» News & Events :
 
The period under review, starting from the last edition of our magazine till date, has been inexplicably eventful, so eventful that things have been happening at a supersonic speed – one event after another or even concurrently almost in a giffy – events like the Best employee of the year Award, the Christmas festivities, the Uganda Land wrangles in Kampala, the Kaizen and ISO courses and certification, the Safal Conference in Kampala, the Kenyan turbulent elections scuffles which brought business in the Great Lake Region almost to a standstill, to mention but a few. This last one was very unfortunate in that many of our Kenyan counterparts and colleagues lost their dear lives and property. We here in Uganda were a lot concerned, but thank God the two political opponents have seen sense and soberred down to peaceful negotiations and resolutions to prevent further suffering of the innocent Kenyans.

However, on a pleasant note, the recent Safal Conference in Kampala 5th-7th Feb 2008 inclusive, was praised by many if not all that attended it, as a great success, though arranged at very short notice.

Bravo! Mr. Bhatnagar! Bravo! All Uganda Baati employees and long may you live             Uganda Baati!

Interview with Andrew Seruteega – The Longest Serving Uganda Baati Employee

Robert:   Welcome to the “Magazine” offices, Andrew.

Andrew: Thanks

Robert:   It’s on record that you are the longest service employee in Uganda Baati today, Andrew, when did you join?

Andrew: I joined Uganda Baati in 1964.

Robert:   How do you compare the Company then to the Company now.

Andrew:  Because it was in her infant stages, the Company was very small. Production was low at 4000 to 5000 sheets a day. There were only 2 corrugator machines, one cutting machine but now there are many and production has risen to much higher a day.

Robert:   Was the market readily available? Where exactly were the products sold?

Andrew:  Market was optimal and products were locally sold.

Robert:   What problems did the factory and the steel industry as a whole face and how were they addressed?

Andrew:  We used to go hungry without lunch, Amin’s era ushered in shortage of materials, thus shortage of products – shortage of funds. Shortage of Labour for non-payment. Amin’s soldiers used to come and loot and even abduct whoever crossed their way. There was crude and stiff competition from some other aggressive companies, and shortage of power. Transport was almost impossible.

Robert:  Any idea Andrew, as to why Uganda Baati has been able to prosper in the face of all those problems?

Andrew:  Good administration with patience and good policies and of course with good luck.

Robert:  Can you narrate what happened to you on a most exciting day in your life at

Andrew:  On retiring, management offered me 2 bundles of iron sheets as a token to go

Robert:   Please tell us about your family and what you do in your free time.

Andrew:  I am married with a few children, my family is leading a coasive life due to poverty around and with little pay at this high inflation. I have one undergraduate at Mbale University, only God knows how I keep him there. During free time I drink a bit, chat with friends.

Robert:   What are your future plans?

Andrew: When I leave this place I am planning to settle at home, keep chicken and open a small business to keep me going in my old age.

Robert:   Thanks a lot for your precious time and “The Magazine” wishes you the very best.

Andrew: Thanks too. It has been a pleasure.