Sandra Letio

Sandra Letio is the Founder and Managing Director of Pelere Group Limited, a Ugandan manufacturing company committed to value addition, inclusive trade, and sustainable industrialisation. The company specializes in the processing of Vitellaria Nilotica (Ugandan Shea butter) and other oilseeds, working closely with smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda and the West Nile region. Through this model, Pelere Group provides a ready market for farmers while driving value addition at its central manufacturing facility.

Pelere Group Limited manufactures and markets a diverse range of products across home care, detergents, organic cosmetics, toiletries, and personal care, with a strong focus on hair, skin, and body care. Its brands currently on the market include Pelere Shea Butter, Elevate Naturals, Tropicare, and Bulk Solutions, serving both retail and institutional clients.

Sandra is deeply involved in building sustainable supply chains for organic Shea fruit, ensuring ethical sourcing, quality processing, and compliance with international standards. Her work has contributed significantly to rural livelihoods, women empowerment, and agro-industrial development in Uganda.

Academically, Sandra holds a First Class Degree in Business Administration (Management) and a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Physics and Mathematics—a unique combination that underpins her analytical, strategic, and systems-driven leadership style.

A natural leader, Sandra has been recognized nationally and internationally for her impact. She was nominated as Young Entrepreneur and Ambassador for Uganda (2016–2019) and served as the National Coordinator for Uganda at the Commonwealth Alliance for Young Entrepreneurs – East Africa (CAYE-EA).

She has contributed extensively as a volunteer and collaborator with numerous institutions, including the United Nations (UN), UNCTAD, UN Women, ACCA, UNBS, UEBP, GIZ, Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA), CPA, Enterprise Uganda, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), DFCU Bank, and Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), among others.

Sandra’s entrepreneurial journey and impact have gained global recognition. Her success story was shared by Ms. Ivanka Trump, daughter of the former President of the United States, Donald Trump. In 2017, she was featured by New Vision among the Top 40 Under 40 Most Elite, Inspirational, and Influential Women in Uganda.

Her accolades include UNCTAD Best Pitch Award (2016), Biz is Great Award by the British Embassy and DFCU Bank, Youth Employer of the Year (2016) by the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited, and Best Ye! Ambassador (2018).

Sandra Letio continues to champion industrial growth, ethical sourcing, women and youth entrepreneurship, and the transformation of Uganda’s natural resources into globally competitive products.