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 33: National Water and Sewage Corporation’s Leaders are Learners Club (NWSC-LLC) Hosts Inaugural Writers Workshop to Enhance Writing Skills, Data Presentation and Drive Corporation Growth.
Written by Josephine Lunkuse.
In today’s corporate environment, the ability to effectively write documents, concept papers and research reports is crucial to driving business success and ensuring the sustainability of an organization. As marketing continues to evolve, it is increasingly important to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively to stakeholders. To support career growth and improve literacy in the workplace, the NWSC-LLC hosted its inaugural writers’ workshop at Jinja Road offices yesterday.
The session, led by Dr. Eng. Martin Kalibbala, Manager of Training and Capacity Development, provided valuable insights into crafting well-structured research reports. Participants were guided through the key components of a good research paper, including how to write an abstract, introduction, background of the study and objectives. Dr. Kalibbala emphasized that a research report should be divided into clear chapters such as introduction, methodology, appendices. He stressed the importance of clarity, simplicity and avoiding overly complex terminology adding that the abstract should range from 150 to 200 words.
Additionally, he highlighted the significance of choosing the appropriate research methodology, whether qualitative or quantitative and the importance of sourcing valid information and quoting accurately. He concluded with a reminder about the critical need for cross-verification of data to ensure its accuracy. The team left the workshop with practical knowledge that will undoubtedly enhance their ability to write impactful research reports.
In an interview with Brownie Ebal, President of the NWSC-LLC, she noted that the workshop had been invaluable in shaping the team’s approach to preparing abstracts for Uganda Water Week and papers for the International Water Association (IWA).
As the saying goes, knowledge is power, through this workshop, the NWSC-LLC has strengthened its ability to effectively communicate complex ideas, paving the way for better expression of their concepts.
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Article 32: Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress: Insights from the 11th Annual Women in Business Leader’s Conference.
On Thursday, 28th November 2024, the Uganda Women’s Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL) held the 11th Annual Women in Business Leaders’ Conference, bringing together inspiring voices to explore the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” The event began with remarks from Sarah Kitakule, Chairperson of the UWEAL Board, who highlighted the pivotal role women play in Uganda’s economy. She noted that 40% of SMEs are owned by women, positioning Uganda third globally in this regard. However, she posed a critical question: Are women truly thriving?
With 80% of women operating in the informal sector, Sarah stressed the untapped potential of women in Uganda. She noted that empowering women economically could have a ripple effect, benefiting society at large. Women are more likely to invest in their homes and families, prioritize household welfare, and improve nutrition and feeding practices within their
communities.
Sarah Kitakule concluded her remarks by urging participants to move beyond discussions and ensure the conference delivers meaningful actions that empower women and accelerate progress.Annette Kiconco, Chief Retail Banking Officer of DFCU Bank, emphasized the institution’s unwavering commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs through customized credit solutions and growth-oriented initiatives. She pointed out DFCU’s efforts to help women formalize their businesses, unlocking access to broader opportunities and sustainable success.
A notable example is the bank’s Kyadondo Center, a dedicated hub for women entrepreneurs. Beyond financial services, the center offers essential knowledge and skills to help women thrive in their ventures. Annette reaffirmed DFCU’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for women-led businesses to flourish. Please visit: https://www.dfcugroup.com/dfcu-
services/dfcu-women-in-business/ for more information about the initiatives.The first panel discussion featured Alex Asiimwe, Commissioner from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, and Hellen Alobo, Gender Specialist from CARE International Uganda, addressing challenges and opportunities for women’s economic empowerment.
Alex emphasized the legal protections provided under the Constitution, citing Articles 33 and 40, and urged women to use these as a foundation for advocacy. He also highlighted the government’s GROW Program, which offers financial support through secured loans and capacity building via financial literacy and digital skills training. While concerns were raised
about limited availability of GROW funds, Alex reassured attendees that additional funding was underway and encouraged women to stay in touch with their banks. For more on the GROW
Program, visit: https://www.uweal.co.ug.Hellen shed light on cultural barriers, such as limited access to land, male-dominated financial decision-making, and restricted use of mobile phones for business. She explained how CARE International works with families and communities to redistribute unpaid domestic work and raise awareness among men and boys about shared responsibilities. By collaborating with
cultural leaders, CARE challenges norms that hinder women’s progress and creates a more supportive environment. Learn more about CARE’s initiatives here: https://www.care.org.The panel concluded with a collective call for stronger collaboration among government, communities, and organizations to foster an inclusive environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive.
The second panel discussion featured speakers from Housing Finance Bank, Agile Media Africa, and the petroleum sector, offering practical strategies for women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses while driving sustainable development.
Transitioning from firewood and charcoal to gas was identified as a crucial step for sustainability. Gas, being cost-effective and environmentally friendly, reduces household expenses and conserves resources. This shift also presents a promising business opportunity for women to venture into gas distribution and tap into this expanding market. Women interested in
exploring this opportunity can find guidance and support through relevant programs.Housing Finance Bank’s Harold Grace Muzira introduced the Zimba Mpola Mpola Program, which now extends beyond mortgages to provide flexible financing tailored to individual income flows. Women with land who want to build can access incremental loans, helping them overcome challenges like limited land ownership, financial constraints, and literacy gaps. For
more details, visit: https://www.housingfinance.co.ug.From Agile Media Africa, Aggie Patricia Turwomwe highlighted the importance of brand identity and authentic storytelling for business growth. She encouraged women to leverage social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share their stories, noting that consistency and quality content could help them attract meaningful engagement, regardless of follower count.
In conclusion, the 11th Annual Women in Business Leaders’ Conference 2024 highlighted the significant role women play in driving Uganda’s economy while addressing key challenges such as cultural norms, limited resources, and language barriers. Practical solutions like the GROW
Program, Housing Finance’s Zimba Mpola Mpola initiative, and digital tools for branding were emphasized as pathways to progress.The conference reinforced the need for collaboration among government, private sector, and development partners to create an environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive. Investing in women is a direct investment in progress, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous
society.
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Article 31: Empowering the New Year: MS. Betty Ogiel’s Key Lessons on Resilience at NWSC-LLC Fellowship
Written by Josephine Lunkuse
Yesterday, the NWSC-LLC hosted the global inspirational speaker and resilience coach, Ms. Betty Ogiel, at their 23rd fellowship. The event, themed “Harnessing the Power of Resilience as One Steps into the New Year,” was an empowering session that left a lasting impact on attendees. Ms. Ogiel began her speech by defining resilience as the ability to recover from difficulties and adapt to new challenges. She elaborated on the different types of resilience, including emotional, physical, mental, social, spiritual and financial resilience. She explained that to successfully manage and cultivate all these forms of resilience, individuals must embody three core attitudes of learning that is overcoming the I know everything attitude, adopting a humble and open mindset that values learning from others and embracing a teachable spirit, acknowledging that personal growth comes from being receptive to guidance.
She went on to introduce several key pillars of resilience that everyone should practice to build strength and fortitude in their lives. These pillars include self-awareness, flexibility, building strong and supportive relationships, staying motivated and prioritizing self-care. She then highlighted the importance of resilience in navigating life’s challenges, noting that it helps individuals anticipate change, turn setbacks into comebacks and align their personal goals with their professional aspirations. Ms. Ogiel encouraged the attendees to approach 2025 with strategic foresight, cultivating a growth mindset, practicing gratitude, setting realistic goals and building emotional agility.
A critical part of her message was the importance of focusing on the positives. Reiterating the FOCUS framework, she urged everyone to channel their energy toward what uplifts them and propels them forward, no matter the obstacles they may face. Ms. Ogiel closed her speech by encouraging the audience to see challenges as opportunities for growth. She reminded them to remain strong, stay resilient and always aim higher in life, regardless of the hurdles that may come their way.
On behalf of the NWSC-LLC, Ms. Brownie Ebal extended the teams’ gratitude to Ms. Ogiel for sharing her invaluable insights adding that her words have set the tone for the team as they embark on making 2025 a year of winning, growth and monumental achievements.
For more information on Betty’s work. kindly visit her website:
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Article 30: Luzira Branch Hosts Legal Aid Clinic to Tackle Debt Management
Written by Sheila Wangutusi.
On 10th January 2025, Kampala Water’s Luzira Branch hosted a Legal Aid Clinic aimed at addressing arrears and enhancing staff knowledge on debt management. The exercise led by Principal Legal Officer, Advocate Brownie Ebal brought together the branch team and legal experts to explore solutions for debt recovery and prepare for an upcoming bad debt write-off initiative.
The Sub-Branch Manager, Mr. Peter Lugai, presented an overview of the branch’s water sales and collection status during which he emphasized the importance of such initiatives in equipping the team with strategies to manage debts effectively, particularly in identifying accounts eligible for bad debt write-offs.
During the clinic, the legal team tackled key challenges, including how to handle difficult customers and assess accounts for write-off eligibility. Notably, over 90 demand notices, totaling over UGX 62 million, were issued to defaulters.
Ms. Ebal provided detailed insights into the Bad Debt Policy, outlining categories of accounts eligible for write-offs, such as insignificant debts, rejected bills, demolished sites, and abandoned properties. She also clarified the necessary documentation for each case, to ensure compliance with NWSC’s guidelines.
Beyond debt recovery, the clinic offered alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, which would allow for customers to avoid costly legal processes while resolving their concerns. This approach has strengthened debt recovery efforts in the past and also improved staff understanding of NWSC’s governing laws and policies.
The clinic is one of KW’s broader strategy to combat water theft, illegal usage, and ofcourse aid in arrears reduction. Crackdowns on defaulters, coupled with opportunities for reconnection to supply on a percentage payment, have fueled all round customer trust, loyalty customer relations.
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Article 29: Financial Transformation for Women: Managing Personal Finances, Investment and Safety Nets
Representatives of Powerhouse Investment Club who attended the event. Written by Adv. Brownie Ebal
In today’s unpredictable world, financial transformation is more than just a goal—it is a necessity. For women, understanding and managing finances is key to building stability, independence, and a secure future. It begins with simple yet deliberate steps: gaining knowledge, saving, investing wisely, and establishing safety nets to protect against life’s uncertainties.
Financial literacy, the skill and knowledge to manage money well, is the foundation. Surprisingly, 85% of financial success is based on behavior and attitude rather than income alone. This means prioritizing resources, cultivating savings habits, and adopting a healthy relationship with money. Yet the statistics are sobering only 1% of people save for retirement, 2% of Ugandans have UGX 10 million or more at any given time, and 8.3 million Ugandans struggle daily to secure their next meal. These realities highlight the urgent need for women to take control of their finances, not only for themselves but also for their families.
Saving remains the first step toward transformation. An emergency fund—accessible and ready—can ease life’s unexpected burdens. Beyond saving, women must also focus on investments that create long-term value. Whether through agriculture, small businesses, or SACCOs, finding opportunities that align with market demands is essential. Skills and talents can also be monetized. Ask yourself: What am I good at, and how can I commercialize it? From baking to digital services, every ability holds the potential for income.
However, financial stability extends beyond money. A woman’s overall well-being—mind, body, and spirit—plays a significant role. Health is non-negotiable. Regular medical check-ups such as annual pap smears, mammograms, and PSA screenings for men are critical for early detection of health issues. Proper rest, physical activity, and emotional balance form the foundation for resilience. Engaging with children, spending quality time with them, and guiding them with values helps build a financially responsible future generation. Involving children in physical activities and meaningful conversations equips them with the tools to thrive.
Family dynamics and planning are equally vital. Concepts like the “5-Jar Approach,” used in Jewish households, teach the importance of dividing resources for savings, giving, spending, investing, and emergencies. Such habits, if passed down, ensure that financial responsibility becomes a family legacy.
Financial transformation is about taking small but significant steps today—saving consistently, managing debt wisely, investing for the future, and planning for transitions, including retirement. It is about creating safety nets through insurance, long-term financial plans, and the discipline to stick to them.
At its heart, the journey toward financial empowerment is deeply personal, yet its impact is far-reaching. Women who take control of their finances build not just their own futures but also resilient families and communities. By prioritizing our health, engaging with our loved ones, and managing our resources with intention, we can break cycles of financial hardship and pave the way for a brighter, more secure tomorrow.
Financial transformation begins with you. The steps you take today will secure your future and light the path for generations to come.
For more information on the Female Future Leadership Programme, kindly visit:
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.
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