I have Somali friends, Eritreans, Ethiopians, Indians and Caucasians and it has helped me understand different mindsets.
I apply some of the things I learn from interacting with them.
I have always been curious about Eritreans and how they are taking over businesses around Kabalagala, Kasanga etc areas.
I got an Eritrean scholar for a friend. I meet him once every 2 months and he has introduced me to top business people in their community.
I have learnt principles they operate on to actually do very well.
One time, he told me; “Amos, you Ugandans have a very blessed country and when ever we wake up, we pray for Uganda’s peace first. You are very welcoming people.”
He added: “I want our community to interact more with the locals and we are working on that.”
I asked him if there was any problem they were encountering on that journey!
He told me the only issue was that Ugandans have very weak family structures and that affect their progress and that concerns him.
And this was his suggested solution: “Amos, if many Ugandans had a mindset such as yours, Uganda would have prospered a lot. You would be surrounded by trusted family members in your businesses. In our case, the family system ensures trust amongst us. We have elders that will reign on anyone who fights to break that.”
These people raise money and give it to one person who understands business and they all agree to support him with all their heart and soul.
“We keep encouraging a lifestyle that doesn’t destroy progress amongst our people something you guys lack,” lectured me.
How often do you meet as a family to discuss progres, whether healthwise, business, or work related to lift up yourselves in your family structure?
I need to write part 2; wait for this!
NOTE: AMOS Wekesa is a self made entrepreneur in tourism and Agri-value addition