CRAFTING A KINGDOM

Building a Business Empire Rooted in Service

Uganda stands out as a hub for entrepreneurship, with a significant number of young individuals pivoting towards self-employment ventures following challenges in securing traditional employment opportunities post-graduation. This shift has resulted in an impressive statistic, with 55.6% of businesses being initiated and managed by youth.

However, despite this entrepreneurial fervor, sustaining these businesses remains a formidable obstacle. According to a report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), a staggering 45.9% of these ventures fail to thrive beyond the critical five-year mark.

Nevertheless, amidst these challenges, some businesses have not only endured but have thrived, demonstrating consistent growth and expansion within the city. Standard Supermarket and Restaurants Company stands prominently among them, boasting multiple branches and eateries to cater to the diverse needs of its bustling market.

Mega Standard Supermarket, one of the branches of Standard Supermarket and Restaurant company, stands as one of Kampala city’s largest and most comprehensive retail destinations. Remarkably, it is spearheaded by a dedicated team of young professionals who tirelessly strive to meet the demands of Kampala’s discerning consumers. The inception of this thriving enterprise dates back to 2007 when two close friends, Mr. Kahesi Bernard, and Mr. Rwangoga Ambrose, took the bold step of establishing their first outlet in the old taxi park.

Since then, their entrepreneurial journey has been marked by impressive growth, culminating in the establishment of several other branches across the city, including prominent locations like Garden City, Button Street downtown, and both the old and new taxi parks. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, Mega Standard Supermarket has become a cornerstone of Kampala’s retail landscape, symbolizing the entrepreneurial spirit and drive for excellence exemplified by its founders.

Recently, I had the privilege of engaging in a conversation with Mr. Nuwagaba Innocent, one of the masterminds behind this enterprise, who graciously imparted invaluable insights into business success and the strategies underpinning their remarkable progress. These insights are invaluable for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly youths aspiring to establish similar ventures or even surpass them.

Nuwagaba, a 34-year-old manager at Mega Standard Supermarket, exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship by diversifying his ventures beyond the retail sector. In addition to his managerial role, he is actively involved in poultry farming and the manufacturing of passion fruit purée, which he supplies to numerous retail outlets across the city.

Nuwagaba’s entrepreneurial journey was inspired by his childhood experiences. He vividly recalls the frustration of not finding essential items readily available at local shops, prompting him to embark on long journeys in search of them. This early exposure to supply chain challenges fueled his determination to address such inefficiencies in the future.

Driven by this resolve, Nuwagaba has dedicated himself to ensuring that Mega Standard Supermarket and its associated ventures prioritize meeting the demands of Kampala’s discerning consumers. His focus on the procurement office underscores his commitment to maintaining adequate supplies and fulfilling the market’s needs promptly.

Focus on the vision

“The vision is what empowers action. It is crucial not to solely pursue endeavors out of passion or obligation; those motivations wane over time. Instead, it is the enduring vision and dedication to serving others that truly define a remarkable entrepreneur,” he shares. Mr. Nuwagaba stresses that business should transcend mere wealth accumulation; it entails a profound sense of responsibility and loyalty to the public. He believes it is a reciprocal relationship where providing genuine value is paramount. Encouraging fellow business leaders, he advocates for prioritizing integrity and fairness in product offerings, asserting that this is the cornerstone of success. In his view, the key lies in understanding that business is fundamentally about service – a principle that sets exceptional entrepreneurs apart.

Knowledge is power and it is the power we need to chase our dreams.

Drawing from his experience at Mega Standard Supermarket, Nuwagaba underscores the importance of a robust management structure that fosters versatility among team members. The organization’s approach empowers every individual to be proficient across multiple functions, ensuring seamless operations even in the absence of specific team members. This not only safeguards against disruptions but also mitigates the risk of biased decision-making or errors. Nuwagaba views his workplace as a continual learning environment, recognizing the invaluable insights gained from this operational model.

In light of his experiences, Nuwagaba offers valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly young individuals harboring dreams of venturing into business ownership. He advocates for gaining firsthand experience by working in the same industry they aspire to enter since a hands-on approach equips one with a comprehensive understanding of business operations, emphasizing that not all opportunities glitter like gold without a deep understanding of the underlying dynamics.

It has never been a bed of roses

Navigating the business landscape in Kampala can indeed present numerous challenges, often requiring entrepreneurs to match the city’s pace or even exceed it. “We have encountered our fair share of obstacles and faced unpredictably tough situations” Nuwagaba acknowledges. However, he emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in overcoming such hurdles. Despite experiencing setbacks, the unwavering commitment to their vision has propelled them forward.

Reflecting on their most challenging period during the lockdown, Nuwagaba recounts the daunting task of sustaining the business amidst plummeting sales, inventory losses, and operational costs. Faced with the dilemma of ensuring employee welfare while maintaining business viability, tough decisions had to be made. However, their sense of responsibility towards their team led them to explore innovative solutions rather than resorting to drastic measures like mass layoffs.

Embracing a familial bond with their employees, they embarked on a collaborative effort to weather the storm. Through prudent financial management and strategic adjustments, they managed to streamline expenses and ensure the sustainability of their workforce. This crisis catalyzed innovation, prompting them to explore previously overlooked avenues such as online shopping and delivery services.

For Nuwagaba, this experience has been a poignant lesson in leveraging adversity for positive transformation. Rather than succumbing to despair, he advocates for embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. This is a mindset that encourages continuous evolution and resilience in the face of adversity—a testament to the power of perseverance and forward-thinking in business.

 The goal

“A king without subjects is not truly a king,” Nuwagaba asserts, emphasizing the importance of serving a community. Looking ahead, “ We want to have locations around the nation and provide the greatest service possible to meet the needs of our communities” he added, epitomizing humility and integrity in all endeavors. Drawing inspiration from biblical teachings, Nuwagaba embraces the notion that humility leads to exaltation—a core value instilled in him since childhood.

In addition to his commitment to the retail sector, Nuwagaba harbors ambitions for further expansion in his farming ventures. He sees agriculture as a pivotal sector for driving self-sustainability and economic growth in Uganda and . encourages young people to explore agricultural opportunities.

 A call to the government

Conclusively, Nuwagaba highlights the crucial role of the Ugandan government in providing practical support to the business sector. He advocates for initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency and understanding of business policies, particularly regarding taxation. By educating both the public and business owners about the rationale behind specific taxes, Nuwagaba believes that grievances and perceptions of unfairness can be alleviated.

Moreover, Nuwagaba emphasizes the importance of recognizing and incentivizing long-standing businesses that have demonstrated sustainability and contributed significantly to the economy. He suggests that the government could offer benefits to established businesses, such as tax discounts or incentives, as a reward for their enduring commitment. Rather than solely focusing on promoting new ventures whose longevity and motives may be uncertain, Nuwagaba proposes a system that acknowledges and supports the invaluable contributions of longstanding enterprises to the country’s economic growth and development.