the.business.fireside

No theory. Just real SME & Startup challenges, hard-won lessons and practical solutions shared peer-to-peer and by industry leaders.

[Juliana Kagwa @JulzKagwa]

Thoroughly enjoyed catching up with my fellow marketing "historical" @StKyamutetera. We compared notes on a topic that's precious to us both i.e. turbo charging Uganda's tourism sector to achieve its full potential.

As always with Kyam (hot-blooded and passionate on all things Uganda) one cannot expect to agree on every aspect but one area we found concensus on, is that Destinations do not grow simply because they are marketed.

They grow faster and more sustainably because people invest in experiences that travellers are willing to pay for. Marketing will bring visitors through the door, but it is the quality and variety of experiences that keeps them longer, brings them back and turns them into ambassadors for a destination.

The paradigm shift in how we bring Explore Uganda to life, is already in motion. We saw it at POATE, where the private sector set the stage; showcasing their ability to compete on a global stage and an innate ambition to grow, innovate and attract more visitors to our destination.

Even so, gakyali mabaga..(we're just getting started..) Public-private partnership is critical in diversifying our tourism offering and creating new experiences that augment our unique basket of natural assets. The highlights of my conversation with @CEOEastAfrica Magazine are shared below.

What opportunities do you see for our tourism sector's growth? Watch the full conversation here: https://t.co/fnsfqqpx2b

[the.business.fireside @BizFireside]

@wekesa_amos @_GL_Collection If you missed this amazing edition, join us around the fireplace for the next session!

[the.business.fireside @BizFireside]

Thank you all for an amazing session!

See you around the next fireplace.

[the.business.fireside @BizFireside]

Did you miss the 3rd and 4th Editions?

Get your tickets for the 5th Edition, today:

https://t.co/8jliSXOpC8

⏲️ 6pm
📌 Bight of Benin Restaurant, Plot 20, Kyadondo Road-Nakasero

[Bake 4 Me Ltd @bake_4_me_ltd]

Join our C.E.O, Brenda Sekabembe Mulema, for the 5th Business Fireside on Thursday, June 18th, 2026, at 6 PM.
Come and learn about "Borrowing Smart" at the Bight of Benin. Fee: 50,000/=
#business #loan

[the.business.fireside @BizFireside]

@bake_4_me_ltd It would be a pleasure to welcome Ms Sekabembe!

[Tony Otoa @Comrade_Otoa]

This afternoon, I will have a candid conversation with a seasoned lawyer and one of the most knowledgeable people in the oil industry in Uganda. He has seen it firsthand and is willing share with us as we get closer to the long awaited First Oil date.
Join me this afternoon at 3PM as I host @EllyKaruhanga on X spaces to discuss first oil and what it means for the country.
@UNOC_UG

[The Tax Hub UG @TaxHubUG]

📝 Tax Article 📌

📣 Grab today’s The Daily Monitor Newspaper for a good read on the distinguished Dr. Oscar Kambona, the head of Tax at @KAAdvocates

✨ @gratiuswamala, a business journalist at @DailyMonitor penned the article based off the 5th Edition of the Tax Nights.

[Amos Wekesa @wekesa_amos]

PERSONALITIES

WODE MAYA @wode_maya

ANGELA SUMMER @AngellaSummer_

I have meet @AngellaSummer_ twice now after being introduced by @WasswaEmma_ who loves seeing others prosper.

@AngellaSummer_ UGANDAN and has close to 10m followers on her social media forums combined.

But I felt she needed to learn something from @wode_maya who I don’t only know and respect but massively knows many things about use of social media.

I don’t think there anyone who has pushed an African narrative like @wode_maya, showed Africans Africa. He put his life online many times.

Anyways, I call up @wode_maya and I add @AngellaSummer_ and the conversation starts between the 2 of them.

I wish I had recorded that conversation, @wode_maya opened up, interestingly they both knew of each other.

It was a master class that I wish many people got to hear about and learn how this world of social media works.

Me who wanted @AngellaSummer_ to learn how to take advantage of her big numbers through monetization , I ended up as a student.

When an Ugandan gets better financially, it adds value of the a country. Like I have said before, a rich country is a collection of rich people and a poor one is a collection of poor individuals.

If you wish other people to be poor, you are wishing poverty on yourself and your country.

[Daily Monitor @DailyMonitor]

How retirement dream became multi-billion-shilling lakefront resort
https://t.co/aqCgcjRlqW
#MonitorUpdates

[The New Vision @newvisionwire]

📊💼 𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡
What businesses stand to benefit from the Sh422B allocated to UDB?

This edition breaks down the opportunities in key sectors—from export markets driving discipline to leveraging financial power for growth and expansion.

📈 Plus insights on:
• Standards shaping competitiveness
• How to use the power of leverage in business

📰 Read more in New Vision (Thursday Edition) or on the #EPAPER
👉 https://t.co/mOOnfaXPgY
#BusinessVision #Fintech #VisionUpdates

[CEO East Africa Magazine @CEOEastAfrica]

In today's communication environment, Public Relations extends far beyond media coverage and press releases.

The true strength of a PR professional lies in building authentic relationships with stakeholders, journalists, policymakers, and industry leaders. These connections create trust, strengthen reputation, and often become the deciding factor during moments of crisis.

In this thought-provoking piece, @ShirleyBirunji , Director PR at @PRAU_Uganda , reminds us that while communication strategies are important, people remain at the center of everything we do.

The relationships we nurture today may become the strongest card we hold tomorrow.

Read the full article https://t.co/19MHqIJdfm

#PublicRelations #StrategicCommunication #StakeholderEngagement #Leadership #PRProfessionals #CorporateCommunications

[the.business.fireside @BizFireside]

Today, will you be there, at the 5th Edition of the Business Fireside?

⏲️ 6pm
📌 Bight of Benin Restaurant, Plot 20, Kyadondo Road-Nakasero

[the.business.fireside @BizFireside]

The 5th Edition is today! At the Bight of Benin.

Do you have your tickets?

https://t.co/8jliSXOpC8

[CEO East Africa Magazine @CEOEastAfrica]

#ICYMI

“Brisk was designed specifically to bridge that gap—giving SMEs and individual entrepreneurs the convenience, speed and control they need to operate more efficiently across borders.” - Benjamin Mutimura, CEO, I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc

For many small and medium-sized businesses, cross-border trade presents enormous opportunities, but managing payments across multiple markets can still be a challenge.

In this feature, Benjamin Mutimura explains how Brisk is helping entrepreneurs and SMEs simplify regional transactions, improve efficiency, and participate more confidently in East Africa's growing integrated economy.

https://t.co/HCvSxsFMTN

[Ntende Finance Ltd @ntendefinance]

When does a loan become a dangerous debt?
We will be joining fellow entrepreneurs this Thursday for the Business Fireside to dive into this. See you at Bight of Benin!

[the.business.fireside @BizFireside]

@ntendefinance We look forward to welcoming you

[the.business.fireside @BizFireside]

#businesstips #businessowner #business #uganda #firesidechat #fireside

[CEO East Africa Magazine @CEOEastAfrica]

#MeetFINCAUgandaBoard

Collin Muyanja — Board Chairperson

Collin Muyanja is an accomplished Board Chair, Sales & Distribution Expert, Strategic Management Consultant and business leader with over 20 years of executive leadership experience across telecommunications, mobile money, FMCG distribution, hospitality, manufacturing and financial services in East and Southern Africa.

He is currently Chief Executive Officer of Ranchers Finest, where he is responsible for business strategy and management, operational management, stakeholder management, the company’s financial performance and health, and team leadership. He also serves as Board Chairperson of @FINCA_Uganda, bringing strong board governance, commercial discipline and a deep understanding of mass-market and informal-sector segments.

Muyanja previously served within the FINCA network in Zambia, first as Board Director and later as Board Chairman. He also held senior commercial leadership roles at @MTN_Zambia as Chief Sales and Distribution Officer and at @mtnug as General Manager, Sales and Distribution, after earlier serving as National Sales Manager.

He is widely recognised for building and scaling high-performance sales and distribution models, driving commercial turnarounds, leading mobile money strategy execution and advancing financial inclusion through innovative delivery channels. His leadership helps ensure that the Board remains focused, effective and aligned with FINCA’s long-term mission.

He brings to FINCA strong board governance, leadership development, corporate governance, financial markets understanding, hands-on entrepreneurship, investment oversight, and proven commercial and distribution expertise.

Strategic focus: Informal Sector Penetration

#MeetFINCAUgandaBoard #FINCAUganda #CollinMuyanja #FinancialInclusion #BoardLeadership #ResponsibleGrowth #InclusiveFinance #CorporateGovernance #CEOEastAfrica

[CEO East Africa Magazine @CEOEastAfrica]

Culture is the invisible glue binding teams, turning workplaces into families.”

Join @StKyamutetera as he discusses with @ceo_imbankrw the 16-year journey of building @imbankrw into a powerhouse of collaboration and innovation.

From celebrating women to empowering teams through the ‘On Your Side’ mantra, discover how nurturing employee happiness leads to resilience and growth in East Africa’s fast-evolving financial landscape. Benjamin Mutimura explains why fostering a joyful workplace is non-negotiable.

I&M creates a culture where connection with colleagues and passion for work create unstoppable teams driving East Africa’s economic integration.

This is leadership shaped by people, passion, and purpose.

Don’t miss this deep dive — full episode now live on YouTube!

Link to full video:https://t.co/3tpwZHsN0C

#IMBank #Teamwork #CorporateCulture #EastAfricaInnovation #LivingBriskly