Imagine being entrusted with the creation of a cake so extraordinary that it must cater to the discerning palates of the continent’s elite. For the royal wedding of the reigning Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV and Inebantu Jovia Mutesi, that honor fell to the renowned baker Brenda Ssekabembe Mulema of Bake for Me. The stunning fruit cake presented at the event has since been hailed as one of the most remarkable cake designs Uganda has ever seen. Standing at an awe-inspiring 2.5 meters and weighing approximately 300kg, the cake was a true masterpiece. Those fortunate enough to sample it continue to rave about its exceptional flavor and flawless texture. For Brenda, this was not just a moment of immense pride, but a well-earned peak in her distinguished career.
The 300kg cake served at the Busoga royal wedding.
In a world where entrepreneurship often revolves around flashy branding and relentless hustle, Brenda offers a refreshing contrast—an embodiment of quiet strength and steadfast principles. A true trailblazer in the baking industry, she has spent the last two decades building a business rooted in integrity, patience, and an unwavering commitment to the values of family and community.
From a humble home-based venture to a well-respected brand, Brenda’s journey has been anything but typical. Yet through every challenge, setback and victory, she has remained true to what matters most: her faith, her family, and her deep respect for the people who have helped her succeed.
Brenda’s entrepreneurial journey took an unexpected turn after she left a promising career in public health to pursue her passion for baking. Originally aspiring to become a doctor, she studied Food Science and Technology at Makerere University and later earned a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Pretoria. After working with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in South Africa, Brenda returned to Uganda due to the challenges of xenophobia, and with limited job opportunities available, she turned to baking to supplement her income. “From earning approximately Shs20m in South Africa, the only job available for me here was paying me Shs1m. So I had to find legal ways to make up the deficit,” she says.
Starting with just Shs25,000, Brenda baked a cake for a colleague’s girlfriend. After everyone who tasted it wanted one, she began to receive a steady stream of clients. To keep up with the growing demand, Brenda realized she needed more time. Already earning more from her side hustle than her day job, she made the bold decision to resign and focus solely on baking.
Yet, Brenda attributes her success primarily to her integrity. “I am a person of integrity,” she reflects, her voice calm but resolute. “Integrity means being honest, truthful, and transparent, regardless of who you are working with.”
Today, her bakery employs over 80 people and operates five locations in Kampala, renowned for its quality, creativity, and exceptional service. Yet, Brenda attributes her success primarily to her integrity. “I am a person of integrity,” she reflects, her voice calm but resolute. “Integrity means being honest, truthful, and transparent, regardless of who you are working with.”
For Brenda, business is about building relationships first, whether with customers, suppliers, or employees. “It is not just about making money,” she says. “It is about giving first, being kind, and earning trust.”
Her business philosophy has fostered loyalty and respect from everyone involved with Bake for Me. Brenda’s suppliers, she proudly shares, have trusted her enough to extend credit worth millions. “I have built those relationships on honesty,” she explains. “If you want people to support you, you have to show them that you are worthy of their trust.”
For Brenda, success is not just about hard work; it is also about having a strong, supportive foundation at home. “Your family is your first support system,” she says. “When you start working, especially from home, you need them to understand that what you are doing is for the good of everyone.”
Brenda speaks fondly of the unwavering emotional support her family has provided over the years. My mom, for instance, taught me how to bake, my dad provided the startup capital, and my sister, Barbara Sekabembe Semakula, is doing a great job as the director of the school. “I have been lucky. Not everyone gets that kind of understanding. But sometimes, it is not just about financial support. It is about patience, giving you the space to work, and recognizing that your success benefits everyone in the long run.”
She also adds that it is not always about having wealth, sometimes, it is about having the emotional resilience to power through challenges. “Money comes later, but emotional support; that is what gets you through the tough times.”
Give your best, and trust that God will honor your faithfulness by multiplying your efforts in ways beyond your imagination.
At the core of Brenda’s approach to both life and business is her deep faith. “I believe that God is always with me. I don’t need to be on a mountain praying to feel His presence,” she says. “I believe that God hears me wherever I am, and that has kept me grounded throughout this journey.” In His infinite wisdom, God teaches us the value of faithfulness in small matters as the foundation for greater blessings. He encourages us to demonstrate integrity and diligence in every task, no matter how small, knowing that our commitment in these moments lays the groundwork for greater responsibilities. Whether in business, relationships, or personal growth, when we pour our hearts into what we are entrusted with, we open the door for divine favor and greater opportunities. Give your best, and trust that God will honor your faithfulness by multiplying your efforts in ways beyond your imagination.
Brenda emphasizes the importance of balance in life. “Business is important, but you also need time for yourself. I am not in a rush. I have learnt that success takes time, and sometimes you have to be patient with yourself,” she explains.
Her philosophy is clear; do the work, stay grounded, and trust that things will fall into place. “The work is what matters. Being true to yourself, your values; that is what keeps you moving forward.”
Brenda’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs is simple: keep learning, growing, and adapting. “If you are not learning, you are falling behind. It is a continuous process. Even when things are tough, you must be willing to learn from your mistakes, your team, and your customers.”
In the fast-paced world of business, adaptability is essential. Brenda recognizes that change is inevitable, and learning is a lifelong journey. “Business isn’t static. Things change, and you need to be ready to adapt,” she says. From returning to school to learn professional baking to embracing social media, Brenda has consistently remained open to new methods that enhance her craft and improve her life.
“I didn’t know much about TikTok at first, but I saw the impact it had for businesses. Now, it is one of the best ways for me to engage with my customers directly,” she explains.
Brenda’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs is simple: keep learning, growing, and adapting. “If you are not learning, you are falling behind. It is a continuous process. Even when things are tough, you must be willing to learn from your mistakes, your team, and your customers.”
The entrepreneur’s vision for Bake for Me goes far beyond the ingredients that go into her cakes or the flawless presentation of each product. At the heart of her business is a deep commitment to empowering women. Through her bakery, she aims to show that women cannot only dream big but also build successful businesses, break barriers, and create opportunities for others in their communities.
“Women often face unique challenges in business; balancing family life, societal expectations, and career ambitions,” she says. “But I have always believed that the right support and opportunities can unlock extraordinary potential.” It is this belief that propels Brenda to focus on creating an environment where women feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
“There is something powerful about a woman who is empowered to pursue her own goals and contribute to the broader narrative of business,” Brenda explains. “When we uplift each other, we rise together.”
At Bake for Me, women are at the forefront, not just as employees but as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Brenda makes a conscious effort to ensure that the women in her team have opportunities to grow, whether it is through skills development, mentorship, or leadership roles within the business. “There is something powerful about a woman who is empowered to pursue her own goals and contribute to the broader narrative of business,” Brenda explains. “When we uplift each other, we rise together.”
Bake for Me has served as a training ground for many young women who have gone on to start their own ventures. She is particularly passionate about teaching women the importance of financial literacy, business ethics, and self-confidence. By imparting her knowledge and experience, Brenda hopes to create a ripple effect, a generation of women who not only contribute to their own financial well-being but also inspire other women to take that leap into entrepreneurship.
In an industry often dominated by traditional gender roles, Brenda has become a trailblazer. She says, “There is this misconception that certain professions or businesses are ‘men’s work.’ But I have seen countless women break free of those stereotypes. The strength, creativity, and resilience that women bring to entrepreneurship are unmatched.” Bake for Me is living proof of this, with Brenda at the helm, creating a thriving business that not only serves delicious treats but also serves as a platform for female empowerment.
Her legacy is one of possibility for other women who may not have seen themselves as entrepreneurs before. Brenda wants her story to be a reminder that women have the power to shape their futures, take charge of their own success, and pave the way for others to follow. She encourages young women to embrace their ambitions, trust in their abilities and remember that the road may not always be easy, but it is always worth it.
“I am a firm believer in the power of community,” Brenda reflects. “When women come together, they create change, not just in their own lives, but in their communities as a whole.” Through collaborations, support groups, and partnerships, Brenda is steadily expanding the network of women entrepreneurs who inspire each other, support each other, and help each other grow.
In fact, one of her proudest moments came when Bake for Me was invited to participate in a local women’s entrepreneurship summit. Not only did she get the chance to showcase her products, but she was also able to mentor young women in attendance. It was a full-circle moment for Brenda, seeing how far she has come from starting her small business in a home kitchen to now inspiring others to take their own first steps.
“Empowering women is about more than just financial success,” Brenda explains. “It is about helping women find their voice, their passion and their worth in this world. It is about dismantling the barriers that society has put in place and showing that women can be powerful leaders, decision-makers, and creators in all sectors of society.”
Through Bake for Me, Brenda continues to break down stereotypes, championing the cause of women in business and carving out a legacy that will inspire generations to come. She is not just building businesses; she is building a movement. And in doing so, she is proving that when women support each other, incredible things happen.
