BY F K MALE: Denis Ngabirano, proprietor of the renowned Sumz Food Company and former teacher, has shared invaluable advice for employees looking to transition from their primary jobs to entrepreneurial ventures. Speaking at the 9th edition of the Stanbic Bank Schools Championship boot camp, Ngabirano emphasized the importance of thoroughly testing side hustles before resigning from formal employment.
Ngabirano recounted his personal journey, highlighting that it took him four years to leave his teaching job after ensuring his business could sustain his livelihood. Starting with just UGX 43,000 (USD 11), his snacks processing business eventually demanded his full attention, leading him to systematically quit his job only after his business could financially support him for six months without relying on his salary.
He stressed that while side hustles are popular in Uganda, one of the most entrepreneurial countries, many employees fail to transition effectively due to a lack of strategic planning. “Don’t throw away your job because you’re excited about the business; let it pass the test first,” Ngabirano advised.
Ngabirano’s insights were shared with 200 students and 100 teachers from schools nationwide, all participants in the championship aimed at equipping young minds with entrepreneurship skills. He also underscored the importance of distinguishing business from personal relationships, using his own experience of working with his wife as an example.
Diana Ondoga, Stanbic Bank Uganda’s manager for corporate-social investment, emphasized the championship’s goal of fostering entrepreneurial spirit and innovation among young people. She highlighted that the boot camp is designed to provide practical skills and that the top four ideas from each of the country’s regions would receive seed capital of UGX 500,000 each to help incubate their concepts.
Ondoga noted that the competition began with submissions from 150 schools, narrowing down to the best 100 for the boot camp. She proudly stated that the initiative impacts nearly 500,000 lives annually, contributing significantly to the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Stanbic Bank Schools Championship continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity, nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs in Uganda.