On Monday, May 20, 2025, the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) hosted the Men’s Conference at Kololo National Ceremonial Grounds under the theme “Fix a Man, Fix the World.” The conference gathered men from across Uganda for a day of reflection, inspiration, and practical learning, aimed at transforming mindsets and equipping men to take greater responsibility for household welfare and economic participation, key drivers of Uganda’s export development agenda.
Through a faith-based lens, the event focused on: household income generation, productive livelihoods and preparing communities for export readiness.
Odrek Rwabwogo explaining the four dimensions of a man
PACEID Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo began by thanking his wife, Patience Rwabwogo, for her efforts in creating this space to engage men meaningfully. “This allows us to speak about partnerships between business and family. When men talk directly to each other, it positively impacts the family and boosts household incomes,” he said.
Rwabwogo emphasized four core dimensions of a man’s life:
Family: Build homes on shared values. Raise children with discipline and truthfulness, not aggression.
Work: A man’s dignity is tied to his ability to earn and contribute. Income is central to household and national transformation.
Faith: Men often struggle with belief. That’s normal, but spiritual grounding matters.
Leadership: True leadership involves helping others adapt to difficult truths with honesty and integrity.
The event marked the opening of the “Light Up Uganda for Jesus” crusade by the Covenant Nations Church and featured a strong panel of facilitators, including Fred Bamwiine, Steve Hodges, Fred Zake, Kayemba John, and Chris Bumpenje.
By empowering men with practical tools, strong values, and faith, the Men’s Conference is part of PACEID’s broader strategy to uplift households and communities, laying a foundation for sustainable exports and industrial growth.
Key Facilitator Insights
Fred Bamwiine: Smart Dairy Farming for Family Prosperity
He emphasized that smart dairy farming can transform households. “Is there a family that cannot feed one cow? You get 20 litres of milk, use five at home, sell fifteen.”
He stressed passion, scientific practices, record keeping, and hygiene as pillars of successful dairy farming. “It’s exciting work, you serve mankind while doing the work of God.”
Steve Hodges spoke about positioning Ugandan products for profit beyond borders
Steve Hodges: Positioning Ugandan Products for Profit Beyond Borders
Hodges focused on production for both local and export markets. He highlighted the importance of certified products to access global markets, record keeping, and training (e.g., Global GAP) for compliance.
He encouraged producers to collaborate logistically to lower export costs. “Whether half or full, a container costs the same. Work together, aggregate, and fill it to maximize returns.”
Fred Zake, Executive Director at Hortifresh spoke about Scaling Quality and Quantity in Horticulture
Fred Zake: Scaling Quality and Quantity in Horticulture
Zake, Executive Director of Hortifresh Association Uganda, urged men to see horticulture as a high-potential opportunity. Fruits and vegetables like avocados, sweet potatoes, bananas, and pineapples have strong export potential. Aggregation, acreage expansion, and certification are keys to scale. Discipline in agrochemical use, especially close to harvest, is vital to avoid export rejections.
“We’ve mobilized 300 members to build a national horticultural brand, and we’re partnering with churches and politicians to take this gospel to the grassroots.”
Kayemba John: Unlocking Wealth through the Coffee Value Chain
As a coffee nursery operator, Kayemba shared how strategic investment in coffee, from nursery to market, can create sustainable wealth. “Understand the full value chain and participate in it intentionally.
Chris Bumpenje spoke about Building Wealth That Outlives You
Chris Bumpenje: Building Wealth That Outlives You
Bumpenje challenged men to think long-term, start, grow, and sustain a family business. He emphasized why succession planning and values are essential for generational wealth. “Wealth must outlive you. Build structures and mindsets that carry your vision forward.”
Eddie Mwesigwa leading the Praise and Worship session
By engaging men directly, the conference bridged faith, business, and family, laying a foundation for stronger homes, productive livelihoods, and a nation ready to grow exports from the ground up.