Sawe Catherine is a Kenyan by birth who moved to Uganda in 2005 to persue her secondary level education after which she persued a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Fine Arts at Makerere University’s prestigious Margret Trowell School of Fine Arts design.
Catherine’s story unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of Uganda’s art scene, where she has carved a unique niche for herself through Sawe Creations, her thriving children’s clothing brand.
While at university, her passion for art extended beyond the classroom walls as she volunteered to teach art to children at the Uganda National Museum.
Following graduation, Sawe Catherine embraced her artistic talents by becoming a full-time painter, showcasing her work at various art galleries. This experience not only honed her artistic skills but also instilled in her a deep appreciation for the creative process.
Sawe Catherine’s artistic journey then took a fascinating turn as she transitioned from creating art to managing Twende Art Gallery.
This role broadened her exposure to the art world while equipping her with valuable business acumen. When Twende Art gallery opened up a tour arm, Sawe was subsequently hired as the marketing manager for tour company Twende Expedition.
She moved in various roles in different companies even becoming a General Manager for “The Pearl,” a Chinese cosmetics franchise in 2015. While this role honed her leadership skills, her entrepreneurial spirit craved a more creative outlet.
In 2016, a seemingly ordinary event to celebrate a friend during a baby shower sparked a life-changing idea for Catherine. As she Struggled to find a unique baby shower gift for her friend, she decided to create a gift set comprising of baby bibs and booties made out of Kitenge fabric, a celebrated African fabric.
The positive response from her friend and subsequent orders from others solidified the foundation for what would become Sawe Creations.
In 2017, Sawe Catherine took a bold step, quitting her job to fully chase her creative passion, creating unique African-inspired children’s wear. She registered her business in 2018 and has since been on a journey to transform Children’s fashion products..
Catherine’s designs are rooted in her love for art and her commitment to celebrating Ugandan culture and heritage. Her latest collection is called , ‘the Rwothomio print’. Which she named after a young boy, Arnold Rwothomio, a son to one of her tailors.
This collection features a unique print derived from Arnold’s playful sketches. Children relate to Arnold’s sketches and parents love the authenticity of the materials sawe uses to make the children’s collection, much of it repurposed from high-quality leftover fabric.
Catherine is a strong advocate for collaboration which is evidenced through her work with various creatives . In 2024, Catherine collaborated with a a Cuban fashion designer Lisette of Designs by Lisette,to host a breast cancer charity fashion show. During the show, a number of cancer survivors showcased Catherine is committed to social responsibility and sustainability. She utilises eco friendly dyes and repurposed cotton to make her kids collection and organises cloth swapping events reducing waste.
This event not only showcased the power of fashion for a cause but also highlighted Sawe Catherine’s commitment to social responsibility. Sustainability is another core principle at Sawe Creations. From utilizing eco-friendly dyes and repurposed cotton to organizing cloth-swapping events, Sawe also involves her self in Charitable work .Every month Sawe uses proceeds from her clothing line to feed Cancer patients at Mulago hospital cancer institute.
Sawe Catherine is an optimist who envisions Ugandan fashion gaining global recognition. She advocates for collaboration among designers and stakeholders to create a unified identity for Ugandan fashion. In a world saturated with trends and imitation, Sawe Catherine finds inspiration in staying informed about global sustainable fashion trends while catering to the evolving preferences of her local and international clientele.
