A Journey of Growth: From Receiving Help to Empowering Others

Robert was raised by a single parent who worked as a caretaker and struggled to provide for the family. His life changed when a volunteer stepped in to sponsor his education. That generous act left a lasting impression on him and inspired a personal commitment that would guide his future: "One day, I will also help others."

What began as a simple promise soon became a driving purpose in his life.

After completing his education and building a career in the corporate sector, Robert never lost sight of his desire to make a difference. Together with his mentor, Kalema Andrew Joseph, he explored ways to support cocoa farmers through a cooperative model that would improve their livelihoods and strengthen their position in the market.

In 2013, Robert relocated to Bundibugyo in Western Uganda to support the Bundibugyo Improved Cocoa Farmers Cooperative Society. Drawing on the strong accounting, finance, and business advisory experience he gained during his time at KPMG, he played a key role in strengthening the cooperative’s systems and operations. His expertise and leadership enabled him to rise quickly through the ranks, and today he serves as the General Manager of the Cooperative, leading its growth and advancing its mission to create sustainable value and improved livelihoods for cocoa farmers.

Robert remains deeply grateful for the support provided by Rabo Foundation during the cooperative’s formative years. Beyond providing access to finance, the Foundation invested in building the organization’s long-term capacity through technical assistance and leadership development opportunities. Working with expert partners such as the Progreso Foundation, the cooperative received training and guidance that strengthened its governance, operations, and business management capabilities. This combination of financial and non-financial support laid the foundation for sustainable growth and future success.

Starting with just 31 farmers, the cooperative experienced remarkable growth. Within two years, membership had expanded to more than 4,000 farmers. Despite the steep learning curve, the team persevered, developed a strong market position, and began exporting certified cocoa to international markets.

Looking back, Robert credits much of the cooperative’s success to the early support of Rabo Foundation. Their willingness to invest in a young organization, listen to its needs, and adapt their support helped create the foundation for future growth. As the cooperative matured and demonstrated its potential, it attracted additional partners, funders, and government support. Yet Robert remains convinced that it was the trust and assistance provided during those formative years that made everything else possible. Today, under his leadership, the cooperative has grown into a stable organization with more than 5,000 members and exports over 20 containers of cocoa annually.

When Robert was invited by Rabo Foundation to participate in the African Leadership Journey (ALJ), he was initially sceptical. He believed he was already leading effectively and struggled to find time in his busy schedule to engage fully with the programme. That perspective changed when he received the results of his Leadership Circle 360° Feedback Assessment. The feedback revealed an important insight: while his leadership was valued, the organization had become overly dependent on him. Robert realized that although he was helping others succeed, he was also holding too much control. True leadership, he discovered, is not about being indispensable—it is about creating an environment where others can lead and thrive.

During the first ALJ retreat in Kampala, he frequently stepped out of sessions to answer calls and make decisions. Through the programme’s learning experiences and conversations with fellow leaders, he came to a powerful realization: "I want to help others, but I must also allow them to take ownership."

Armed with this new perspective, Robert began to change his leadership approach. He listened more attentively to his team and became more aware of the personal toll of carrying every responsibility himself—constant travel, endless demands, and little time for rest. Gradually, he delegated more authority, trusted his team with greater responsibility, and encouraged others to take ownership of key decisions. The result was a stronger organization and a healthier, more resilient leadership culture.

Today, Robert shares his story from the comfort of his home—something he once considered impossible. He spends more time with his family, prioritizes his well-being, and has the space to think strategically about the cooperative’s future growth. His purpose remains unchanged: to help others, just as he was once helped. What has changed is his understanding of how lasting impact is achieved.

He now believes that the greatest gift a leader can offer is not simply assistance, but the opportunity for others to lead as well. That is the essence of stewardship—building systems, developing people, and creating sustainable impact that improves the lives of farmers today and for generations to come.