission. By staying agile, learning from failures, and embracing challenges, founders like Anatoli can turn their dreams into reality, leaving a lasting impact on innovation and entrepreneurship.
