Anne Kabahuma Kalinzi is very proud of Ugandan culture and deeply loves Ugandan Crafts. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Tooro Gallery Foundation, Anne dedicates her life to empowering women, youth, and marginalized communities through weaving traditional crafts such as baskets, beaded crafts, and bags.
Anne began her art and craft journey in Fort Portal City in western Uganda where she honed her handcraft skills while she was in school.
The early exposure to traditional arts sparked a passion that would later blossom into a mission to transform the lives of women and youth in Fort portal. After pursuing higher education, including a Master’s degree in Business Administration and participation in the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship, Anne returned to Fort Portal.
On her return, she witnessed the economic struggles women and youth experienced in her community rekindling a powerful memory: the potential traditional crafts have in creating sustainable livelihoods.
This realization became the foundation for establishing ‘The Tooro Gallery Foundation’. Her organization has three objectives to revive traditional craftsmanship, refine products into marketable designs, and connect artisans to local and global markets. Through the foundation, Anne has empowered countless individuals.
She holds training programs in high-quality weaving, product development, and market access to equip artisans.
‘I have not only created jobs but also empowered women to build self-confidence, and improve household incomes, women who once lived in grass-thatched houses now have iron sheet roofed homes.’ Says Anne.
Tooro Gallery Foundation empowers women and youth by providing hands-on training in traditional crafts like basketry and weaving. They’ve trained over 5,000 artisans, focusing on marginalized groups. The foundation connects artisans to national and international markets while preserving traditional crafts and promoting sustainable use of natural resources. By teaching communities to replant materials like banana plants and papyrus, they ensure the continuity of these valuable traditions.
Anne’s leadership extends beyond the Tooro Gallery Foundation. She serves as the Chapter Leader for the Tooro Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (TWEAL) and the Special Presidential Assistant for African Arts & Crafts. In these roles, she advocates for female entrepreneurs, promotes the significance of traditional crafts, and amplifies Uganda’s cultural and economic potential on the global stage.
Her faith and unwavering determination are her guiding lights. “Treat people the same way you would like to be treated. Persist and pray,” is her motto, a reflection of her deep Christian faith. Inspiration also flows from Proverbs 16:3: “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Anne’s design philosophy is a beautiful blend of purpose and sustainability. “Fashion and art should serve a purpose,” she believes. Her creations prioritize locally sourced natural materials like banana fibers, millet straw, and natural dyes. This not only minimizes environmental impact but also ensures her work uplifts the communities that provide these materials.
Her New Collection: Roots and Revival
Anne’s recent collection is entitled ‘Roots and Revival’ inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the Tooro region This collection includes a blend of traditional and contemporary pieces and will be launched mid-year 2025 “Roots and Revival” was born out of a desire to celebrate and preserve our cultural heritage while addressing a critical need for economic empowerment in the region.
The collection has already gained interest locally, with orders coming from mostly individuals and hotels.
‘I hope to further connect with buyers and advocates who appreciate the blend of culture, sustainability, and innovation in the future’ Says Anne
Collaborating with Local artisans
Anne Kalinzi recognizes the importance of collaboration in fostering creativity and growth. She actively collaborates with artisans from various regions of Uganda, incorporating diverse techniques and styles into her designs. By working closely with these skilled individuals, Anne not only enriches her own creative process but also empowers local communities and preserves traditional crafts. These collaborations have proven invaluable, leading to a valuable exchange of skills and a deeper understanding of different artistic traditions.while international partnerships have exposed Tooro Gallery’s work to new audiences and high-end markets.
How sustainable and Ethical is Anne’s work
Sustainability and ethical production are at the core of everything Anne Kalinzi does. Tooro Gallery uses natural, renewable materials, upcycles agricultural waste into beautiful products, and prioritizes natural dyes. Their commitment extends to fair compensation for artisans, ensuring safe and supportive work environments, and regular training programs that empower them to create high-quality products for a global market. Traditional techniques are also meticulously preserved, ensuring the cultural identity of the Tooro region is not lost.
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Source: Trillion Looks
