How a young content creator from Uganda achieved his Dubai dream

Rashid Lumunye went from earning Dh1,500 a month to receiving a golden visa in 7 years

- BY ZAINAB HUSAIN

Rashid Lumunye is now living the life he once dreamed of as a boy in Uganda. He has his own apartment in Dubai, a thriving media agency and the freedom to create on his own terms.

Rashid Lumunye, a UAE-based content creator, recently posted a video that’s taken Instagram by storm — nearly 500,000 likes and over 13 million views. But it’s not what you might think. No flashy cars, private jets or luxury penthouses here.

In just 40 seconds, Rashid tells the story of his seven years in the UAE. From landing in Dubai from Uganda, struggling to find work, earning a small salary, but never letting go of his love for video and storytelling.

Today, he has worked with major YouTubers, earned a golden visa, and the best part? He flew his mother to Dubai to share in his success.

“I’m just a boy from Uganda, nothing special, no lucky break,” the 27-year-old Dubai-based expat told Gulf News.

“If you work hard, follow the rules and stay honest, this city rewards you. It’s full of opportunities, but you’ve got to take them. Nothing in life is easy but if you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.”

Now, Rashid has left his full-time job to start his own media and marketing agency, helping brands grow their social media presence.

Rashid grew up in a middle-income family in Uganda. His parents weren’t wealthy but they did everything they could to give him a good education and a stable upbringing.

His love for videos, photography, and storytelling started young. “I always dreamed of being a videographer. At 16, I ran a Facebook page where I shared my creations,” he said. “The hardest part wasn’t learning the craft, it was dealing with people who downplayed my dreams, because this path was so unconventional.”