Uganda Baati has brought together male employees for a wellness conversation focused on mental health, personal growth, relationships and work-life balance, as part of efforts to encourage open discussions around challenges affecting men.
The engagement, held under the Safal Circles initiative, used the analogy of steel being strengthened under pressure but requiring care to maintain its durability to highlight the importance of resilience and self-care.
The session provided a platform for employees to discuss issues often overlooked in workplace conversations, including emotional wellbeing, career pressures, financial responsibilities, family expectations and maintaining healthy relationships.
Former media executive and businessman Robert Kabushenga, who led the conversation, challenged participants to rethink traditional perceptions of masculinity and embrace self-awareness, openness and seeking support when necessary.
Kabushenga said true strength is not only measured by professional success but also by the ability to maintain personal wellbeing, build meaningful relationships and continuously improve oneself.
He encouraged men to pay attention to changes in the behaviour of colleagues, friends and family members, saying early support can help prevent serious challenges.
“If someone changes their routine, comes to work late, isolates himself, speaks to himself, or has bruised bodies, those could be red flags. Instead of judging them, sit with them and check if all is well,” Kabushenga said.
He also encouraged men to build trust within their families, including involving spouses in financial decisions and respecting their contributions.
Kabushenga noted that circumstances can change, and roles within families can shift over time.
“Today they may be the breadwinner and tomorrow the job is gone and the wife becomes the sole breadwinner. Respect your spouse because life changes,” he said.
Uganda Baati Chief Executive Officer George Arodi said workplace performance is closely linked to employee wellbeing, arguing that organisations must invest in people alongside technology and business growth.
“At Uganda Baati, we believe our greatest asset is our people. We invest in technology, innovation and manufacturing excellence, but we must invest just as intentionally in the wellbeing of our employees,” Arodi said.
He added that healthy and supported employees are better positioned to contribute positively to their organisations and communities.
The discussion also highlighted Uganda Baati’s internal “Are You Kawa?” initiative, which encourages colleagues to check on one another’s wellbeing and offer support where necessary.
Participants reflected on the pressures facing modern men, including balancing demanding careers with family responsibilities, managing stress and maintaining physical and emotional health.
The conversation comes amid growing global attention to workplace mental health, with employers increasingly recognising the link between employee wellbeing and productivity.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously highlighted the economic impact of depression and anxiety, while workplace studies have shown that employees who feel supported and engaged tend to demonstrate higher levels of productivity.
By creating space for conversations that are often avoided, Uganda Baati’s wellness engagement sought to promote a broader understanding of strength — not only as endurance under pressure, but also as the ability to seek support, care for oneself and support others.