The African Management Services Company (AMSCO) hosted a senior executive’s breakfast forum at Serena Hotel in Kampala, Uganda on Wednesday 28th September, 2016.
Held under the theme ‘Focus on the Future: Developing Local Human Capital to Drive Organisational Strategy and Growth’, the event sought to increase dialogue around skills development in Uganda, and in particular, building local human capital for sustainable growth.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr Peter Kimbowa, Managing Partner for IFE Consultants who urged the CEOs to encourage their employees to take up leadership training so as to build exemplary and committed leaders.
“There are very many things that define who a great leader is and an education qualification alone is not enough. We ought to look at the emotional conscience, social intelligence and capacity to manage social relations with other people. Such skills can be imparted in someone by the organisation,” Kimbowa said.
During her welcoming remarks, Training and Development Manager, Ms Stella Masinde spoke on the need to invest resources to ensure that employees have the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to work effectively in a rapidly changing environment. “Organisations are in urgent need of new strategies and approaches that focus more explicitly on the links between investments in skills development and productivity. Unfortunately, in many companies, training, which is one of the most effective forms of human capital development, is viewed more as a cost, rather than an investment.”
According to the AMSCO Director of Operations Mr Kofi Andah, “An organisation’s workforce is the most valuable asset in order to pave ways for greater achievements through innovation and creativity. While Uganda has experienced significant growth during the 2012-2015 period, national progress on human development has been slow and mixed.”
Ms Maris Wanyera, Commissioner – Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development was in agreement, emphasising the need for strengthened partnerships between public and private sector in order to accelerate development. “As government, we are prepared to ensure that we expand the capabilities for people and enhance their functioning in sectors that are critical to Uganda’s growth and development. Some progress is being made but the road is long. We need to partner for change.”
