I am a fourth year Industrial Engineering student that had the opportunity to travel to Lira, Uganda with two other students for our senior capstone project. Our project was to help a non-profit organization called the International Lifeline Fund define and detail their cook stove manufacturing process. The International Lifeline Fund (ILF) seeks to improve the quality of life of the underprivileged by expanding access to energy solutions and clean water. Their factory in Lira, Uganda manufactures commercial cookstoves that are fuel efficient and cater to the needs of consumers in Uganda.
Our team was specifically tasked with collecting inputs that would help ILF develop an eventual manufacturing operating system to better anticipate the material and labor required to meet their demand. The team used the first term of the capstone series to formulate a data collection plan to ensure when the team travelled to Uganda that we were able to document everything required successfully. This process involved using time studies and capturing video in addition to collecting verbal data on process steps from the staff at the factory. Additionally, the data collection plan went through several iterations in order to incorporate the perspective of our sponsor in our plan.
During spring break, the team arrived in Uganda. We collected a variety of data ranging from cycle times to material flow and ordering. The ILF staff were very helpful and welcoming to ensure we had a successful trip. However, one staff member especially stood out: Asmon.
After several days of travelling, the team finally arrived at the guest house in Lira in the late evening. Upon arrival, we were immediately welcomed by the brightest smile. It was Asmon, our cook for the next two weeks. He introduced himself humbly, took our bags, then escorted us into the guesthouse. We arrived just in time for dinner. Asmon prepared a tomato and avocado salad with an eggplant carbonara, all sourced from the local market. After so many days of travel and mediocre food, the cuisine he prepared was rejuvenating.Throughout our trip, Asmon would continue to prepare incredible food, leading us into a deep dive into Ugandan cuisine. Asmon is the jack of all trades when it comes to food. He can make any meal to the caliber of a Michelin star chef. For breakfast, everyday we had crepes, avocado toast, and the freshest variety of fruit. For lunch, we went to the office that ILF owns, where Asmon would prepare a curry with beans and fufu, a fluffy cornmeal dish, similar to rice. Lastly, each night for dinner, Asmon would make a special dish. We tried goat, several different currys, and beef dishes.
When Asmon wasn’t going out of his way to spoil us with his cooking, he was our tour guide. Asmon was really excited to show us around town, guiding us through all the essential local tourist spots. Asmon showed us the marketplace and we were able to buy the most delectable passion fruit. Asmon also showed us a local cafe he used to work at where they had cinnamon rolls, a much-needed snack to remind us of back home.
The team had an amazing experience in Uganda, and ILF treated us very well with accommodations and housing. We were very successful with our work and managed to formulate several great tools for ILF. However, what really made this trip a blessing was meeting Asmon. He showed us graciousness and kindness in everything he did. He educated the team so much about the Ugandan way of life and really made us all feel a part of their culture. We would not have had this opportunity to meet such a wonderful person if it weren’t for this project.
