Best Employees Around Town

Different companies recognise their outstanding workers in the year by coming up with the employee of the year. Such employees constantly perform well beyond the job description.
Miles Rwamiti talked to employees who excelled in different companies in 2005 about what they think made them outstanding.

Steven Ssengoba; senior driver, Wavah Broadcasting Service (WBS)
When I joined WBS, I was scared of working with people whom I had always watched on TV, but I worked hard, which I think made me outstanding.”
Ofilia Nabeta, WBS’ public relations officer, says,“Sengoba moves to different parts of the country without delay.”
In recognition for his work, WBS offered Ssengoba a holiday for two at Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Godfrey Kalibala; Supervisor
customer care, MTN-Uganda
Kalibala has worked for MTN over the last five years but has never angered anybody.
“Commitment, team work, passion for my job is what has been my tool at work,” Kalibala says.
He has been rewarded with a two-week trip for two to Thailand.


UTL
Uganda telecom recognised several employees, unlike other companies. These included Brenda Ndekezi, Stephen Kaboha, Evelyn Ejekit, Harriet Ofumbi, Pius Otera, Nora Damulira, Nobert Jiga, Kate Byegarazo, Benon Mugisha, Munjereza Tukamuhabwe and Herald Tumusiime. Paulsen Hense, the marketing manager, says the employees always went an extra mile in fulfiling their duties.

Monica Badaru; management accountant, Total Uganda
For Badaru, it was a big surprise to be recognised by her company as the employee of the year.
“My heart knows what exactly I feel, but joy is all over me. I have been with Total for three years and my being here has transformed me a lot.”
BAdaru got sh1m as a token of appreciation.

Nora Madaya; principal sociologist, Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS)
“For four years, Madaya has been a very active employee moving to anywhere the company would ask her to go,” Ben Mungereza, UBOS’ administration supervisor, says.
Madaya attributes her success to team spirit.
“I feel contented working with my colleagues on different projects for better results. For someone to achieve a goal, you must be outgoing and committed,” she says.

Abdul Karim Juma, sales
representative, Dark and Lovely
Karim joined Dark and Lovely in 1998 as a store-keeper until 2001 when he shifted to the sales department. He says good customer care is what has made him succeed.
“We are quite many and we work together but I believe what has made me outstanding is being humble,” he says.
The company’s country manager, Helen Kakyo, says Karim was recognised because of being trustworthy.
“Karim has never lost or stolen money. He has been faithful,” she said.


Josephat Seguya; journalist, The New Vision Printing and Publishing Company
Seguya has worked for Bukedde, a Luganda sister paper to The New Vision since 2001.
He says he is what he is because of discipline and commitment to work. According to Maurice Sekawungu, New Vision’s associate editor, Seguya is a hard-working man.
“It is The New Vision principle for staff writers to produce a maximum of 40 stories a month, but Seguya averagely produces 100 stories with photos.”
“My tool is listening and respecting all people whether young or mature,” Seguya says.

Juma Yusuf; Hotel Diplomat, Muyenga
It was a moment of joy, when Yusuf was announced employee of the year of Hotel Diplomat. Angella Katatumba, the managing director, says Yusuf is committed to his work.
“Yusuf is exceptional compared to other workers. He keeps time and is always smart,” Katatumba said.

Robert Semakula; national sales manager, British American Tobacco
Semakula is the Leopard Award winner for 2005. The area director gives the award to the manager who exhibits exceptional qualities. Semakula has been instrumental in the ‘Sportsman’ brand pack change and distributor development. He was rewarded with a one-week paid holiday for two in any venue of his choice and $3,000.