Over the past ten years, Business Network International (BNI) Uganda has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s entrepreneurial landscape.
What started as a structured networking platform has evolved into a thriving ecosystem where businesses grow, relationships deepen, and entrepreneurs find the support they need to navigate the challenges of running a business.
BNI is a Global Network of business professionals who help each other grow their businesses through referrals and training.
Diana Ninsiima Kibuuka, the Founder and Director of BNI Uganda, has been at the forefront of this transformation.
Reflecting on BNI’s journey, she acknowledges that while the mission has always been to help businesses grow, the impact has been far greater than she initially envisioned.
Before BNI, the business culture in Uganda was largely competitive, with entrepreneurs often working in silos. Trust was a major issue, and collaboration without immediate financial gain was foreign to many.
BNI introduced a different approach, one based on structured networking, trust, and relationship building.
“When we first launched BNI in Uganda, people were skeptical. Many business owners found it hard to believe that they could refer clients to each other without expecting an instant commission,” Kibuuka recalls.
However, over the years, this mindset has shifted significantly. Today, BNI Uganda has built a network where members not only exchange business referrals but also provide each other with mentorship, advice, and emotional support.
“Now, business owners understand that when they help others grow, they grow too. Trust has been built, and collaboration is now seen as a key driver of success,” she explains.
One of the most significant impacts of BNI Uganda has been the tangible growth of businesses within the network.
Many companies that joined as small startups have expanded their operations, increased their revenue and created employment opportunities.
“We had a cleaning company that joined BNI with no retainer clients and no full-time employees. Four years later, they have an office, a full team, and a steady stream of business,” Kibuuka shares.
This success story is not unique. Across different industries, BNI members have reported substantial business growth, largely due to the referrals, training, and accountability that come with being part of the network.
“BNI has provided businesses with a reliable and structured way to get new clients, something that many small businesses struggle with,” she adds.
As businesses grow, so do their responsibilities. BNI Uganda has played a significant role in helping small businesses improve their compliance with tax regulations, intellectual property laws, and labor requirements.
“Many of our members start as informal businesses, but as they get bigger clients through BNI, they realize the need to be compliant. We have seen an increase in tax registration, business formalization, and adherence to industry standards,” Kibuuka says.
This shift has not only benefited the individual businesses but has also contributed to the national economy. With more businesses operating formally, there is greater tax revenue collection and a stronger regulatory environment.
One of the biggest tests for BNI Uganda and the business community at large was the COVID-19 pandemic. Before 2020, all BNI meetings were conducted physically. When the pandemic hit, businesses faced unprecedented challenges, and BNI had to adapt quickly.
“Surviving COVID-19 was one of our biggest achievements. Overnight, we had to shift from physical to online meetings,” Kibuuka recalls.
This was not an easy transition. Limited internet access, election-related disruptions, and the economic downturn made it difficult for businesses to stay afloat.
“Many of our members were struggling, some lost clients, and others had to shut down temporarily. But what stood out was how BNI members supported each other. They gave advice, shared resources, and helped each other pivot their businesses,” she says.
One notable example was a travel agency owner who transitioned into the transport and logistics sector after international travel was halted.
“She already had the infrastructure to move people, so she started moving goods instead. That’s the power of a strong support network,” Kibuuka explains.
Today, BNI Uganda continues to embrace hybrid meetings, offering both physical and online options to accommodate the evolving business landscape.
Beyond financial growth, BNI Uganda has contributed significantly to job creation. Many members who joined as solo entrepreneurs now run businesses that employ multiple people.
“Employment creation has been one of our biggest successes. When businesses grow, they hire more people, which means more families have stable incomes,” Kibuuka says.
In addition to fostering business growth, BNI Uganda has been active in community service. The organization has supported health initiatives, including dental outreach programs for people living with HIV/AIDS, aid for cancer patients at Mulago Hospital, and donations to homes for the elderly.
“We believe in giving back. A thriving business community should also contribute to social causes,” she adds.
As BNI Uganda celebrates a decade of impact, Kibuuka has even bigger plans for the future. Over the next ten years, she envisions expanding BNI’s reach across the country, ensuring that entrepreneurs in every region can benefit from structured networking.
“My goal is to have 5,000 members across Uganda from Gulu to Mbale to Fort Portal. We want to work with local communities and governments to create an environment where business owners can thrive,” she states.
This expansion, she believes, will have a ripple effect driving more revenue for businesses, increasing government tax collection, and fostering a culture of business integrity.
For new entrepreneurs, Kibuuka emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals and being willing to put in the effort.
“It’s not enough to just join a network; you have to actively participate. Success in BNI, like in business, requires commitment and consistency,” she says.
“Trust is everything in business. If you don’t honor your commitments, you will limit your opportunities,” she warns.
As she reflects on BNI Uganda’s journey, Kibuuka hopes the organization will be remembered for its role in transforming the business landscape.
“We want to be known as the organization that helped business owners grow and thrive. More than that, we want to leave behind an ecosystem where businesses succeed through trust, collaboration, and structured networking,” she says.
“My legacy is about creating leaders, empowering people, and fostering a culture of trust in business,” she concludes.
After ten years of impact, BNI Uganda is not just a networking platform it is a driving force behind the country’s business transformation.
With its eyes set on the future, the organization is poised to create even greater opportunities for Ugandan entrepreneurs in the years to come.