Uganda has many enterprising people, but few successful businesses. Why? If anything explains the high poverty levels in many parts of the country, it is not an unwillingness to work hard—most Ugandans still sweat to survive. Nor is it because of a lack of enterprise and optimism: on the permanently traffic-jammed streets of Kampala, the country’s main commercial city, hawkers gingerly ease their way between cars trying to sell almost anything from snacks to books, car parts, carpets, shoes, and even toilet paper. They do the right things – wake up early. Work 365 days a year. Do your best.…
Homily for Saturday, Fifth Week of Easter
Acts 16:1-10 Jn 15:18-21 John’s gospel speaks about God’s love for the world. God so loved the world that he sent his only Son. In this morning’s gospel reading Jesus speaks about the world’s hatred for him and for his followers. In Luke’s gospel Jesus calls on his disciples to love their enemies and to do good to those who hate them. The gospels suggest that Jesus was realistic about the hostility that would come his own way and the way of his followers. Yet, he wanted his followers to relate to the world not on the basis of how…
The ever increasing #covid19 cases in Uganda: what next?
Coronavirus cases continue to increase, not only in Uganda but globally. As of today, 15th May 2020, confirmed cases in Uganda now stand at 160 – with 63 recoveries, 32 currently on admission, 1 repatriated, and 33 self-existed. No #covid19 death is yet to be reported. More new cases have been recorded in May 2020 alone, than April and March 2020 combined albeit with a lockdown. Examine Figure 1 carefully. Figure 1: #covid19 cases trend. The cases have continued to rise despite timely interventions by the Government. This means if the government had not implemented a lockdown, maybe the virus…
My take on the proposal to require NSSF to pay 20% to members
Download a copy of this article: On 12th May 2020, I received a rare call from one of the bank executives. He wanted to ‘pick my mind’ about the NSSF’s briefing to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development over the implications of the proposal to require NSSF to pay 20% to members. According to NSSF, the proposal has implications that could distress the NSSF as a retirement scheme and the economy. My take is NSSF should pay highly affected members first, gradually pay other members. Below, I show how this is possible. The objective of saving is to…
The ever-rising #covid19 cases in Uganda
When you think too much about something, it becomes your reality. The coronavirus pandemic news is all over the Internet that no one would be blamed for dreaming about it. At the start, everyone was worried. Wearing face masks. Keeping social distance. And of course, few cars on the road. I have noticed things are slowly going back to normal. At my home, I see people walking by past the curfew hours of 7:0pm. And these move in groups. There are no designated numbers to call to report such people. At our local supermarket, they have always closed at 4pm.…
Tanzania Breweries Limited
Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) is the leading and largest brewery company in Tanzania. The company commands a market share of over 70% in the Tanzanian alcoholic beverages market. The company produces and distributes popular beers such as Kilimanjaro Lager, Safari Lager, Ndovu Special Malt, Tusker Beer and Castle Lager. The global beer industry has been undergoing a process of consolidation over the past decade. Ten years ago, 10 companies controlled 51% of the global beer industry and today, 4 companies (Ab Inbev, Heineken, Carlsberg and CR Snow) control the same amount. The African beer market is one of the few…
