Lango Entrepreneurs Urged to Strengthen Leadership and Financial Management for Business Growth
There are five key pillars every entrepreneur should prioritize to build resilient businesses: 1. Strong leadership 2. Competent and committed staff 3. Efficient operational systems 4. Quality customer care and service 5. Sound financial management
Regina Lalam Olal
By Hillary Opio Omara
LIRA CITY — 14/7/2026 Entrepreneurs in the Lango Sub-region have been urged to embrace strong leadership, effective financial management, and customer-focused practices to ensure their businesses grow sustainably.
The call was made by Benson Akenda, Regional Officer for Northern Uganda at Enterprise Uganda, during a business empowerment workshop jointly organized by Enterprise Uganda and ABSA Bank Uganda at Margarita Palace Hotel in Lira City.
Akenda outlined five key pillars every entrepreneur should prioritize to build resilient businesses: as Strong leadership, Competent and committed staff, Efficient operational systems ,Quality customer care service and Sound financial management He noted that many businesses collapse because owners take loans without proper planning or adequate business knowledge, making it difficult to repay credit and sustain operations.
Joshua Oder, Manager of ABSA Bank Lira City Branch, said the workshop was part of the bank’s long-term commitment to equip entrepreneurs with skills to expand their businesses.
Oder encouraged business owners to take advantage of opportunities in Lango and across Uganda to improve productivity, increase competitiveness, and grow their enterprises.
Joshua Oder Branch manager ABSA Bank Lira
Ivan Kirumira, Trade and Sales Manager at ABSA Bank Lira, said the bank offers affordable business financing with flexible lending arrangements tailored to entrepreneurs’ needs.
However, Kirumira expressed concern over high loan default rates, revealing that nearly 80% of some borrowers fail to repay loans as agreed a trend that continues to limit access to credit.
Stella Atim, Head of Enterprise and Product Partners at ABSA Bank Uganda, emphasized that successful entrepreneurship requires dedication, innovation, and a long-term vision aimed at creating value for business owners and the wider community.
Also speaking at the event, Susan Auma, Supervisor for Taxes and Payment Revenue at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau - URSB Lira Branch, urged entrepreneurs to formally register their businesses. She explained that registration, under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, provides legal protection and requires entrepreneurs to select unique business names before registering.
About ABSA Bank :- Established in 1927 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, is one of Africa’s leading financial institutions. As it approaches 99 years of operation, the bank continues to support entrepreneurship and business development across the continent.
