Eunice Kuzimba Continues to Make Waves in Uganda’s Male Dominated Construction Industry

Meet Ephrance Eunice Kuzimba, a remarkable entrepreneur and the distinguished recipient of dfcu Bank’s Rising Woman award. Her journey, from her background as a lecturer in electrical and electronics engineering to her remarkable endeavors in the construction industry, is a testament to her unwavering determination, resilience, and commitment to shattering gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. She tells her story in this repurposed interview with dfcu.

Could you share insights into your background and the path you’ve taken to become a Rising Woman winner?

My path to becoming a Rising Woman winner has been defined by my commitment to entrepreneurship, addressing unemployment issues, and a fervent desire to positively impact individuals and society at large. This journey started during my childhood as I observed my father struggle with distribution challenges in his various entrepreneurial endeavours, particularly his brickmaking business. Thereafter, my 11-year stint at Kyambogo University as a lecturer in the Electrical and Electronics Engineering department opened my eyes to the plight of numerous graduates struggling to secure employment. These experiences fueled my aspiration to establish my own enterprise, Kuzimba Services, and also become a job creator especially with my background in engineering providing a unique avenue to support both my students and my community.

What served as the driving force behind your decision to enter your current industry or profession? Were there specific events or experiences that left an indelible mark on your career trajectory?

The decision to enter my current industry or profession was primarily driven by the glaring gender disparities that exist within it. The construction and related fields have long been male dominated, posing a considerable challenge. Clients often reacted with surprise when a woman, like myself, engaged in construction or paving projects, leading to doubts about our capabilities. However, these obstacles ignited my determination to shatter these gender barriers.

I recognized the crucial role of initiatives like dfcu’s Rising Woman in supporting women striving to establish themselves in male-dominated industries. The yearning for a robust support system as a woman was undeniable. Rising Woman, in particular, provided a pivotal platform for me to assert myself confidently as a female engineer in a male-dominated realm, challenging stereotypes and advancing gender equality in my industry.

While pursuing your journey to success, what obstacles did you encounter, and how did you navigate these challenges to reach your current level of achievement?

A key challenge I faced in the past three years was gaining acceptance as a female leader overseeing a male-dominated team in this industry coupled with overcoming prevailing biases against women in such roles demanded persistent efforts.

Asserting myself as a capable leader despite these odds was vital. It necessitated unwavering resilience, driven by my goals and the desire to break gender barriers in a male-dominated field. My ability to persevere and remain steadfast in my pursuit played a pivotal role in surmounting these obstacles and achieving my current level of success.

As a recipient of the Rising Woman award, you’ve undoubtedly accomplished remarkable milestones. Could you share some of these significant achievements that hold a special place in your heart?

Receiving the Rising Woman award has been a significant career milestone, emphasizing that success transcends financial gain and personal accomplishments. One cherished achievement is that pride I feel about providing employment to my students, mentoring them, and witnessing their professional growth. More than professional achievements, what truly resonates is the transformation within my community, where I’ve witnessed lives change and seen tangible impact.

Mentorship and guidance often play pivotal roles in personal and professional development. Have there been influential mentors or role models who have left a lasting impact on your journey? If so, how have they influenced your growth?

Mentorship has been pivotal in my development, beginning with my parents, especially my father, who instilled values like hard work and perseverance. I’ve also benefited from interactions with seasoned businessmen, senior architects, and accomplished individuals in the housing and construction estate. Their guidance and willingness to share insights have significantly influenced my journey, deepening my industry understanding and reinforcing dedication and resilience as key virtues on my path to success.

Given that gender equality and women’s empowerment are core themes of the Rising Woman award, how do you envision that your accomplishments contribute to these broader societal goals?

My accomplishments can inspire other women to pursue their aspirations in traditionally male-dominated fields, thereby promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. In my own sphere, I have actively worked towards this goal by ensuring that over half of the individuals I collaborate with are female, a figure that which stands at 51%.

This deliberate effort aims to encourage more women to engage in engineering and similar professions, demonstrating that success knows no gender boundaries. By breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity, I contribute to the broader societal goals of gender equality and empowering women in my field and beyond.

What valuable advice would you offer to other women aspiring to make their mark in your specific industry or field, especially in light of the potential obstacles they may face?

• Never let obstacles discourage you and maintain unwavering confidence in your abilities.
• Embrace a lifelong commitment to learning and constantly seek knowledge.
• Don’t hesitate to seek help and support from every available resource and build a strong, supportive network around you.
• Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone, and with determination and the right support, you can achieve anything you set your mind to accomplish.

Gazing into the future, what are your aspirations and objectives? How do you plan to continue effecting change within your industry and in broader spheres?

My future aspirations center on community impact, particularly through initiatives promoting sustainability and affordable housing for disadvantaged communities. Our projects, such as McConnell Reservella, demonstrate our commitment to these causes. I intend to increase social development by empowering individuals through skill development programs, offering training in crucial areas like electrical wiring, bricklaying, and painting.

The Rising Woman award underscores the potency of resilience and unwavering determination. How do you nurture these qualities within yourself, and how have they aided you in surmounting hurdles along the way?

Nurturing these qualities within myself involves maintaining a strong focus on my goals. I make it a practice to write down my objectives and stay unwaveringly dedicated to them. Despite external influences that may attempt to divert my path, I remain resolute in pursuing the dreams I have meticulously documented. Seeking inspiration and words of encouragement from successful women who have faced similar challenges is another way I sustain resilience. Moreover, I continuously learn from the obstacles that arise, using them as opportunities for growth and development.