Poor communication skills holding back talented Ugandans, experts say

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Public speaking experts have warned that many Ugandan professionals risk losing career and leadership opportunities due to poor communication skills, despite being highly competent in their fields.

Speaking at a Toastmasters International open house in Kampala, sponsored by Vision Group on August 8, 2025, Dinah Oundo, the assistant division director for Club Growth, said a significant number of skilled and intelligent professionals struggle to express themselves clearly.

“We see brilliant people who can deliver technically but fail to communicate effectively. They can send through a report, but it doesn’t make sense to the audience. That’s the biggest gap. Bridging that gap means learning how to make your point in a minute, use body language, and leave a lasting impact,” Oundo said.

According to Oundo, members practise speaking at every session, take leadership roles within clubs, and gain confidence through continuous engagement.

“It’s the cheapest and most practical way to build leadership skills,” she noted. 

“Our members include young professionals, senior managers, and students through what we call gavel clubs. We’re now targeting more university and secondary school students to start early.”

The open house event provided a platform for guests unfamiliar with Toastmasters to learn about its benefits and join. Oundo said about 50% of members in Uganda are aged between 28 and 38, 30% are in their 40s and early 50s, and 20% are students.

Paul Kavuma, division director for Toastmasters International in Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, said communication is a national challenge that affects job prospects and workplace efficiency.

“Just because you speak doesn’t mean you have communicated,” Kavuma said.

“Communication is about ensuring your audience understands you, and you understand them. Whether you are a doctor, engineer, or banker, how you express your ideas can create or kill opportunities.”

Kavuma, who oversees 26 clubs and 472 members across the three countries, said his vision is to grow to 36 clubs and 700 members by engaging both corporate organisations and residential communities.

“Employers often value communication skills as much as technical skills during job interviews,” he said.

“We offer a safe space for members to improve, whether through prepared speeches or impromptu speaking. You could be called to speak at a wedding, a board meeting, or even on an international stage.”

Toastmasters also runs speech contests, which can lead to representing East Africa at the global level.

Kavuma said the organisation is in talks with groups in Mityana, Gulu, South Sudan, and Serena Hotel to form new clubs, underlining the need to bridge the communication gaps across the country.

“We believe in starting early,” he said.

“Even primary and secondary schools can host gavel clubs so students develop these skills long before they enter the job market.”

Both Oundo and Kavuma urged professionals and students to embrace opportunities to improve communication, saying the benefits extend beyond career growth to personal confidence and leadership.

“You may not realise the impact communication can have on your life until you invest in it,” Oundo said.

“When you find a chance to express yourself and grow, don’t miss it.”

Toastmasters International, a non-profit educational organisation founded in 1924, aims to develop communication, public speaking, and leadership skills through regular club meetings.