Kilombera was started by Trish and Leslie when they realised they would both be living in Uganda indefinitely about 5 years ago. Neither of them knew much about weaving but they were able to recognise a beautiful work of art when they saw it and their patient weavers were teaching them the basics slowly. Most of the weaving decisions are made by the weavers themselves while the marketing side of the business is left up to Trish and Leslie and this makes a winning combination. Kilombera currently employ 3 extremely talented, qualified weavers. One of the weavers is fully qualified and works on a part-time basis while there are 2 apprentice weavers who are in the process of completing their course with Trish and Leslie and there is one new trainee weaver.

There is an in-house seamstress who plays a key role in putting the finishing touches to all the hammocks, cushion covers and baby slings.

Kilombera’s “staple” product is the trusty kikoi of course, and many people find it delightful buying a truly Ugandan souvenir after their Ugandan holiday or work experience, rather than supporting another East African economy. The kid’s kikois are particularly lovely. One of their friends takes kikois to France each year where they sell like hot cakes and each handy Euro they made from the sale of the Kikois helped them complete their building.

One of the beauties of the workshops location is that it is easily accessible for folk on their way to Bujagali. Visitors are warmly welcomed at Kilombera and those who do visit are not only amazed but also inspired by the many detailed processes that go into producing a yard of fabric. The other beauty of visiting the workshop is that visitors can see their full range of colours and design their own fabric based on their own needs like curtains, cushion covers, bedspreads and hammocks - it is a rare treat to be able to design your own fabric. Their most recent project was for a wedding where the bride got to design her own dress fabric as well as her bridesmaids and tablecloth and napkin fabric. It really is a lot of fun and the end result is fabulous.
Trish and Leslie have also recently discovered that Phenix in Kampala are producing export standard 100% Organic cotton and they are extremely excited about being able to offer a truly Ugandan product to all their customers. All products are sold on site although one can buy Kilombera products from the shop at Kingfisher Safari Lodge which is located over the river in Bukaya and more recently the D' card people shop next to Rosa Butchery on Ggaba road in Kampala.
Anybody wanting to design their own fabric should please visit the site as it is very difficult to describe colours over the phone - plus there is so much else to see and do in Jinja these days that it is well worth a visit to the whole area in the process.

For more information please contact, Kilombera
Trish +256 782 306602 or Leslie +256 772 824206

Location: After crossing the bridge at Owen Falls turn left at the first roundabout heading towards Bujagali. The Kilombera signpost is 4kms down that road. Please telephone beforehand on a weekend to make arrangements for someone to meet you there.