The world is a melting pot of different culture, traditions, customs, and practices. It goes without saying that you need to learn about them if you are seeking to do business with a foreign country. Doing some research is a sign of respect for the other party involved, but it can also make your trip successful from the start. You may find some habits a bit odd, and some of them are hard to understand, but you need to read about the business mentality of a particular country before you decide to go there and close a deal.
Uganda is no different. It has its own business etiquette just like any other country. In order to succeed in your endeavors, you need to learn how to behave, the dos and don’ts, and some knowledge about their culture cannot hurt either. Below you will find what you need to know before engaging in business with a Ugandan company.
You should not have trouble in communicating with the Ugandan delegation since English is a well-spoken language in the business world. Swahili and Lugandan are also spoken, you do not have to worry about learning them. It is recommended, however, that you learn some greeting formulas in the official language. It is a sign of respect, and the Ugandan delegation will appreciate your effort.
Ugandan companies will value getting to know you first before engaging in business. They need to develop a strong relationship with you before trusting you, so expect many questions about your background and about your family. This may not be how things work in your country of origin, but people in Uganda are warm, and they need to know who they are getting into bed with. Answer the questions with patience and a smile on your face, and you will win their hearts in no time.
Do not expect things to be over in a short amount of time. Ugandan people like to take their time before reaching a conclusion. They will discuss your offer extensively, and sometimes multiple meetings are required. Again, you need to express patience and understanding. Do not try to hard sell your pitch or to rush anyone since you may come off as aggressive. The opportunity will go away shortly after that.
As for the dress code, the meeting will always take place between well-dressed people. A suit and a tie are necessary, although more informal meeting can be performed in a buttoned-down shirt. However, make sure that you always look neat since it is a sign of discipline. For some reason, Ugandan people like discipline and good organizational skills. The way you dress can say a lot about you. Women should never wear dresses or skirts that are too tight, and if you go on a business trip to rural Uganda as a woman, your skirt or dress should fall below the knees.
During the negotiations, you will get the same treatment you offer. If you prove that you are dedicated to your partnership, and you make all the efforts for a good outcome, the Ugandan delegation will do the same. Premium consensus is preferred in Uganda, and the discussions may take a while before a decision is made. However, as long as you do your part well, you can expect a positive outcome way before you get an answer.
As for greetings, a firm handshake should be more than enough, but there are some rules for shaking the hand of a woman. If the Ugandan delegation includes a woman, you should never initiate the handshake. You need to wait for the woman to extend her arm. If she does not, you need to nod or bow your head for acknowledgment. You need to show that you have seen the woman and greet her. You should never ever ignore her, even if she does not want to shake your hand.
Punctuality is an important aspect of Uganda’s business world. Everyone needs to be on time, especially you. However, senior members of the delegation may arrive a little late, but that should not be construed as a sign of disrespect. Quite the contrary, actually. It is a display of seniority.
During a business with a Ugandan delegation, you may sometimes be confused about what the Ugandans are talking. They sometimes communicate indirectly, and they use proverbs or sayings to make a point. Do not let that throw you off and base your understanding on body language and facial expressions as well. It may take a little while to learn how to read between the lines, but you will get the hang of it. You can make jokes from time to time, should the opportunity arise, but sarcasm is never received well in Uganda, so you should avoid it entirely.
People in Uganda do not exchange business cards when they are introduced. You can, however, do so if you like. Just make sure that one side of your credit card says the same thing as on the front in the official Ugandan language. It is a sign of respect, and the Ugandan delegation will appreciate your effort. The meetings usually do not have an agenda, and you will find yourself talking about unplanned topics. The discussion can sometimes be unpredictable, which is why you should be fully prepared for all your meetings.
When you are talking to someone on the delegation, you should never refer to him or her using the first name. You need to use titles like Mr. and Mrs. and keep in mind that some names include a traditional tribal name and a Christian name. The names in Uganda may be a bit difficult to pronounce and remember, but you should put all your effort into it. It is okay to ask someone how to pronounce a name, but once you are told, you should not ask again.
Uganda is an opening market, and many opportunities may arise. You should take advantage of that and pay them a visit. As long as you follow the simple rules above, you should have a very successful trip.
Watch how simple it is
