I have always been passionate about numbers, problem solving and analysis – I was your typical maths contest kid. So after completing a degree in statistics, a career in audit was the perfect choice for me. In 2012 I joined Deloitte in Kampala and, after training and qualifying with ACCA, I managed engagements across East Africa and DR Congo. After seven years, I decided the time was ripe for a move and joined DFCU Bank, heading the management reporting team.
My love for numbers transformed into a passion for data analytics
My career in audit was challenging in a good way, with exposure to a wide variety of industries and organisations. But I felt it was not enough. I had observed the needs of my clients and longed to add more value. However, I could not afford the necessary time because of my hectic audit schedules. Fortunately, my love for numbers transformed into a passion for data analytics, which is a driver of business strategy and decision-making. When the opportunity to join the DFCU finance team came up, I seized it with enthusiasm.
Working as an audit senior, I quickly recognised that I needed to develop my leadership and people skills. I believed an MBA would help and in 2017 chose the Edinburgh University MBA. It has a remarkable curriculum. It would also prove useful later as I pursued my interest in business strategy.
Ugandan businesses face many challenges. Corporates and many SMEs suffer from deficiencies in corporate governance. The past two years have seen a considerable number of businesses diminished, even swept away, because of a lack of succession planning as they lost key proprietors to the pandemic.
Many small businesses and entrepreneurs are also struggling to obtain sustainable debt and some have resorted to extremely risky borrowing from loan sharks as a result. Their inability to raise capital is often due to a lack of credit history and proper accounts. As micro-entrepreneurs form the fastest growing part of our economy, I believe investment in technological solutions aimed at financial inclusion in this sector will continue to yield high returns over the foreseeable future.
A minimum wage for blue-collar jobs would help to minimise exploitation of the less educated workforce
If I had law-making powers, I would set a minimum wage for blue-collar jobs, varying according to sector. This would help to minimise exploitation of the less educated workforce.
What I enjoy most about my job is working with my team to add value to the business. The most satisfying part is witnessing the positive outcome of a decision that my team helped to develop or influence. I also love sharing knowledge, both in and outside the office – I tutor ACCA Advanced Audit & Assurance.
My biggest achievement has come over the past three years. During this time I have transformed a traditional management reporting unit into a financial planning and analysis (FP&A) team of trusted business partners. We are yet to reach the ‘leading practices’ stage of the FP&A maturity model, but our progress is remarkable, and we are on track to achieve our desired objectives in 2023.
If I was not working in finance, I would probably be an electrical engineer. It was the direction my high school teachers expected me to pursue.
In my spare time I sing in a church choir – I love music. Hardly a day goes by without me playing chess, and I also enjoy a good philosophical argument. To relax, I like watching content and movies about the universe and the future. Above all, I love spending time with my family.
