About Us

Our Swaga Shirts journey kicked off in 2008 when I founded the Africa Children’s Development Trust (ACDT) after a solo backpacking escapade around Africa.

Uganda, with its incredible vibes, and such friendly people, stole my heart. I just knew this was the spot where my passion for giving back could bloom into something extraordinary.

Fast forward to May 2023, and we found ourselves knee-deep in threads during a sewing extravaganza in the Ndeeba slum as part of our vocational project, Chrysalis Uganda. Picture a tiny sewing shop, phenomenal ladies stitching up dreams, and a burst of color that would make a rainbow blush. Oh, and let’s not forget my hubby Ian, who was craving a one-of-a-kind vibrant shirt that could shout ‘Africa’ in every stitch.

Ian had seen a shirt design once that he liked BUT having spent a large chunk of his life on African shores, he wanted HIS shirt to be a kaleidoscope of African fun.

He dreamt of a shirt with every inch flaunting a different pattern, a genuine explosion of Uganda’s vibrancy.

So, there we were in May 2023, Ian wanted a bespoke shirt that showcased the wonder of Africa’s colorful palette, and I had a sewing shop supporting incredible women and children in the lively streets of Kampala. Every mum, a graduate from Chrysalis Uganda and now a skilled artisan in sewing and tailoring.

It was a perfect match! As I explained to Emmanual (our tailor/tutor at the time) about this specific commission, I could see him getting excited to rise to the challenge.

The result? Mind-blowing!
And from then on, everywhere Ian wore his shirts sparked lively conversations with people asking how they could get their hands on one!

Everyone, including Ian, was hooked on these one-of-a-kind wonders.“Why not share this awesomeness with the world?” we thought.

Fast forward to December 2023 and the calling of these shirts just would not go away. We KNEW we had to bring these shirts out into the world. To create an opportunity for people to enjoy these vibrant creations, an opportunity for our mums to support their families, and an opportunity to raise funds to fuel our life-changing and life-saving projects for many years to come with 100% of the profits going directly back into the projects of the ACDT.

And right there and then Swaga Shirts was born!

I mean…..picture this: unique, vibrant shirts spreading joy around the world. Each part of the shirt is adorned with different patterns and colours embracing the vivacity of Uganda and Africa.

And by joining the Swaga Squad, you’re not just wearing a shirt; you’re contributing to changing and saving lives in Uganda whilst illuminating the world, one vibrant thread at a time!

Pretty awesome huh!

NikkiFounder ACDT and Swaga Shirts

Nestled within the lively heart of a vibrant Uganda, the rhythmic hum of creativity echoes through the air as skilled artisans meticulously craft each Swaga Shirt. It’s not just fashion; it’s a symphony of artistry and purpose, where African patterns come alive on wearable canvases.

These aren’t merely shirts; they’re stories woven with threads of change. In the hands of our talented artisans, vibrant African patterns transform into tangible expressions of culture and individuality. Every stitch is a testament to the fusion of luxury and social empowerment, where high-end fashion intersects with meaningful impact.

Each of our shirts are lovingly created by graduates from the sewing/tailoring vocational program of the Africa Childrens Development Trust (ACDT). A program that teaches mums a vocational skill to help them support themselves and their families. This is 100% teaching them ‘to fish’.

So beyond the seams and stitches lies a profound narrative of positive change. With every Swaga Shirt purchase you are helping a mum in Uganda support her family and with 100% of the profits going directly back into ACDT projects you are contributing to a profound cycle of change, hope and possibility.

So come and join the Swaga Squad – the club where style isn’t just a statement; it’s a commitment to making a difference. Elevate your wardrobe with purpose, wearing each Swaga Shirt as a badge of empowerment and a symbol of positive change. Step into a world where every thread tells a story, and every purchase contributes to someones brighter future.