From online tutorials to building a shoe care brand: Romeo Bansita’s journey

When one steps into the Bansita Group workspace, the steady flow of activity immediately stands out. Customers drop off shoes for cleaning and repair, delivery personnel move in and out with completed orders, while staff carefully handle each pair with attention to its fabric and finish.

It is a system that reflects both organisation and growth. Yet, for founder Romeo Bansita, the business began with a simple observation made during his earlier work as a shoe trader.

“I used to sell shoes, and I still do.But I realised that many customers did not know how to take care of them. After a short time, the shoes would lose their appeal, and they would have to buy new ones.”

This gap in after-sales care led him to establish Bansita Care, a venture focused on extending the life and quality of footwear through professional cleaning and restoration services.

Learning the craft

Bansita did not receive formal training in shoe care. Instead, he relied on digital platforms to build his knowledge.

“Through YouTube, Google and other online courses, I taught myself how to clean and repair shoes. It was a process that required patience and consistency.”

Between 2020 and 2021, he spent time experimenting with different techniques, often learning through trial and error.

“Like any new skill, there were challenges. But with time, I gained confidence and improved,” he says.

His growing understanding of different shoe materials became central to the business.

“Many people do not know the difference between fabrics such as suede, leather, mesh or canvas. Yet each of these requires a specific cleaning approach,” he notes.

A specialised service

At Bansita Care, the type of fabric determines both the cleaning process and the cost. Standard sneakers, including mesh and canvas, are cleaned at about Shs12,000, while more delicate materials such as suede and nubuck attract higher charges.

Beyond basic cleaning, the company also offers colour restoration, repairs and refurbishment services.

“We are a one-stop centre for shoe care. Our goal is not only to clean shoes, but also to restore them.”

He  said that while machines play a role, the success of the process depends largely on technical knowledge.

“Technology supports the work, but understanding the fabric is the most important aspect,” he explains.

The time required to clean a pair of shoes varies, ranging from under an hour to several hours depending on their condition and material.

Growing clientele

The business initially attracted clients from the corporate and diplomatic circles, many of whom were already familiar with professional fabric care. Over time, however, its customer base has expanded.

Bansita recalls one client who had previously sent her shoes abroad for cleaning.

“She followed our work for some time before deciding to try us. When she finally did, she was satisfied with the results.” he says.

The company has also reached a broader segment of the public, particularly during periods of hardship. In October 2025, when floods affected parts of downtown Kampala, Bansita Group offered subsidised services to help restore damaged footwear.

“Our premises were filled with shoes. We worked continuously for about two weeks to handle the demand.” he recalls.

Although the exercise was demanding, he describes it as a necessary response to the situation.

“We understood that many people had made losses, so we adjusted our charges to make the service accessible,” he says.

Early influences

Bansita grew up in Mutungo, a suburb of Kampala, where he developed an early interest in business. As a child, he engaged in small income-generating activities such as making toy cars, moulding charcoal stoves and selling SIM cards.

He attended Amka and Genesis for his primary education before continuing to Amka Primary and Secondary School for his O-level. He later completed his A-level at Lakeside College.

After school, he took on various jobs, including working as a porter on construction sites. These experiences, he says, helped build resilience and discipline.

He later worked as a brand ambassador for Uganda Breweries Limited, where he gained experience in sales, marketing and customer engagement.

His first business venture was a Facebook-based platform connecting buyers and sellers. He initially dealt in hair products before shifting to ladies’ shoes, a move that eventually led to the creation of Bansita Group.

Looking ahead

As the shoe care industry continues to grow, Bansita acknowledges the presence of new entrants into the market. However, he remains confident in his company’s position.

“There are more players offering similar services, but we believe our experience and consistency set us apart,” he says.

He adds that some of the emerging businesses have drawn inspiration from his model, reflecting the influence Bansita Group has had within the sector.

For Bansita, the focus remains on maintaining quality and adapting to customer needs.

“Our aim is to continue improving and offering reliable service,” he says.

From self-taught beginnings to a steadily growing enterprise, his journey reflects how observation, persistence and access to digital resources can be turned into opportunity.

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