Networking. We all know that it helps to have a great network of professionals and connections in your pocket. Today’s economy and work environment greatly encourage I,t too. But for many Ugandans, while the prospect of networking is obviously helpful, we find it a little bit like begging and whining for a gig. There’s this awkwardness, a slight tinge of shame, that creeps in when trying to approach someone in power or someone more established, even when it’s with good intentions.
So why does this come out the way it does? Well, here is why networking feels like begging for many Ugandans.
We Have a Culture of Respect and Hierarchy
In Ugandan culture, there’s a deep respect for elders and those in higher positions. Authority figures, successful business people, or influential community members are often regarded with a sense of distance. You’re expected to approach them carefully, humbly, and only when truly necessary. This cultural norm makes direct networking feel inappropriate to some. Imagine reaching out to a prominent entrepreneur on LinkedIn or WhatsApp to introduce yourself or pitch an idea. Many people would rather not. Not because they don’t have something valuable to say, but because it feels like overstepping.
This mindset greatly comes from our upbringing, where children are taught not to speak unless spoken to and to never challenge those older or more accomplished. So, when it comes to networking, a practice that often requires confidence, assertiveness, and sometimes a little self-promotion, the average Ugandan might hesitate.
The Fear of Seeming Desperate
Another reason networking feels like begging is because of how opportunity and status are perceived in Uganda. If you reach out to someone too often or too early in your journey, you might be labeled as desperate or opportunistic. People will whisper, “He just wants a job” or “She’s looking for a shortcut.” That fear of being judged discourages many from even trying.
This fear is valid too. There have been enough instances where someone “networked” their way into someone’s inbox only to ask for favors, handouts, or patronage with little to offer in return. Over time, this has created a stereotype around networking that leans more towards neediness than mutual professional growth.
Influence of Aid Culture
Uganda has a long history of receiving foreign aid and hosting numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs). While these entities provide essential services, they can inadvertently build a culture of dependency. In some cases, individuals become accustomed to seeking assistance from NGOs, which can spill over into professional interactions, making networking resemble appeals for aid rather than strategic partnerships.
From the point of view of the youth, it makes perfect sense to line up by the roadside and wait for money to be distributed. And it is a minor thing to wear yellow and parrot the praises of the National Resistance Movement. In return, it doesn’t even matter that, owing to a lack of entrepreneurial, management and technical skills, the money will soon be lost because it is a grant. – Skilling Uganda’s Youth: How a Culture of Begging Is Being Institutionalised
Indirect Communication Is The Norm
Ugandans typically communicate in a more indirect way. We love our proverbs, hints, and polite nudges. So, when someone comes out boldly to introduce themselves, speak about their skills, or pitch an idea, it can feel too forward. In our social code, humility is a virtue, and speaking about your achievements can be seen as bragging.
That puts the average professional in a tough spot. You need to sell yourself to land the deal or the job, but you also need to stay humble so you don’t turn people off. It’s a balancing act that isn’t easy to master, and without the right tone or context, a networking message can feel like a desperate plea instead of a confident introduction. This makes many Ugandans steer clear of the act itself, because, quite frankly, we all hate it when some random contact from a mutual WhatsApp group goes on about save my contact, I do this, and that we can view statuses, blah blah blah.
The Scarcity of Structured Networking Platforms
Unlike in places like the US or Europe, where networking events, career fairs, and professional meetups are normal, Uganda doesn’t have enough structured platforms where people can safely and confidently connect. Most networking is informal. It happens at weddings, parties, church gatherings, or maybe at a seminar where you’re lucky enough to sit next to someone important. And while true that social platforms like WhatsApp are present to hit a connection request to the masses and hope to land a lucky one, most of it feels too informal and poised at making the connectee have a bigger space to self-advertise on the statuses.
This lack of structure makes networking a gamble. There’s no handbook or guaranteed process. You’re left with sliding into someone’s DMs and hoping for the best, or praying your cousin knows someone who knows someone. And that uncertainty makes people even more reluctant to try.
The Economy Plays a Role Too
Uganda’s youth unemployment rate is high, and many people are constantly searching for gigs, contracts, or jobs. That creates a competitive and often desperate environment. When everyone is struggling to get ahead, any attempt to network might be seen as yet another person trying to find a way into limited opportunity.
With a significant portion of the population facing economic challenges, reaching out for professional connections is rarely viewed as a strategic move — it’s more often perceived as seeking favors or handouts. The environment is so strained that the line between networking and hustling feels almost invisible. Many Ugandans associate networking with pleading for help rather than engaging in a mutually beneficial exchange.
This discomfort is further fueled by real experiences. There have been countless instances where individuals leverage relationships not to collaborate or add value, but to extract favors: jobs, contracts, introductions, without offering anything meaningful in return. Over time, this culture breeds skepticism. People begin to assume that anyone “networking” is probably just out to gain something with little or no intention of reciprocating.
And then there’s Uganda’s deep-rooted reliance on informal networks and patronage systems. In many circles, who you know matters far more than what you can actually do. It’s not uncommon for jobs or deals to go to someone’s cousin, old schoolmate, or friend from church, regardless of qualifications. This system makes it hard for genuine merit-based networking to thrive. Instead of building professional rapport, people find themselves navigating power dynamics, gatekeepers, and invisible hierarchies.
The result? Networking begins to feel like a delicate dance of appearances and allegiances, not a straightforward exchange of ideas or opportunities. And when the odds are already stacked against you, the last thing you want is to look like you’re begging. So many opt out entirely — staying quiet, staying small, and hoping their work speaks for itself.
So, How Do We Fix This?
- Normalize Networking as Value Exchange: Networking shouldn’t just be about asking; it should also be about offering. Even if you’re not rich or established, you have insights, perspectives, or support that someone else might find useful. Lead with what you can bring to the table.
- Create and Support Professional Platforms: More Ugandan organizations need to host meetups, panel discussions, webinars, and mentorship programs. These platforms create safe, formal spaces to connect without feeling like you’re invading someone’s space. A great example of this has been creative bazaars where creatives come together to show what they do, things like crafts, arts…I have got a few jewelers and gift-box makers from such events, and I have to say it is a great experience in itself.
- Educate on Modern Communication: We need to normalize personal branding, online visibility, and professional outreach. It’s okay to introduce yourself and speak about your achievements. Done right, it’s not bragging, it’s clarity. Because at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how good a product or service you offer if nobody knows about it.
- Be Honest About Our Struggles: We need to have more open conversations about the challenges of breaking into the job market, entrepreneurship, and leadership circles. When we’re real with each other, we reduce the shame around asking for help.
Networking in Uganda doesn’t have to feel like begging. It only feels that way because of how our society has been shaped; our values, our history, our economy…at the end of the day, everyone needs a hand. The difference is in how we extend it. – More on Jobs and Opportunities
