10 May 2008
interview
Kampala — TEREZA Mbire, 73, recently received an honorary doctorate in entrepreneurship from Nkumba University. The Managing Director of Basix (U) Ltd. told Elizabeth Agiro why, after all her successes, she is still working so hard
How did you meet your husband?
We were not like you people. In our time, you either met in church, at work or through a go-between. My elder sister connected us. He was a medical assistant and I was a teacher. My sister was a nurse.
Why did you abandon teaching? My ambition was always to improve on my life. I loved teaching, but I didn't see a future in that career. I had taught for 15 years, but the salary was not enough to take care of my children and myself. So when there was an opportunity to go for further studies in hotel management in Israel, I took it.
How did you deal with your husband's death?
It's difficult when you lose a partner. His death, in 1985, was a huge blow. I did not know how life would be without him. The children were still in school and I didn't know how I would look after all six of them.
His hospitalisation had been very costly and yet my children were still in colleges and universities in England and their tuition and boarding had to be paid for. I asked Jesus to come into my life and take the position of head of the family.
I also turned to my friends and neighbours. I continued managing all three of my businesses. I had a florist shop in Kampala and a garment industry. We also owned the only bakery that produced sliced bread.
When was your turning point?
When I travelled to Israel. I had a chance to see how the Jews work hard to earn their living. I was inspired to work hard and sustain myself. The farmers would start work in the morning and work until evening.
They even carried their lunch to the fields. Those in the factories were really devoted to their work. They had no time for gossip. That made me realise I had to work hard.
How did you reach the top?
I don't think I have reached the top, otherwise I wouldn't be working. I think hard work, honesty and teaching people kindness are key. Not being jealous of other people helps you to forge ahead.
Before you start any business, you have to do market research. In 1972 when they were giving away Indian businesses I was not ready to enter someone else's business. I didn't know where they had got their commodities.
However, I had learnt flower arrangement so I started that business and I was the only florist for 15 years. I used the proceeds to start the garment industry. All those who took over Indian shops did not succeed.
What kind of childhood did you have?
My father died before I was born. I was the last born of eight children so the entire family doted on me and took turns to look after me. When I was about three, I lost two brothers and a sister.
When I was five, my mother assigned me household chores like fetching water from the river and washing utensils. We were orphans and very poor. At the time, it was difficult to educate girls because the society was patriarchal, but my mother struggled to educate all of us.
Our living conditions in the mud and wattle house soon became dire and my mother had to seek charity for the first time. My sisters had left home, one to get married and two others had joined the convent.
My mother and I moved to a house called Kitooto, which was reserved for the poor. To earn money, I became a child labourer at a building site when French missionaries were constructing Rushorooza Cathedral. I think my ability to see opportunities and make them work for me dates back to that time.
Eigth things about Mbire:
BUSINESS TIPS
You have to take advice and do research. We are in a global village and competition is very high. That's why I started the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association, because I thought if we came together, we could make it.
HIGH MOMENTS
When I met my husband and got married. I got a partner I loved. The other high moment was when I attended my children's graduations. I think it's a job well done.
LOW MOMENTS
When I lost my husband. It was lonely and complicated. He died from a brain tumour. I stayed in Germany for almost six months looking after him. The other low moment was when there was looting in 1979. The looters did not touch my house but as far as business is concerned, they took everything. I had to start again from scratch.
BEAUTY TIPS
You don't have to give in to old age. I like working both mentally and physically. That's what keeps me young. When you start thinking: "Oh I am old", then you grow old. I know one day nature will tell me to sit down.
SCHOOL MEMORIES
I was a girl guide and was one of the people selected to visit the Queen when she visited Queen Elizabeth National Park in 1952. I also remember my first flight abroad. Those days, in the 1960s, to be able to fly was like going to heaven.
REGRETS
I have no regrets so far.
DREAMS
Relaxation and having holidays. I haven't had time for myself. I love travelling and visiting different parts of the world. I would also like to see my grandchildren grow into useful citizens. I have 11 grandchildren and I wish I could have more.
FORMULA TO SUCCESS
Hard work, self-confidence and undertaking risk. For instance in business, you have to invest and yet you don't know what hazards are before you. A farmer plants seeds and then halfway through the season, he faces hailstorm or drought.
He takes a risk knowing that he'll harvest, but halfway through, something may happen. That's why insurers encourage us to insure our things.
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