We formed ‘Business Forum for Indigenous Traders’ group so as to develop our business skills and fit in the competing world”, Mugisa Andrew.

The Chairman of Business Forum for Indigenous Traders has appealed to all local traders to join the group so as to effectively develop their skills and fit in the competing world. “We formed this group as business men and women so as to help each other through sharing skills and knowledge, discussing government policies, knowing them better and how we can use them to liberate our business performance, and how we can overcome exploitation from outsiders”. 

This was during ToroDev’s supported live radio discussion on HITS FM called the “Orukurato Program” on 9^th November 2013. The two hour weekly radio discussion discusses issues of accountability every Saturday (08:00 – 10:00pm). The topic for discussion was “Analyzing government policies on the promotion of indigenous business in Uganda”

Amelia Kyambade, Minister of Trade and Industry

Panelists who participated in the live radio discussion included Mr. Mugisa Andrew Katuramu the Chairman of Business Forum for Indigenous Traders and Mr. Mugisa Billy Gracious the Chairperson of Kitojo Integrated Development Association, all business men in Kabarole District.

During the discussion, Mr. Mugisa Billy discussed the factors that are needed to maintain a small scale business and expanding it into a medium type of business. “Most businesses start as small scale but need the following factors to expand into medium type of businesses; availability of customers, availability of customer care, respect of time, creating other income generating activities so as to avoid breaking the business, record keeping and avoiding of debts”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mugisa Andrew went ahead to advice all business men to register their businesses so as to avoid business disruptions. “All businesses should be registered under the registrar of companies and given certificates for their operation so that they are carried out legally and within the rules of the country”.

Local listeners who participated in the live radio discussion through call ins were able to raise their issues and concerns. “Our local and political leaders should make emphasis on making workshops to teach local people business related skills”, said Kwezi Edward, “Government is bringing people’s businesses backward due to the poor roads that block marketing”, said Kahwa Jackson from Kabonero Sub County in Kabarole District, Most businesses don’t develop because of the bad debtors”, said Moses, “Customer care is so important in attracting customers”, said Adolf from Kicwamba Sub County in Kabarole District.

The Live Radio Discussion was moderated by Mr. Kasigazi Willy Donanto.