The reason for good governance is to earn as much profits as you can in a sustainable way. In non-government organizations and public sectors, the reason for good governance is to deliver stakeholder value. There is no dilemma whatsoever unless there is conflict of interest, corruption and fraud. These are tell-tale signs of bad governance. In my position as the Secretary of the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda, we are creating environment of best practices to make sure that people understand how to run their businesses profitably and sustainably. When this is achieved, economies prosper, and people succeed. You…
Why do some Ugandan businesses fail?
Many people start businesses because of the attractiveness of self-employment. However, sustaining the business is the most difficult part. One of the reasons why businesses are failing is lack of good people with passion and the zeal it requires to drive business growth. Some employees have a mindset of poverty and negative mentality. They think by working they are making the business owner to succeed. They forget that they need to put in their best foot forward so that the business succeeds which is good for their careers. Most staff have a mindset of public service, even when they have…
Who is the bean weevil in your business?
Uganda joined the rest of the world to celebrate The International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8th March 2018, under the theme #pushforprogress. During the national day celebrations, President Yoweri K. Museveni awarded several medals to exceptional women at the center of leadership excellence in their respective fields. Speaking at the IWD, the President described Uganda Police and Courts of law as “bean weevil infested” and then added that “the weevil that has been in the Uganda Police Force has been purged”. This comment comes within ten days of reshuffling the police force that saw Gen. Kale Kayihura, one of the…
You cannot hide an elephant
One of the popular sayings in Bunyoro goes “You cannot hide an elephant.” The elephant is a very big animal. It is very difficult to hide it. If something is outstanding or extraordinary, it is very difficult to hide it. Always do your best in any setting so that you can get noticed. If you are very good, people will always notice you. One of Uganda’s former presidents, Idi Amin Dada, put it plainly “You cannot win a Whiteman by points in a boxing game. Beat him with a knockout.” Amin, once a boxer, had learnt that the only way…
Gate keepers and gate owners
Are you playing with the gatekeepers or gate owners? Gate owners like to do business with fellow gate owners. A gate owner is a key decision-maker, usually the person who signs on the cheque. You have to be good at identifying gate owners. Most of the time they are not easy to find. In some companies, a person keeping the gate as a receptionist or personal assistant of the top honcho to be a close relative or a significant other. Sometimes you find decisions are taken by someone not physically present at the business. That is why as a shrewd…
Focus on what is urgent and critical, one at a time
Proverbs 5, “My son, stay focused; listen to the wisdom I have gained;give attention to what I have learned about life.” Barinaba. Barinaba. Barinaba. Went a loud voice of Mama calling me from a distance. I had just gone to fetch water in a jerrycan from a nearby open well, when Fr. Cosmas Adyebo, the then Headteacher of Munteme Fatima College (MUFACO), a Catholic founded and sponsored school, returned from Hoima town with Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results. The year was 1995. I had passed so well that not only was the school record smashed, I was among the top…
