Jean Byamugisha is the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association, a position she serves with a lot of passion. She is the first female CEO of the association as well as the youngest person to hold this position in the association’s 20-year history.
“With over 520 member hotels, our association is one of the biggest employers in Uganda and what I love most about this industry is the fact that majority of the people are young people and women. It’s really exciting to work in the tourism industry.”
According to global rankings, half of the top 10 countries with the most number of women entrepreneurs are from Sub-Saharan Africa, with Uganda taking the first spot. With the recent global outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, businesses have been hit hard, especially those in the tourism industry. As one of the women at the helm of the corporate leadership ladder in Africa, Byamugisha shares with us leadership tips and strategies that women can tap into during this time of crisis.
Resilience
“Women are naturally resilient people. Yes, we are facing a global crisis but what I am 100% sure of is that we shall overcome these times and we shall thrive once more. I work in an industry where 58% of all our staff are women, strong women who are not only serving their employers but their country at large. Strong women who go home and serve their communities and loved ones. This is an industry that will overcome this pandemic because it employs strong smart young women.”
Develop yourself
“As we all listen to the advice of the Ministry of Health to stay home, I advise all women to utilize this time to develop themselves. Take an online course, learn a new skill.”
Side hustle
“Use this opportunity to source ways of getting a side hustle that will cushion you and your family during an emergency like this.”
Family
“This is also the time to spend with your family and appreciate what’s most important in life. Above all, save, save and save! Let’s get out of this crisis closer than before.”
