FELLOWSHIP AT RC RUBAGA
I attended fellowship at Rubaga this afternoon (20/11/12). They were presenting their vocational award. Highlights:1. Recipient was Hajji Kibirige, aka BMK.
2. Guest of honour was Hon. Maria Mutagamba.
3. Did you know that PDG Robert Sebunya's dad was the first secretary-general of DP? That was in 1954.
About BMK,
4. BMK stopped at secondary school and joined his father in business, starting in Masaka, before moving to Kampala at 18. He says he was "born lucky", getting his first car at 23, and first house in Kansanga at 24.
5. His breakthrough followed a tip off from Senegalese traders who imported goods from Hong Kong. He asked them how they were able to do business in Hong Kong and yet they could hardly speak English. they told him to go there and see for himself. After a three week tour of Hong Kong, he returned and wept - he knew he would never be poor again. He embarked on trade.
6. In 1979, a suspect fleeing from the TPDF ran through his compound. Although he did not know the suspect, he was accused of complicity. He fled to exile in Kenya. He was able to continue running businesses there until he returned in 1986.
7. Some of his other breakthrough ideas was the importation of used car parts and pioneering "boda bodas" - which has now spread to neighboring countries. On the other hand, one of his lowest moments was when he lost almost his entire capital, USD 55,000, when his briefcase was stolen. He wept all day, fearing that he was ruined. In the evening he realized that although his capital was gone, his business acumen was still intact. He sold three trucks he had at the time, and with the help credit from traders who trusted him, and "by the grace of God", he started again.
8. He now has offices in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia and China, and employs over 700 people.
9. His hotel business started with the acquisition of a small piece of land off Wampewo Avenue, which is now a 231 room hotel, with plans for an 18 storey complex.
10. He was the prime mover and a founder member of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association.
11. He recognises the rapid changes the world is going through, and gives talks to university students to share his experiences, and to give them tips for success - honesty, education and exposure. He also credits the lessons passed on to him by his father in business - not to borrow beyond what can be paid.
12. BMK in turn handed over a memento to Mr. Joachim Kalyango who was honoured for his 33 years in employment as an attendant at Pope Paul Community Centre.
Our "former own" Petro was at the fellowship. I had to leave before fellowship ended (at 2.15pm!) to attend a meeting of the Songs Committee of District 9211 DCA.
Regards,
Richard.