Victoria Basemera, founder of Extreme Little Stars Limited, credits the dfcu Rising Woman Initiative as a transformative experience
In Uganda’s high-failure SME landscape, where most small businesses don’t make it past their fifth year, Victoria Basemera, founder of Extreme Little Stars Limited, has not only survived, but grown a snack production and distribution enterprise that serves some of the country’s most recognizable fuel station brands.
With over 12 years in operation, the business began in a modest home kitchen and has since scaled to a B2B model, supplying daily-fresh snacks to Total, Shell, Rubis, and Oryx outlets across Kampala. Her resilience and focus earned her 6th place in the 2023 dfcu Bank Rising Woman Initiative, under the Trade & Business Services category.
In this exclusive interview, Victoria shares the turning points, strategies, and struggles behind her success, and her vision for building an empire rooted in consistency, quality, and purpose.
From Banker to Baker: How It All Started
“I left a structured banking job without knowing what was next,” Victoria recounts. “I began baking cream cakes in my kitchen, delivering them myself to neighbourhood shops. It was humble and hands-on, but it grew.”
Her breakthrough came serendipitously at a fuel station where a friend offered her a chance to supply snacks. That single opportunity marked the beginning of a supply chain that now reaches several fuel station networks. “From beef samosas to chicken pies and kebabs, every new item was driven by customer demand,” she explains.
Turning Grit into Growth
Victoria’s business model matured from informal to structure. “We have grown to a team of 15 full-time employees, including five in logistics. Our day starts at 4 a.m. to ensure outlets are stocked before peak hours.”
Extreme Little Stars has consistently focused on reliability, client feedback, and a flexible return policy, which sets it apart in a competitive food supply sector. “If our clients can’t sell a product, we take it back. That builds trust,” she adds.
The dfcu Rising Woman Effect: Visibility, Validation, and Value
Victoria credits the dfcu Rising Woman Initiative as a transformative experience. “It made me realize that I wasn’t just running a small hustle; I was leading a growing enterprise.” With her son’s help, she completed the detailed application process, marking the start of a new chapter.
Beyond the award recognition, the program offered exposure. “My trip to Nairobi changed everything. I connected with women building globally relevant businesses. Some of those contacts are now collaborators.”
Professionally, the recognition has opened doors. “Being a dfcu Rising Woman finalist adds credibility. It’s helped in tenders, contracts and boosted client confidence.”
Scaling Amid Challenges
Despite growth, Victoria notes ongoing hurdles. “Our production is still home-based. We need a formal kitchen to win more contracts and build long-term partnerships.”
Plans are underway to establish a commercial-grade kitchen, an upgrade she calls “the next level” and one that will give her leverage in negotiations and expand production capacity.
On Being a Woman Entrepreneur in Uganda
Victoria is candid about the additional layers of challenge faced by women. “We carry the weight of being caregivers and entrepreneurs. She argues that practical education and mentorship are as critical as funding. “Women often start out of necessity, not strategy. Tailored, real-world business guidance for women entrepreneurs is still lacking.”
Advice to Other Women in Business
“Never stop trying. The market will test you. People will doubt you. But if you’re consistent, the results will come.”
“Programs like dfcu Rising Woman are proof that someone sees you. Apply. Push yourself. Don’t wait to be perfect,” she adds.
What’s Next for Victoria Basemera and Extreme Little Stars?
Beyond the new kitchen project, Victoria has her sights set on product diversification and expanding into event catering for corporate and social functions. “We’re laying the foundation for a snack empire; one contract, one delivery, one relationship at a time.”
