Hello, I am Advocate Brownie Ebal
I am a legal Practitioner, Venture Capitalist and Philanthropist.
Welcome to my site.
I love life, travelling, food, beauty, the law, leadership and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. I hope to inspire each one of you with my various articles as I share from my experiences around our beautiful world.
I live in Kampala, Uganda.
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Article 68: Navigating Emotional Wellness of a Woman in the Workplace.
On 6th March, 2025, the Parliament of Uganda hosted a Zoom discussion under the theme “Navigating Emotional Wellness of a Woman in the Workplace.” The session aimed to equip women with strategies for managing emotions, maintaining balance, and fostering resilience in professional spaces. The panel featured Lindsay K. Nzeyi, Executive Director of Break Free Treatment & Rehabilitation Center; Gabriel Kagume, Financial Literacy and Masterclass Trainer; and Rose Ikiror Semakula, Deputy Clerk – Parliament Affairs.
The discussion highlighted the emotional struggles women face at work, how external pressures influence professional well-being, and the steps women can take to maintain balance.
Workplace stress is not always a result of professional responsibilities alone. Emotions from outside work—such as personal struggles, family obligations, or financial pressures—can spill into the workplace, affecting concentration and performance. Unresolved personal issues may also manifest in professional interactions, leading to conflicts or emotional exhaustion.
Burnout is another common challenge, often caused by excessive workloads, competition for promotions, or the pressure to meet financial obligations. Taking on too many responsibilities beyond one’s capacity can lead to exhaustion, reduced productivity, and loss of enthusiasm for work. Financial insecurity further contributes to emotional strain, especially when individuals feel pressured to overwork in order to meet financial demands.
Below are some of the recommended solutions;
- Expressing oneself openly: Confidence in communication is essential for a healthier workplace experience. Addressing concerns, seeking support, and articulating professional needs can help create a more balanced work environment.
- Acknowledging and managing emotions: Recognizing how emotions impact performance allows for better regulation. Strategies such as journaling, seeking mentorship, or practicing mindfulness can be useful in processing emotions constructively.
- Setting boundaries: Taking on excessive workloads does not always guarantee success. Prioritizing core responsibilities and maintaining a sustainable work pace can help prevent burnout.
- Developing financial independence: Financial stress can be managed through budgeting, financial literacy education, and exploring additional income sources. Books such as How Come That Idiot Is Rich and I Am Poor? and Where Did My Money Go? were recommended for better financial management.
- Building a strong support system: Consulting the right people for both personal and professional advice provides valuable guidance and helps in navigating workplace challenges more effectively. Seeking mentorship, professional networks, or trusted individuals with relevant experience can offer meaningful support and perspective.
- Focusing on personal growth: Defining individual goals and staying committed to them ensures a more fulfilling career path rather than engaging in unnecessary competition.
- Resilience: Emotions are a natural part of life, but knowing when and how to react is crucial. Practicing composure in challenging situations, maintaining humility, and taking responsibility for personal success all contribute to emotional wellness.
In conclusion, the discussion reinforced the importance of emotional awareness, financial stability, and effective communication in maintaining workplace well-being. Navigating emotional wellness requires setting boundaries, managing stressors constructively, and fostering resilience. By applying these strategies, a balanced and fulfilling work experience can be achieved.
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Article 67: The Intelligence Trap: 7 Mistakes Smart People Make
On 28th August, I joined a LinkedIn Live hosted by Pepe Menambo with guest Mr. Yengeni, reflecting on a theme that was as sobering as it was insightful: The Intelligence Trap—Seven Mistakes Smart People Make.
At first glance, this might sound like a conversation only for top executives, but as Mr. Yengeni emphasized, “We are all smart.” Every contribution at work, every idea born in our minds, is evidence of intelligence. The question is not whether we are smart, but whether our intelligence is working for us or against us.
The discussion unpacked several common traps:
1. Relying on intelligence alone.
Being smart is valuable, but intelligence does not thrive in isolation. Many successful CEOs understand this, which is why they negotiate for room to build the right teams and bring in critical talent. Brilliance without a support system risks being wasted, while intelligence combined with the right environment creates impact.
2. Working hard in silence.
A common trap is believing that hard work alone will speak for itself. Someone may write an excellent report but never step into the boardroom where decisions are made. As Yengeni put it, “You cannot sell a secret. The mouth that keeps quiet never gets help.” Competence needs visibility; otherwise, opportunities remain out of reach.
3. Overusing strengths.
What begins as a strength can become a weakness if not managed well. Being articulate is useful, but talking too much in an interview can overshadow the very message you want to pass across. In the same way, posting endlessly on social media can weaken your personal brand rather than strengthen it. Strategy, moderation, and timing keep strengths effective.
4. Becoming trapped by hard work.
Sometimes, working too well at your job makes you so valuable to your boss that you cannot easily be promoted or released. It is possible to spend 15 years in one company and only move two steps up because you were always too busy working on the job, not on yourself. Hard work needs to be balanced with self-investment and a deliberate career plan.
5. Undervaluing yourself in salary negotiations.
One of the most common mistakes is answering “anything” when asked about expected pay. This reflects a lack of self-worth. Researching market standards and knowing your value allows you to negotiate confidently. The panelists noted that the first five years of a career are for learning, but between five and ten years, it’s also about earning.
6. Over-profiling or misbranding.
In the effort to appear impressive, some professionals overstate their profiles—labeling themselves as “Founder” or “CEO” while still seeking entry-level roles. This creates confusion and may even close doors. A profile should be precise and aligned with the stage you are in, not one that sends the wrong signals.
The conversation made it clear that the “intelligence trap” is not about a lack of brilliance but about how brilliance, when unchecked, turns into a stumbling block. From being too quiet to being too loud, from undervaluing to over-inflating ourselves, these mistakes can undermine even the smartest among us. The true measure of intelligence, therefore, is not just being smart, but being strategic in how that intelligence is applied.
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Article 66: The Power of Words: Mastering Communication for Impact, Confidence, and Connection.
In an age driven by constant interaction online and offline, few skills are as powerful, or as underappreciated, as the ability to communicate with confidence. This truth sits at the heart of a remarkable conversation between motivational speaker and bestselling author Mel Robbins and trial attorney turned viral communicator Jefferson Fisher, featured on the Mel Robbins Podcast.
Fisher, a practicing lawyer with millions of followers across social platforms, has built a reputation for teaching people how to speak with clarity, authority, and empathy, from the front seat of his car, no less. But this is not just another talk about “talking better.” This is about using your words to transform your relationships, your presence, and your life.
“What you say is who you are,” Fisher asserts. “Most people will never experience you beyond the words you speak.” That idea is both empowering and sobering. It means your tone, your intention, and your delivery are not just part of your message—they are your message.
One of the most powerful lessons from this conversation is that good communication is not about saying more—it is about saying what matters, with purpose. Whether dealing with tension in a marriage, navigating awkward family dinners, or facing difficult conversations at work, Fisher encourages a posture of curiosity, not defensiveness. Instead of reacting with “Why did you say that?” he suggests we pause and ask, “What did you hear?” This small shift opens the door to understanding, not argument.
Fisher also challenges the belief that being kind is being weak. In his words, kindness is clarity delivered with respect. You can be honest and direct, while still being compassionate. When delivering tough feedback or navigating conflict, he recommends framing it with affirming language: “I am telling you this because I know you can handle it.” It is a way of honoring the person in front of you while holding the conversation to a higher standard.
More than tactics, though, Fisher invites us to lead with values. He speaks of personal “conversational values” that keep him grounded—guiding every interaction. Values like: if I cannot be a bridge, I will be a lighthouse; if there is room for kindness, I will use it; let my words show who I am, even if they do not know my name. These internal commitments shape not just what we say, but who we become in the process.
Ultimately, this conversation is a reminder that we do not need more noise—we need more intention. The next conversation you have is not just another exchange. It is a mirror of who you are, a seed of your legacy, and a chance to shape the world around you.
For more information, watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/ZUCB3M_1Qp4
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Article 65: Are Loans Really Worth It?
On 3rd September 2025, Legacy Hills Investments hosted an X Space under the theme “Are loans really worth it?” The discussion brought together Maria, Chief Manager of Credit at Centenary Bank, and Gitta, a financial analyst, to share their insights on the role of loans in Uganda’s economy and the realities of borrowing.
Maria noted that loans play a critical role in Uganda’s development. She explained that they act as catalysts for financial inclusion, help grow the money supply, and stimulate the economy when invested in productive ventures such as agriculture. Beyond business, loans also empower women and youth, giving them opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. On the question of how banks set loan prices, Maria clarified that several parameters are considered, including the Central Bank Rate, the rates at which banks themselves borrow, interest paid on deposits, borrower risk, and the regulatory framework. She urged borrowers to safeguard their credit history as this can give them bargaining power for better terms.
According to her, borrowing makes sense when it has a clear purpose, such as acquiring assets or consolidating debt, since saving alone often takes years. However, it becomes a trap when people take loans for careless spending on things like parties or gadgets, or when they ignore repayment terms and keep borrowing from multiple sources. She advised borrowers to compare offers, negotiate terms, especially the choice between floating and fixed rates—and only commit to what they can manage.
On the issue of defaults, Maria observed that while the national non-performing loan rate is at 4.1%, Centenary Bank maintains a lower figure of 3%. She encouraged borrowers to engage their lenders early, reschedule payments where necessary, and commit even small amounts towards repayment. She also highlighted the wide range of loans available at Centenary, including products tailored for youth and women, mortgages, business loans, SME and corporate loans, agricultural loans, and even green loans for items like solar panels. She cautioned guarantors to remain mindful of their liability and reminded borrowers that communication and discipline are key to managing debt successfully.
Gitta, on the other hand, placed Uganda’s loan culture in a broader perspective. He pointed out that while developed countries have effectively used loans to spur growth, Ugandans often find themselves tied to borrowing at unfavorable rates. Commenting on interest rates, he referenced the Bank of Uganda’s benchmark of 9.75% as of August 2025, noting its influence on what consumers face in the market. He emphasized that although banks try various measures before resorting to property auctions, borrowers must understand the risks of mismanaging credit. To build resilience, he suggested that individuals occasionally borrow small amounts and repay them faithfully to create a strong credit rating for future use. He strongly discouraged borrowing for liabilities and instead encouraged Ugandans to consider investing in financial institutions themselves, as these institutions remain very profitable.
The conversation wrapped up with a reminder that loans can be both good and bad, depending on how they are handled. Borrowing with purpose, maintaining good credit history, and fostering open communication with lenders emerged as the key takeaways. While Gitta stressed the importance of investing wisely, Maria concluded by affirming that borrowing is not inherently harmful but should be approached cautiously, with clear goals and trusted financial partners.
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Article 64: Breaking Free from Debt: Building Multiple Streams of Income.
On 20th September, financial educator Benjamin Mukasa led an insightful Zoom session on one of the most pressing topics today: debt. Far from being just a burden, debt was unpacked as a double-edged tool, capable of building wealth if managed wisely, but equally capable of trapping individuals in financial bondage if misused.
Benjamin began by grounding the discussion in the basics: what is debt? At its core, it is simply money borrowed today against future income. But whether this borrowed money turns into opportunity or stress depends entirely on how it is used. Good debt, he explained, is channeled into assets or investments that generate income or appreciate in value—education, business loans, or mortgages. Bad debt, on the other hand, funds consumption and liabilities, like borrowing for luxury cars, expensive weddings, or the latest gadgets.
He painted a vivid picture of the debt spiral: overspending leads to borrowing, which leads to more borrowing, and soon, stress and financial pressure become a way of life. Breaking free requires discipline and strategy. Two proven approaches were outlined: the Snowball Method (clearing smaller debts first for motivation) and the Avalanche Method (tackling the highest-interest debts to save money in the long run).
The conversation then broadened to breaking free from debt and creating financial resilience. Participants were encouraged to:
- Audit spending and track every shilling to avoid “small leaks” that drain resources.
- Negotiate wherever possible—from school fees to loan interest rates.
- Diversify income streams by turning hidden skills into cash flow opportunities, whether baking, tutoring, or bookkeeping.
A critical reflection also came up: Is it valid to say that it’s easier to build wealth with debt than through saving? Benjamin explained that the statement carries much weight. With debt, one can take action earlier—such as starting a business today instead of waiting years to save up. Debt also adds urgency: because repayment is mandatory, people tend to put in more energy and focus to ensure success. In contrast, savings come with less pressure, which can sometimes lead to slower execution. Yet, he cautioned, debt only works when used responsibly. Mismanaging it—like diverting a loan into personal expenses—can turn it into a trap.
The session closed with a powerful reminder: “Debt is not the end of your story. It is simply a chapter. And chapters can change. What matters are the choices you make from this point forward.”
About Me
I love reading, writing, attending events, learning, leadership and meeting new people.
I hold a Masters Degree in International Law and I am passionate about life.
If you are interested in learning more about self discovery and becoming the best version of yourself.
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