ABOUT FASHION CYPHERS
Fashion Cypher is a community outreach initiative that draws inspiration from the culture of Hip Hop, nurturing creative expression, sharing, inclusivity and community empowerment. Since its establishment in 2016, this monthly programme has enabled professional fashion designers, artists, and volunteers to teach over 13,000 individuals, across 12 regions in Uganda. Communities targeted for these mobile craftsmanship classes are marginalised and include endangered tribes, street children and those in war-affected regions. Whilst open to all, Fashion Cyphers continuously attract women and youth more, with 80% of students being under 30 and 75% female.
The workshops teach both technical skills alongside academic and business knowledge, with many classes specifically centred on sustainability and culture. The emergence of 30 new viable green microbusinesses in 2023 alone underscores the effectiveness and necessity of the Fashion Cypher in fostering economic independence for individuals in Uganda.
"Fashion Cyphers transform the problematic influx of second-hand clothing into job creation through sustainable fashion."
In 2025, the Fashion Cypher opened its first permanent workshop facility in Kazo, Kampala and expanded its workshops to Gilgil, Kenya. This growth positions the Fashion Cypher to reach its goal of teaching 100,000 people by 2030, extending knowledge-sharing and new businesses, across Sub-Saharan Africa.
