The Central Region Business Symposium held at the picturesque Gudie Leisure Farm white campus in Najjera 2, Kira, on September 4th, 2023, was a remarkable gathering of business practitioners, investors, and thought leaders. The event, organized by Gudie Leisure Farm, left an indelible mark on attendees, offering deep insights into maximizing business potential and unveiling the vast investment opportunities scattered throughout Uganda’s diverse regions.
These monthly symposiums have become a beacon for business enthusiasts, providing a platform to gain a deeper understanding of the unique investment prospects that various regions of Uganda hold.
A Day of Insights and Inspiration:
The symposium boasted an impressive lineup of high-level and qualified speakers, each delivering captivating presentations that left the audience craving more knowledge. These monthly symposiums have become a beacon for business enthusiasts, providing a platform to gain a deeper understanding of the unique investment prospects that various regions of Uganda hold.
Youth Leadership and Regional Representation:
Among the symposium’s diverse participants were youth leaders hailing from the nine districts where Gudie Leisure Farm operates in the Central Region, including Rakai, Kyotera, Masaka, Lwengo, Luwero, Kasanga, Mukono, and Kampala. This symposium transcended regional boundaries, drawing youth representatives from across the country. Their presence underscored the importance of interregional collaboration and the collective effort needed to drive economic growth and development.
Professor Gudula Naiga Basaza’s Personal Connection:
The symposium commenced with an engaging talk by Professor Gudula Naiga Basaza, the Managing Director and Founder of Gudie Leisure Farm. She shared a compelling personal narrative, tracing her roots and strong connection to the Central Region. Her family’s history intertwined with the region’s rich heritage, showcasing the deep historical ties that bind the people and the land. Professor Gudula emphasized the pivotal role that Buganda, at the center of civilization, has played in the country’s growth.
Exploring the Historical Context:
Mr. Kityo Chris, an education officer, delved into the history and evolution of the Central Region. He highlighted Buganda’s growth attributed to its centralized governance system and a clear succession plan. Agriculture emerged as the backbone of the region’s economy, with crops like matooke, sweet potatoes, cassava, coffee, and yams playing vital roles. Mr. Chris also shed light on the division of labor that defined Buganda, with women and children engaged in farming while men took on hunting.
Opportunities Galore:
John Walugenbe from the Federation of Small and Medium-Size Enterprises emphasized the immense opportunities available in Uganda, ranging from farming and trading to online marketing and tourism. His advice to entrepreneurs was simple yet powerful: diligent supervision is the key to business growth.
Bwengye Davis from the Office of the President underscored the significance of catering to Uganda’s vast population of 47 million people, highlighting the potential in producing goods and services for this extensive consumer base.
Parish Development Model (PDM):
Mutoni Patrick, a Senior Research Officer and Regional Coordinator, commended the Rakai team for their exceptional work. With 73 parishes and 9 billion Ugandan shillings, Rakai was recognized as the largest recipient of funds from the Parish Development Model. The PDM’s goal of increasing household incomes and driving socio-economic transformation was discussed, with an emphasis on its objectives of food security, wealth creation, job generation, and improved service delivery.
Youth Empowerment and Quality Assurance:
Ayebare Prudence from the Uganda National Farmers Federation stressed the importance of consistency in agricultural practices among the youth. She encouraged innovation and thinking outside the box to harness the enormous opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Julius Mutebi Nsubuga, Mayor of Kira Municipality, advised the youth to start small but aim high without compromising on quality. He emphasized that the quality of their endeavors would play a pivotal role in their success.
In conclusion, the Central Region Business Symposium was a testament to the potential that Uganda holds, waiting to be unlocked by innovative and determined entrepreneurs. It showcased the richness of the country’s history, the diversity of its regions, and the power of collaboration among its people. As each symposium unfolds, it brings Uganda closer to realizing its economic aspirations and bolsters the spirit of entrepreneurship that will shape its future.
What’s Next: Acholi Region Business Symposium:
As one Business Symposium concludes, another awaits on the horizon. Up next on the calendar is the Acholi Region Business Symposium, scheduled for October 2, 2023. It’s a date to mark in your calendar as we prepare to explore the Business Opportunities in the Acholi region.
