This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on Mukakasa, a brand founded by sisters Christine and Elizabeth. Through their stunning ceramics and homeware, they weave together the rich traditions of Ugandan craftsmanship with the minimalist elegance of Scandinavian design. Their work is a testament to the beauty of dual heritage, creativity, and the power of women in design.
Read on to explore their journey, inspiration, and commitment to honoring culture through craft. You can shop their collection and see more of their work on their Instagram and website.
At the heart of Mukakasa, a brand where Scandinavian simplicity meets the vibrant spirit of African craftsmanship, lies the journey of its co-founders, Christine and Elizabeth Mukakasa. Their story is one of duality—two cultures, two continents, and one vision. Through their work, they have built a brand that doesn’t just create homeware but tells a story of identity, history, and artistic harmony.
A Childhood of Two Worlds
For Christine, growing up between Kenya and Denmark meant navigating two vastly different cultural landscapes. "I’ve always been aware of my unique background," she reflects. "As a child in Kenya and later as a teenager in Denmark, I could sense I was different from my peers. Initially, this made me want to blend in."
But it was at fashion academy that Christine found a newfound appreciation for her individuality. Surrounded by a creative community, she explored her roots through installations, fashion shows, and artistic expressions. "It gave me the tools to balance and combine two worlds: the vibrant, bold aesthetics of African art and design with the clean simplicity, functionality, and order of Danish design," she says. This interplay of cultures would later become the foundation of Mukakasa.
Finding Balance in Opposites
Mukakasa’s design philosophy is rooted in contrast: chaos and order, vibrancy and calm, bold colors and subtle tones, rough textures and smooth finishes. "I find inspiration in African art—its shapes, materials, fabrics, and colors are endlessly captivating. But my Scandinavian side seeks order and simplicity," Christine explains.
The result is homeware that is both striking and balanced—a meeting point between Uganda’s artistic heritage and Denmark’s modern minimalism. Each piece reflects a delicate harmony, where the rawness of natural materials is refined into contemporary, functional design.
Honoring Heritage Through Craftsmanship
Although Christine and Elizabeth have never lived in Uganda, their father’s stories instilled a deep sense of pride in their heritage. Their family history, tracing back to the Baganda tribe’s lion clan, carries narratives of resilience and tradition.
"My great-grandfather joined the First World War in Tanzania, leaving my young grandfather to be raised by a Christian pastor. Later, my grandfather became one of the first doctors to graduate from Makerere University in Kampala in the 1930s," Christine shares.
This sense of history and perseverance is woven into Mukakasa’s work. Through close collaborations with Ugandan artisans, they incorporate traditional methods and materials, ensuring that the stories of the past live on in their contemporary designs.
A Coffee Drip That Bridges Cultures
If there is one piece that embodies Mukakasa’s ethos, it is their handcrafted coffee drip. Originally a European invention, coffee filters became household staples in Scandinavia, but Mukakasa reimagined the design through a Ugandan lens.
"The coffee filter was first invented by Melitta Bentz in Germany in 1908 and became a staple in European homes. By reimagining it using traditional Ugandan pottery methods—local clay and age-old firing techniques—we’ve created a piece that bridges cultures," Christine explains.
It is a functional object with a rich narrative, symbolizing Mukakasa’s ability to merge history with modernity, craftsmanship with innovation.
Advice for Multicultural Creatives
For those looking to build a brand that reflects multiple cultural identities, Christine offers this advice:
"Embracing a multicultural identity can sometimes feel like navigating uncharted waters. But it’s a gift, one that allows you to create something truly unique. The world is increasingly interconnected, and I believe a new design language is emerging—one that reflects our shared and layered identities."
By celebrating cultural differences, creatives aren’t just making products; they’re building bridges, fostering understanding, and reshaping the global design narrative.
The Future of Mukakasa
Christine and Elizabeth see Mukakasa’s success not just in numbers, but in impact—through the collaborations they build, the inspiration they provide, and the cultural heritage they help preserve.
"For us, success means creating, collaborating, and inspiring. It’s about continuing to innovate while staying true to our roots. The future holds so much potential, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes us."
With Mukakasa, design is more than just aesthetics. It’s a testament to identity, a love letter to heritage, and a celebration of cultural fusion—one handcrafted piece at a time.
