Fate and Passion: How Charles Njeho Built Colex Media

When Charles Njeho stumbled upon graphic design, passion answered the call. That passion would later grow into Colex Media, a multi-million-shilling printing solutions company operating in the heart of Nasser Road, Kampala.

Today, Colex Media offers a wide range of services — from receipt books and proposal documents to office branding and car wraps — serving both individuals and institutions. But the journey to success began unexpectedly.

An Unplanned Beginning

Njeho’s career path shifted abruptly after he was laid off from his job as a data entry clerk during a company downsizing. With his future uncertain, he reflected on a graphics training programme he had attended while still in school — and remembered the trainer who had inspired him.

“I contacted him, and he brought me here on Nasser Road and told me I could learn more from here,” Njeho recalls. “That’s how I came around.”

Learning Through Hustle

Instead of a salary, Njeho was offered a chance to learn and earn through commissions.

“If I found a client who needed business cards worth Shs20,000, we would calculate production costs and split the balance 50-50,” he explains.

This unconventional arrangement sharpened his technical skills, taught him client acquisition, and gave him real-world business experience — lessons that would later define his entrepreneurial mindset.

Launching Colex Media

In 2016, with Shs3 million borrowed from his sister, Njeho officially launched Colex Media. He bought two machines, a computer, a printer, basic furniture, and rented a small space on Nasser Road.

However, formalising the business came with hard lessons.

“I lost a big contract because the company wasn’t registered,” he says. That setback pushed him to register Colex Media in 2018.

Formal registration increased operating costs significantly.

“We used to pay Shs250,000 for a trading licence. Now we pay Shs520,000. We also file monthly VAT returns, sometimes up to Shs2 million, depending on business,” he explains.

A Defining Moment

One of Njeho’s most memorable milestones came when he unexpectedly landed a major contract that enabled him to purchase a large-format printer worth Shs10 million.

“That is one of my best memories in business,” he says.

Running Lean, Staying Resilient

Njeho deliberately avoids bank loans, citing high interest rates. Instead, he runs the business on lean budgeting and disciplined saving.

Operational costs include rent, printing materials, utilities, and staff salaries. Despite rising costs, Colex Media continues to thrive — anchored in resilience and careful financial management.

Growing the Brand

Colex Media’s growth has been driven largely by social media marketing, especially Facebook and boosted posts.

“We use online marketing a lot. It’s cheaper and helps us reach people faster,” Njeho says.

While the company has explored bidding opportunities and newspaper advertising, digital platforms have delivered the best results.

Skills Beyond Design

To strengthen his business acumen, Njeho has attended SME federation training programmes, particularly in financial literacy.

“They taught me how to manage money and prepare for funding opportunities,” he says.

Creating Employment

Colex Media now employs eight staff and one cleaner. While Njeho oversees operations, he encourages independence and accountability across the team, ensuring each employee owns their role.

Ongoing Challenges

Like many SMEs, Colex Media faces persistent challenges — fluctuating raw material prices, stiff competition, and high operational costs. Client acquisition requires constant effort.

“Sometimes I boost Facebook posts with Shs20,000 or more. It’s expensive, but necessary,” he admits.

Built on Persistence

Despite the hurdles, Njeho’s journey remains a powerful example of how passion, mentorship, and perseverance can turn an idea into a sustainable enterprise.

“If you are looking for clients, you have to keep pushing,” he says. “In business, if you give up early, you can’t reach the target.”