Our Story
From a steward's shift to a school of our own
Mission
To empower coffee entrepreneurs and enthusiasts with hands-on training, practical business skills, and decision-making tools to ignite their coffee journey.
Vision
To become the best barista school in East Africa, setting the standard for coffee education and training.
Founder & CEO
Haji Nasr Kakembo
BA in Tourism, MSc in Environmental Science
After graduating with first-class honours in a Bachelor of Tourism from Makerere University's College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Haji Nasr Kakembo was inspired by his former academic instructors to explore the fruits of the hospitality business.
He won his first job at Java House Coffee Shop's Jinja branch as a steward in 2018 — and from there, his soul got addicted to the barista corner. He trained at the counter immediately after his sink shifts, then moved on to Mada Hotel and Nurture Africa Vocational School in Nansana, where he spent two years as a barista tutor, sending students with barista skills to various parts of the world.
Seeing a growing thirst for barista training in Wakiso, he set off for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to build capital — and worked in Riyadh, a city whose name reflects gardens and natural fertility. From the hospitality he experienced there, he named this school Riyadh Barista Training School.
Over the past seven years he has advised and collaborated with countless restaurant and hotel owners, and built RIYADH with plans to extend training to young people across Uganda who have a vision for coffee and personal growth but lack the specific know-how and experience to bring it into fruition.
Riyadh Barista Training School is registered by the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) and the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) — our tutors hold SCA Q-Arabica Grader and Certified Coffee Instructor credentials.
Meet the Team
Our Instructors
Alex Kakembo
Barista in Chief
BA in Tourism and Hospitality Service Operations (Makerere), Certified Q-Arabica Grader (SCA), Certified Coffee Instructor (SCA)
Hey you! We're not here to waste your time as a student — we were born to listen, as well as to impart our hard-earned wisdom and experience. Our community is the cornerstone of our school, and we simultaneously seek great stories and storytellers from Uganda and the Arabian continent who can share their knowledge and wisdom. We'll connect with you emotionally, and wish you an exhilarating experience and a life filled with coffee.
Muzingu Isaac
Espresso & Manual Brews Instructor
Guides students through espresso machine operation and manual brew methods — from dialing in a shot to Hario V60, Chemex, Moka Pot and French Press techniques for a perfect cup.
Nassozi Edith
Customer Relations
Leads on customer relations training, helping students build the service instincts and client-facing skills that turn a good barista into a trusted one.
Ssebyayi Ramadhan
Cookery and Pastry Tutor
"Where tradition meets taste — a heritage of flavors. Elegance on every plate. Tastes without borders. Global flavors, local love. A world of tastes on your plate." The best around when it comes to cheffing and pastry.
Kuteera Amir
Overseas Recruitment
Connects graduating baristas and chefs with job opportunities abroad, drawing on first-hand experience working in Kuwait's hospitality industry.
Omolo Moris
Coffee Roasting Tutor
"I don't have a problem with caffeine. I have a problem without caffeine, so that my DNA is dark roast. Café nescafé no es café. (Instant coffee is not coffee.) So be very careful. See you soon at my Probat."
Nahurira Derick
Quality Assurance & Logistics
Oversees quality assurance and logistics — making sure every class, ingredient and piece of equipment is ready so students can focus on the craft.