Manuela P. Mulondo

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Manuela Pacutho Mulondo (born December 18, 1985) is a Ugandan businesswoman, entrepreneur, educator, author, television presenter, and advocate for gender equality. She founded The Cradle, a childcare, lactation, and early-education center, and serves as president of the Early Childhood Development Association. Mulondo also co-founded the TV series Bump Love and is a presenter on NTV Uganda. Since 2021 she has represented RUBiS UltraTec and has worked with I&M Bank Uganda in brand management.

Background and education
Mulondo was born to Agnes Ruteitsire and Joe Pacutho and grew up in Kampala, Uganda. Her family faced financial challenges, and she started hawking juice on Kampala Road at 16 to help support her mother and siblings. She attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Gayaza for secondary school on a FAWE scholarship and later studied at King’s College Budo. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Psychology from Makerere University in 2008 and later earned a Professional Certificate in Marketing from The Chartered Institute of Marketing in 2017.

Career highlights
- Early work: Mulondo began as a Marketing Assistant at People Performance Group (2008–2009) and then served as Creative Director for the Children’s Ministry at Watoto Church (2008–2012).
- Banking and marketing: She worked at Bank of Africa Uganda, starting as Brand Manager (2012–2014), then as Assistant Manager Marketing and Communications, and finally as Manager Marketing and Communications until 2016.
- The Cradle: In 2014 she founded The Cradle, a childcare and education center. By 2019, she expanded the business with The Cradle Care Mobile App, serving about 100 clients. The business temporarily closed during COVID-19 and reopened in 2022, later growing to two branches.
- Other ventures: In 2019 she co-founded Bump Love, a television and web series about motherhood, which airs on NTV Uganda. She is also involved with RUBiS Uganda as a brand ambassador and has roles with I&M Bank Uganda, as well as leading the Early Childhood Development Association. Mulondo is the author of Stop Listen to Your Child Think and has developed a Childcare Business Course.

Awards and recognitions
Mulondo has received several accolades, including:
- 2012: Second runner-up in the Africa-wide Business Apprenticeship Entrepreneurship Competition.
- 2017: Mandela Washington Fellowship.
- 2018: First runner-up in the Rising Woman program.
- 2019: Publication of her book Stop Listen to Your Child Think.
- 2021: Obama Foundation Leaders Africa Summit.

Personal life
Mulondo is married to Brian Mulondo, whom she met during a trip to Kenya, and they have two children.