“There are unlimited opportunities that only require one to venture in. I’m glad that you are updating me about the progress of your businesses and I will do my best to promote you to the rest of the world,” he said.
The katikkiro also blamed some people for having a lazy mindset to business but praised Ddungu for believing in himself.
“Today, I see many youths who are wasting away to gossip and blame bad luck on their failure to succeed yet they have no patience. A business needs time to understand the highs and lows but most people give up the point they endure lows,” he said.
“Many people still remember Ekitoobero restaurant that I started with some colleagues in the 90s. We struggled at first partly due to the confusion about the English name but when [Peter] Sematimba brought the idea of Ekitoobero, we never looked back. With time, however, we made a mistake of relaxing due to the busy schedules as lawyers. We handed over key tasks to others and things didn’t work out…we had to close it. So, my advice is that you need to get fully engaged in the business and understand the business.”
“I’ve to understand you as a focused person and I’m in awe of your determination to succeed. I also need to caution you that business is run on systems, not trust,” he said.
On his part, Ddungu said he has managed to grow the company from scratch to create multiple outlets around Kampala.
“When we started in 2019, there was a bit of uncertainty whether we may get a breakthrough in the high competitive yoghurt market, but with your continued advice, we were determined not to fail,” he said.
Today, Keith’s Dairy employs nine permanent staff on top of dozens who distribute the products in Kampala. It produces flavours in strawberry, vanilla and chocolate.
“Our target is to reach the whole country in 2023. It is an ambitious thing but we know we can make it.”