Editor’s Note— It is back by James Abola

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“Where is the newsletter?” This has been a common question for several months. It was pleasing to know that many people had been quietly following the newsletter. We look forward to the time when readers post comments and replies so that the newsletter becomes an active platform for sharing business and financial information and knowledge.
SInce the year began, Akamai Global has undertaken a number of activities with clients which provide pointers to the hot issues and opportunities pertaining in our economy.
One of those activities is a research into business opportunities resulting from the nascent oil and gas sector in Uganda. The research report has not yet been formally released and I will only point out two findings, namely: a) the business opportunities arising from oil and gas developments are enormous; b) Ugandans are mostly unaware of and unprepared for these opportunities.
We have also been busy providing training and orientation to boards for non profit organisations as well as for profit organisations. One commentator once said that the only thing that is common to all governing boards (board of directors as we call it here in Uganda) is that they do not work. Another commentator said that “Board members are usually intelligent and experienced persons as individuals. Yet boards, as groups, are mediocre”. Akamai Global believes that boards can be transformed into effective bodies if the members are properly selected, trained and equipped with necessary governing tools.
At Akamai Global we believe that the key to economic development is when citizens are financially literate. Other things such as entrepreneurship training may be important but take second place to financial literacy. We have also been busy providing financial literacy to the Ugandan public. Our book Make Sense of Your Money has been of great use to fresh graduates and working people alike. We have partnered with corporations to offer financial literacy to their employees and have continued with the courses we offer at our office premise.
The next intake for adult personal financial management class will start on April 16, 2012 and registration is already in process.
We will also be running a class for teenagers starting in April. Parents and students are encouraged to register with us.

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