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Emulate Indians for business success - Minister Oryem
L-R: The State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello, Ugandan-based Indian businessman, Rajesh Chaplot, Former Prime Minister of Uganda Ruhakana Rugunda and Evelyn Anite, the State Minister of Finance for Investment and Privatization at Serena Hotel Kampala on Friday evening while launching a biography titled ‘Wheel and Compass of Life’. Photo by Collins Muhwezi
What you need to know:
Minister Oryem made these remarks at Serena Hotel Kampala on Friday evening while launching a biography titled ‘Wheel and Compass of Life’ by Ugandan-based Indian businessman, Rajesh Chaplot
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem has urged Uganda business owners to emulate Indians if they are to realise business success and growth in their operations.
Minister Oryem made these remarks at Serena Hotel Kampala on Friday evening while launching a biography titled ‘Wheel and Compass of Life’ by Ugandan-based Indian businessman, Rajesh Chaplot.
“Indians started building big commerce and trade chains in Uganda and made Uganda their home many years ago. If there was no interruption by Idi Amin, Uganda would be a first-class country. Nevertheless, they came back and have done much better than before,” Oryem said.
He added that “Indians who work in Uganda and everywhere else have been very successful and Rajesh is one of them. At the age of 55, he has accomplished what most people have not accomplished and will die without accomplishing. His book is so inspiring. I urge every child and Ugandan to read the book. It will open your eyes to hard work, discipline, and commitment as some of the values to employ to be successful in any business,” Minister Oryem said.
Divided into 13 chapters, the biography, Wheel and Compass of Life looks at Mr Rajesh’s business growth, having started business in Uganda in March 1998. The book shares lessons Rajesh has learned at every stage of his 25-year business journey, the mistakes he made and how he has corrected himself, and lessons he believes can guide Ugandans to grow their businesses.
“God gives equal opportunities to everybody irrespective of whether they are poor or rich. Some of us grab these opportunities while others negotiate with them. Some delay to make decisions while others hand over the same opportunities to others. Some of you ignore these opportunities completely and do not realise they are there. But those who grab an opportunity when it comes their way become successful individuals,” Rajesh explains in one of the book chapters.
Aged 55, Mr Rajesh is the Chief Executive Officer, Director, and board member for various business institutions in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania. These include Graphic Systems Uganda Limited, Crown and Packaging Uganda, Fusion Africa Uganda, East African Packaging Solutions, Cameo Techedge Services- Congo, and Cameo Techedge Services Tanzania, among other businesses in East Africa.
In 2020, Rajesh was awarded the Golden Jubilee award, the highest civilian award in Uganda by President Museveni. In 2018, he was awarded an International Leaders award by the Institute of Chartered Accounts of India. In 2019, he was given a Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award, the highest non-resident Indian award by the President of India.
