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Employ more locals in Bunyoro - investor
Mr Baitwa inspects a Guard of Honour during Labour Day celebrations in Masindi.
A top businessman in Bunyoro has called on investors to stop wasting money on hiring expatriates and employ equally-qualified local talents.
Mr Oscar Baitwa, the chairperson of Bro Group of companies, was officiating during the Labour Day celebrations in Masindi last week, when he said the region had qualified personnel who could deliver even better than some of the riates.
”It is possible to develop skills locally and that there is a lot of it. Many people want to try and all they need is a teacher, mentor, someone to believe in them or to just be given an opportunity to learn," Mr Baitwa said.
"I want to challenge all employers and those with potential to use this day to reflect on what they can do along this line," he added.
The theme for this year’s celebration was “Skilling Ugandans for increased productivity; A responsibility for all of us.”
“We [employers] often don’t look closely at the potential our people have. Every time a new opportunity comes, you are already looking out [of your organisation and country] trying to get someone new rather than inside sourcing and allowing them to blossom.
Bro Group holdings is the parent company of Threeways shipping, Threeways distribution, Transtrac Ltd, Yaya Group and Touch FM.
“Give your staff the opportunities. Start early by testing them with a few challenges by delegating. This is the only way you will begin to develop the skills and improve your people.
His call comes at a time Uganda has just discovered commercially viable oil reserves in the Bunyoro region and a lot of young people are finding work in the nascent sector.
“With the discovery of oil come immense opportunity for residents in the Banyoro region especially the youth should grab this with both hands to address the issue on unemployment,” Baitwa said.
He said that for the locals to benefit from the resource, the first thing they have to do is ensure they indentify needs of the new influx of people and they should safeguard their land as this is a source of collateral.
Mr Baitwa also used the opportunity to encourage Banyoro with specialized skills especially those living in the Diaspora to return home so their skills are utilized to add value as this will also motivate the locals.
