On The Front Lines: Zest Pharmacy
Children of Uganda alumnus, Fred Ssekamatte, is the proud owner of Zest Pharmacy in Uganda. He recently received an official certification from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) for the hand sanitizer his pharmacy developed before COVID-19 hit the country.
Fred joined our sponsorship program as a young boy and he would prove to be one of the most intelligent and hardworking students we have ever had. When I reflect on our beneficiaries who came from some of the toughest backgrounds and who worked incredibly hard to reach their dreams – Fred comes to mind every time.
He was at the top of his class through all levels of education. In secondary school, Fred was 2nd in his class for O-Level and achieved maximum points at A-Level. He placed 1st in his S6 leaver exams, which qualified him for university study.
Fred went on to attend Makerere University where he earned a degree in Pharmacy Science. When he graduated – again at the top of his class – Fred set out to open a pharmacy of his own to serve his community. He worked hard and sacrificed many hours to open his business in June of 2018.
Not only is Fred an exceptional scholar and pharmacist, he is also an exceptionally kind and selfless human being.
In fact, I know a story that demonstrates this beautifully. Fred’s sponsor found the occasion to visit Uganda and was able to have lunch with Fred and our Program Director. He wanted to give Fred a gift to recognize his achievements and so he asked him what he really wanted. He replied that he would love to have a new phone and so his sponsor gave him the money.
At the time, Fred’s grandmother – who had a tremendous impact on his life – had recently had her home damaged by severe weather. Part of her roof (in an already unstable home) had collapsed and she was desperate to have it repaired. Ultimately, Fred decided not to buy a phone. Instead, he took the money that his loving sponsor gave him and used it to repair his grandmother’s cherished home.
This unselfish act (among others) set Fred on the path to a purpose-driven life of helping others.
Today, Fred is leading the way to help fellow Ugandans learn the vital importance of hand hygiene and the convenience of sanitizer use – especially in remote areas of the country where water is not readily accessible.
Zest manufactures both liquid and gel sanitizers in a variety of volumes from 60ml to 20L, which the public can purchase at their pharmacy location, other local pharmacies and supermarkets. We are so proud of Fred in his efforts to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to provide access to life-saving medicine and personal hygiene supplies.
Fred shared with me recently that he would not be who he is or where he is today without Children of Uganda and his wonderful sponsor, Andrew Grey.
We are also thrilled to share that Fred recently married one our university students, Precious Shirah, and they are overjoyed with their lives, their business and their bright future together.
Newly weds Fred and Precious Shirah. 
Precious Shirah, a friend and Fred at Zest Pharmacy. 
Fred is seen here in the lab creating hand sanitizer. 
Zest Instant Hand Sanitizer comes in a variety of sizes and scents. 
Zest Pharmacy counter. 
Thank you Zest Pharmacy for educating the public and providing access to life-saving supplies. 
We are beyond proud of everything you have achieved, Fred, and everything that you are doing now to combat COVID-19.
