Technology is slowly killing traditional local knowledge. Gone are the days of using pit latrines for sanitation. Before flashing toilets, we would dig up 50 feet pits and call them to pit latrine. That is where one would go for the so-called “long call.” Note that today, the mobile phone has changed the meaning of this word. When one says, ‘long call’. It is understood by the Baby Boomer generation to mean speaking on the mobile phone for many minutes or being too long on the phone call. The pit hole rule states that “Don’t get ready. Stay ready.” This…
Know Your Mandate as a Board member, the strategic foundation of the organisation as well as its objects
To build a good house, start with a plan. Then focus on laying a good foundation. For better results, build your house on a wide, flat and deep rock. Strengthen your house by mixing your materials – water, sand, cement, etc in the right quantities. But how do you supervise a house construction without knowing the bills of quality? As a new board member, it is your responsibility to know the details first until you are comfortable with the state of the business or organisation. Also read: How Board members are killing NGO’s Consider the following: What is your mandate…
Improving the lives of victims of HIV/Aids
James Kakoma Junior a diploma holder in Accounting and Finance is the financial officer at Need Help, a local NGO that provides financial support to victims of HIV/AIDS and street children. In 2014 the NGO applied for a grant from partner donors to help reach areas of Eastern Uganda more specially Iganga, Mbale and Tororo and it was successful in receiving a grant of Ushs. 1.5 Billion. James has worked with the NGO for the last 5 years and he is an excellent performer. James recently completed his degree in Accounting and Finance and he expects a promotion due to…
Fighting corruption and fraud risk
Fraud and corruption posses a big threat to corporate success. As custodians of financial resources, the accountants’ role is more than writing cheques and books of accounts. The role has evolved to include implementing policies and procedures aimed at preventing fraudulent practices, and where a fraud occurs, implementing controls to prevent re-occurrence. To discharge their role effectively, accountants must acquire fraud prevention and management skills. One of the ways of managing corruption and fraud is through public awareness of the risk. In these anti-fraud and corruption series, we explain how fraud and corruption occur and ways of managing the risks.…
Darkness at noon: the story of my six hours in jail!
The events in this story happened eight years ago. But are firmly stuck in my mind. It is the story that explains why a profitable business could become loss making overnight. Summit Business magazine lost advertising worth Ugx. 40m of stable monthly income over a single event and never recovered! They say prison and hospital are man’s right of way. At one time of your life, you may find yourself entering those doors. Here is your opportunity to see inside police cells mentally so that you are well informed. Have you ever been detained in a police cell? Have you…
What to be a great team player?
Great team players say; “I don’t know”, “I need help”, “I was wrong”, and focus on behaviors not personality when counseling or mentoring. Saying, “I don’t know.” Is a sign of confidence? You don’t get ahead by trying to know everything. That is not a team spirit. You must be open to learning new ideas and insights from others. Also read: Tool #28 of 104 is to avoid being comfortable with the average Also, no one learns anything when they are talking. To learn, you’ve got to listen. And when another person is allowed to speak, they feel valued. That…
