Meet an Ugandan Street Chef – An Interview with Meddie Ssentongo, a Street Food Business Owner

In the lively Kijapan neighborhood, right by Mulindwa’s Stadium, Kajjansi, Meddie Ssentongo has made a name for himself as a talented chapati maker. With six years of experience, his cooking skills have turned him into a well-known figure in the area, serving up a delicious staple that has won over the hearts and stomachs of many locals.

Meddie’s venture into the food scene was sparked by watching the bustling chapati vendors in Uganda. He noticed a rising love for this cherished flatbread, which has become a go-to food for many. “People were really enjoying this, and it got to the point where it’s eaten more than regular meals,” Meddie recalls. He credits some of his motivation to his father, who also worked in the food industry. Juggling multiple businesses, Meddie stepped into a management role early on for his father, leading him to eventually start up his own chapati business to make a living.

Among the tasty treats Meddie offers, the “rolex” stands out. For those who might not know, a rolex is a beloved Ugandan street food that mixes eggs with a variety of savory ingredients, all wrapped up in a chapati. “You can throw in carrots, green peppers, onions, eggs, and even milk,” Meddie shares with excitement refering to the dough. This versatile dish can be tailored to different preferences, making it a favorite for many in the community.

Meddie’s week is a mix of highs and lows, shaped by the local vibe. Mondays are usually quiet as folks recover from their weekend spending, but by Friday, things pick up. “Friday to Sunday is when I really do well,” he says, pointing out that weekends bring a rush of customers. “Some people swing by after hitting the bars. They come from all over after a night out.” This trend makes weekends his busiest and most profitable times, as diners flock to enjoy his delicious offerings.

Meddie is looking to the future with some big dreams. “I want to open a massive wholesale store; that’s what I really want,” he shares. He plans to stock up on essentials like wheat flour, which is crucial for making his favorite chapatis and rolexes. His drive and entrepreneurial mindset show that while he’s already made a name for himself as a chapati maker, he’s just getting started on his journey of growth and success.

Meddie Ssentongo’s journey is all about inspiration, grit, and a love for what he does. As he keeps serving up tasty chapatis and rolexes to his dedicated customers, he’s laser-focused on his future goals, aiming to expand his culinary reach even more. In a place where food unites people, Meddie is doing more than just cooking; he’s creating a legacy, one chapati at a time.

Please note that the following interview is translated from Luganda to English, so errors may occur.

Meddie Ssentongo being interviewed for JustaFoodBlog.com by Jamil Aberuni.

Interviewer: Can you share a bit about yourself, where you come from, and what your job is?

M. Ssentongo: My name is Meddie Ssentongo, I am found in Kijapan, Kitende Kajjansi near Mulindwa’s Stadium. My job is to make chapati. I have become very experienced in my job because of my 6 years of experience in the field. Many people around knows me because of this, and I have been working in several places.

Interviewer: What inspired you to start this business?

M. Ssentongo: I saw that many people started this kind of business in Uganda. So many people were loving doing this, and it reached to an extent that this food is eaten more than ordinary food.

I like being in this business. My dad before me did the same job as well. He had quite a lot of businesses to run, so I became a manager for some of them before I started my own business to make a living.

Interviewer: To those who don’t know what a rolex is, can you describe it to them? What are the ingredients of it, and what other kind of food do you do as well?

M. Ssentongo: A rolex is a mixture of eggs inside baked bread. You can bake it with carrots, green peppers, onions, eggs and even milk as well. We can add in every nice ingredients to make it delicious.

Interviewer: Can you describe what a typical week looks like for you?

M. Ssentongo: Monday is not a good day for me. Poeple are from the weekend, going out spending all their money. Friday to sunday is very good for me, and everythings goes well for me because it’s a weekend, and some people also come to eat after being at the bar. People come from different places after partying.

Interviewer: What are your goal in the future?

M. Ssentongo: My goal is to start a very big wholesell store, that’s my place, and I am already working towards it. I mostly wanna stock wheat flour, in which will be my main trade.

Interviewer: Thank you for your participation in the interview.