Uganda Baati Limited, a trusted building solutions provider has set out on regional trainings, targeting fundis, with the aim to equip them with the current market trends and knowledge that will enable them offer value to their customers during construction.

These trainings, which target over 2,500 fundis across the country, are part of the company’s ongoing initiative to educate, support, and equip fundis with knowledge whilst offering customers tailored construction needs with the current market trends.

During the training session in Bulindo, Patrick Katende, the Head of Service Centers at Uganda Baati Limited commended the fundis for their dedication to ensuring high-quality service, emphasizing the importance of these sessions in equipping fundis with the necessary skills they need to offer customer satisfaction.

“Fundis interact directly with customers, helping them make decisions in selecting products to use during the construction phase. Sessions like these, bring them up to update the latest products, insights, knowledge and market trends enabling them to grow, succeed, and deliver exceptional service whilst developing the housing landscape in their different regions,” he said.

“During the training engagements, we focus on disseminating roofing solutions, and after-sales support processes. We also encourage the fundis to exchange insights about the challenges faced in the field and share feedback on customer preferences. This then enables us to curate building solutions skewed towards the customers’ needs,” Katende said.

“Previously my customers used to import roof sheets from South Africa for their houses. This caused a delay in my work. From the time I introduced them to quality products from Uganda Baati, and others made from Uganda, they have since switched with ease and my work is made easier and faster,” Daniel Serunkuma, a fundi based in Kira commented.

“With building projects continuing through the year-end, we understand the need to keep these professionals equipped and motivated. We place great trust in this network of professionals and recommend them with confidence whenever customers require expert assistance. So far we have conducted these trainings in Hoima, Fort Portal, Mbarara and other showrooms across Kampala. We are set to continue with additional engagements in other locations such as Gulu, Arua, and Masaka,” Katende remarked.

Uganda Baati under the Safal Uganda Baati Foundation also launched the second phase of its Economic Empowerment Skilling Program targeting out-of-school youth in Tororo District. The initiative aims to address pressing social issues, including high youth unemployment and teenage pregnancies, by equipping young people with practical, employable skills.

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, Tororo District, with its young population of nearly 373,317 individuals aged 15-30, continues to face significant challenges. Youth unemployment stands at an alarming 62%, and teenage pregnancies are 29.5%, higher than the national average of 25%.

The initiative, which began this month, will run for three months and reach over 260 young people aged 16-25. Through this program, participants will receive free access to employable skills, designed to not only provide immediate solutions to unemployment but also empower youth to take control of their economic futures.

George Arodi, the Business Head of Uganda Baati, emphasizes the broader mission behind the skilling program, “This program is not just about imparting technical skills, it’s about nurturing a generation of self-reliant young people who can contribute positively to society. We are providing the youth with tools to build their own futures, economically and socially.”

Participants will engage in four key training programs which include Backyard Gardening, Fundi Roofing,

Liquid Detergent Making, and Hairdressing, aligned with the Safal Uganda Baati Foundation’s development pillars. Alongside technical skills, the curriculum also integrates essential life skills such as financial literacy, sexual and reproductive health, branding, marketing, and business management.

“We believe that skilling young people holistically prepares them for the dynamic demands of today’s economy. Our goal is to give them not just the skills but the confidence to succeed,” adds Aroodi.

As Uganda Baati celebrates its 60th anniversary, initiatives like these highlight the company’s commitment to social responsibility and community empowerment, making a meaningful difference in the lives of Uganda’s youth.

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#EquityInDubai#EquityBankUganda

Equity Bank’s Managing Director Anthony Kituuka is making a special trip to Dubai to personally connect with customers and showcase the bank’s commitment to serving its global members.

The visit follows weeks of dedicated service by Equity staff in Dubai. Kituuka will join the team to continue strengthening the bank’s relationship with its customers abroad.

“We have heard your call,” said Kituuka, speaking ahead of his departure on Thursday. 

“Equity is not just about banking, it is about understanding and supporting our customers wherever they are. I am joining the team that has already been on the ground, working closely with our customers in the UAE.”  

For the past two weeks, the Equity Bank team in Dubai has been offering personalised services to Ugandan expatriates and other UAE customers. The staff has been addressing customer queries, reactivating accounts, opening accounts, and issuing ATM cards. The team also links customers to mobile and online banking as they open their accounts.

“The feedback has been incredibly positive,” said Laura Bahemuka, Equity Bank’s Head of Micro Segment currently stationed in Dubai. “Our customers have expressed appreciation for getting one-on-one support and resolving long-standing issues.”

Kituuka’s visit will start with a keynote address at the Smart Minds Business Conference, scheduled for Friday October 25, 2024, at the prestigious Dubai Royal Pillar Events Auditorium. His address, eagerly anticipated by business leaders and entrepreneurs, will focus on building successful businesses back home. He will also speak on how strategic partnerships can drive growth.

“Equity Bank exists to champion the socio-economic prosperity of the people of Africa and for this reason being a keynote speaker at such an event is not just a professional duty for me, it is a personal duty,” said Kituuka.

Adding, “Equity Bank’s DNA is driving financial inclusion and fostering business growth, and I am looking forward to sharing insights on how we can be a catalyst for the expansion of wealth.”

Kituuka will also speak at the 3rd annual Uganda-UAE business forum on Thursday October 31, 2024, engaging with both the public and private investors, and Ugandans doing business in Dubai.

Beyond the conference, Kituuka will host informal sessions with Ugandans, particularly Equity Bank’s customers living in Dubai, offering them an opportunity to interact with him directly.

“Equity is your listening, caring partner, we believe in listening to our customers and responding to their needs. This session is about deepening those personal connections and hearing what more we can do to support them,” he said.

The Dubai engagement comes a day after Equity Bank hosted the India-Uganda trade mission, which attracted investors from India. The two-day mission saw Ugandan businesses hold discussions with counterparts from India and has resulted in substantial undertakings. 

Equity teams continued effort is an example of how financial institutions can serve customers across borders, ensuring that no one feels far from home.

In September, the bank interacted with its customers in the UK and the US, offering them financial services.

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Former Buganda kingdom State Minister for Economic Planning Rajni Tailor – Minister of State for Economic Planning and Economic Development Rajni Tailor has been arrested and locked at Luzira prison.

It is reported that this time, Rajin defaulted Madhwani. “He took $5000 and failed to honour the payment terms”

His tricks got exposed after several Indian community members dragged him to police for failure to pay back hundreds of dollars which the community members have been lending to him.

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