In the bustling event scene of Rwanda, a new venture is making its mark, not just by providing professional services but by transforming young lives. Ubuliza Protocol and Service, founded in 2024, is a company dedicated to offering top-notch protocol services for a wide array of events, from vibrant concerts and corporate gatherings to heartfelt weddings and crucial conferences. Their mission is simple: to serve every event with unmatched professionalism.
Ubuliza Protocol and Service is based in Gasabo, Kigali, and is the brainchild of Gloria Liza Ingabire. What makes her story particularly inspiring, and central to Ubuliza’s mission, is that she came up with this ambitious idea when she was just 20 years old, setting her on a journey of service and empowerment.
Gloria Liza Ingabire’s journey into entrepreneurship began out of necessity and a keen eye for opportunity.
“After graduating from secondary, I faced an unexpected setback,” Gloria shared. “Countless job applications led to endless rejections.” It was during this challenging period that she noticed something significant. “At that time, I saw many youths who were doing protocol and service at the events. I decided to take control of my future.”
Having already led the protocol team at her church, Gloria realized she could turn this experience into a profession. “I started to think about doing it as a job in other events, weddings,” she recalled.
Gloria didn’t just dream; she acted. She founded Ubuliza Protocol & Service, initially envisioning it as a consultancy to help small businesses with their day-to-day operations. However, her core idea quickly evolved into something focused on event services, driven by a desire to create opportunities for others. She wanted to build a company that not only delivered professional event services but also provided meaningful employment.
Without hesitation, she reached out to her friends, inviting them to join her on this new path. “All her friends agreed,” and Gloria began to train them, teaching them the ropes of professional service and protocol.
The team and the triumphs
Gloria Liza quickly learned the realities of being self-employed. She admitted that “in the beginning, it was really hard to find clients.” Her strategy involved proactive networking at various events and leveraging social media to spread the word about Ubuliza’s services. These efforts have paid off remarkably. Today, Ubuliza Protocol and Service boasts a team of 40 employees.
The impact of her venture on young people is something Gloria takes immense pride in. “I’m so glad that I gave more than 40 youths a job in my agency,” Gloria expressed. “It makes me happy to see where we were and where we are now.” This sentiment resonates deeply within her team.
Yvan Dushime, one of Ubuliza’s employees, shared how the company has positively affected his life. “This company means a lot to his life,” Yvan stated, highlighting how it teaches them valuable life skills: “it teaches them to love each other, work hard and discipline wherever we are, and I get a salary on time.” He added that “because of that job, some of them pay their school fees and rent.”
Ubuliza Protocol and Service has already handled various notable events, including “Connect and Cheers” and “ValEd,” both organized by Light Center, as well as several wedding and funeral services in Rusororo, Kigali, and Kabuga. Gloria is now hosting an anniversary celebration for her agency, reflecting on the significant personal and professional growth she has experienced.
Making events unforgettable
Clients of Ubuliza Protocol and Service consistently praise their professionalism and dedication. Gisele Uwase, a satisfied client, enthused, “It was good to work with them, I’m not ashamed to talk about Ubuliza protocol.” She particularly commended their efficiency and conduct: “They have good service and wherever you are, they reach you on time, they have discipline and they are clean, they did a good job in my wedding.”
The Ubuliza team, though young, is driven by a shared ambition. “We’re still young and agency changed our life, we all have a dream to achieve more and here to make your event be unforgettable,” Gloria affirmed on behalf of her team.
This venture is particularly timely, as Rwanda’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) industry recorded $95 million in revenue in 2023, according to RDB, marking a remarkable 48 percent increase from the previous year and positioning the country as a premier global events destination. This booming sector underscores the growing demand for professional protocol and event services like those offered by Ubuliza Protocol.
