After graduating from Makerere University, in 2006 I started my career with the Uganda National Agro-Input Dealers Association. I’ve always worked for non-governmental/non-profit organisations, moving up the scale from accounts assistant to accountant then senior accountant, and now finance manager at the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET).
When I finished my ACCA studies in 2012, I believed I could do anything; I felt empowered. I stopped looking at accounting as a matter of numbers and saw instead that I could use them to make strategic business decisions that had an impact on world issues.
Critical to my journey was the opportunity to study for an MBA at Edinburgh Business School. This brought knowledge to reality, bringing me closer to leadership. I now think of accounting as the backbone of any institution.
I stopped looking at accounting as a matter of numbers and saw instead that I could use them to make strategic business decisions
My father was a businessman and ran his own shop in our neighbourhood. Sometimes he would call me to count the takings. I was inspired by my father and wanted to be like him.
Along the way, I’ve also had mentors, who taught me to pay critical attention to detail. My husband has been my biggest supporter, pushing me to do more than I think I can do.
With the pandemic still raging in some parts of the world, my job is now more important than ever. The public health arena has seen new funders with very strict reporting requirements enter the field. As accountants, we must be able to supply accurate and complete information to all of our stakeholders.
AFENET is a non-profit networking service alliance. With operations in more than 31 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, it aims to strengthen field epidemiology and public health laboratory capacity to contribute effectively to major public health problems.
Partnership is good for any organisation. AFENET has put systems in place able to accommodate different stakeholders’ requests. Partnership is therefore not a challenge because we can use these systems to meet different stakeholder expectations. Through collaboration, we are able to understand what our partners want.
I enjoy being able to use my analytical skills to help in decision-making, and being able to analyse details of a particular fund pleases me.
If I had lawmaking powers, I would amend Uganda’s National Social Security Fund Act to allow members to access part of their savings – say, 30% – at the age of 40. This would allow them to utilise their savings while still young and energetic, and not just when retired.
My biggest achievement so far is handling a funding portfolio of more than US$50m annually. It has also been such an achievement to have obtained my MBA certification and become an FCCA.
If I was not an accountant, I would be a business owner. I still envision one day owning a business dealing in general merchandise.
I am a keen supporter of Arsenal FC. In my spare time, I also enjoy action-packed movies and drama.
