Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, 71 has defied the odds. Who thought that underprivileged children can make it to success? She has worked hard to become one of the most admired successful women on the African continent and in Uganda. She was born in a humble family by Erinesti and Turufina Rwabutekama, on the 5th September, 1951 in Kyeibare village, Ruhinda-Mitooma district formerly part of Bushenyi district. Ms. Rhoda Peace Tumusiime tells her success story of ‘grass to grace’ and the journey to admiration by most women across the globe. She now owns a magnificent hospitality facility in Entebbe sub-district.
Qn: Tell Us About Askay Hotel suites.
Rhoda: It is a family project started by my husband, Edward Tumusiime who unfortunately passed away in 2006. My husband didn’t see this hotel to its completion but fortunately he left me Shs100m, although this was insufficient to complete construction of the facility. So I borrowed Shs300m from Housing Finance Bank for completing the construction in 2008.
Qn: How Have You Managed To Service Such A Huge Loan?
Rhoda: I used my salary since I was a commissioner for Agriculture and rural economy in the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries. However, I looked for other opportunities and landed a placement with the African Union (AU), as the commissioner for rural Economy and Agriculture in 2008. My salary boosted the servicing of the loan.
Qn: Did You Have A God Father To Land The African Union (AU) Job?
Rhoda: I didn’t have any Godfather but the God I worship enabled me to get the job. I competed for this job at the East African region level and progressed to the continental level where I beat a Minister from Djibouti.
Qn: Advise Women And Girls Who Look To Godfathers.
Rhoda: They should first build confidence to become consistent, persistent and above all, believe in God. They should also know that they live in a world of competition; do not fear getting bank loans. Also look out for subsidized loans with affordable interest rate.
Qn: Where Do We See The Askay Hotel Suites Project In Future?
Rhoda: Am very optimistic that the hotel project will continue to grow to greater
Heights and I hope to build a sister branch in future.
Qn: What Are Some Of The Challenges You Encounter?
Rhoda: The first one is low returns since the business was greatly hit by the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic that saw a number of businesses close in a bid to combat the spread of the global pandemic. The second challenge is the access road connecting to the hotel suites. Many international and local guests complain of the poor access road and consequently end up going to other hotels with better roads. However, I have raised this issue to Entebbe Municipal council
to address this problem. The third one are the workers who are not dedicated to their work; management is gradually fixing the problem. Lastly, we are faced with the problem of fluctuating prices in the market yet we can’t increase the cost of meals hence this negatively impacts on the returns.
Qn: You Are Elected President Of Entebbe Chamber Of Commerce, What Should We Expect
From You?
Rhoda: I intend to make Entebbe shine through team work. I will ensure a dynamic functional chamber of commerce in Entebbe. I plan to mobilize the transport, business and tourism sector, in addition to working closely with the municipal mayor and technocrats.
Qn: How Did You Spend Your Retirement Package?
Rhoda: I received my retirement package a few years ago and properly utilized it, the reason I enjoy my old age with ease.
Qn: As A Civil Servant, What Were Your Innovations?
Rhoda: Yes, I am the one who started the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social
Development and I was the first commissioner for this Ministry because I had a diploma in Gender studies and hence met the need for the gender Ministry’s gender related issues.
Qn: How Do You Spend Your Leisure Time?
Rhoda: I usually meet and socialize with my children and grandchildren. I play golf occasionally, attend to church activities and meet underprivileged persons in my area of residence in Nakiwogo /Banga zone, Entebbe Municipality.
Qn: What Is Your Most Unforgettable Moment In Life?
Rhoda: My unforgettable moment in life is when I lost my lovely partner and parents; their memories make me shed tears.
More Facts About Rhoda Tumusiime
Rhoda Tumusiime is a former commissioner for rural economy and Agriculture at the African Union Commission where she served from 2008-2016. At the African Union, she elevated the prioritization of Agriculture on the African continent. She earned international accolades for her distinguished services in the agriculture sector. She sat on high level advisory committees and boards of several regional and international research and development institutions.
Her Education Background
Rhoda Tumusiime holds a master’s degree in economics majoring in planning and managing rural development from the University of Manchester, UK, and a bachelor’s degree in economics majoring in rural economy from Makerere University.
Challenges:
Rhoda Tumusiime suffered during her primary studies as she had to trek over 13kms to the nearest school. During her secondly school days, few children went to school because they were a source of labor, meant to help parents with domestic chores. Thirdly, during her school days, a girl child was viewed as a helper to her mother; collecting firewood, water and cooking. A girl-child was a source of wealth once she was married off. So girl education was not a priority and friends and relatives consistently reminded the parent to marry off the daughters.(Special Report By Gateway News Team: Yiga Pascal, Sentamu Moses,Sadique Bamwita&Robert Peacock )
