Richard began his career in building and construction as a volunteer with a Canadian charity organization, where he was later hired on a two year contract due to his excellent work ethic. After this, the organization connected Richard with ACTS for Water, another Canadian charity organization which provides rural communities with sustainable access to water. Here, he worked as a Technician, building tap stands within the different communities they supported. Later on, Richard’s career shifted again and he joined Watoto, a non-government organization, where he spent his time constructing homes for orphans and other vulnerable people. 

During his time with Watoto, Richard began receiving emails from ACTS for Water, asking him to return to work for them again. He accepted their request, and went on to expand his skill set while working with ACTS. He obtained a certificate in Community Facilitation, which allows him to teach the communities they support about sanitation, hygiene and entrepreneurship. He also received  a certificate in Project Management, and a diploma in Leadership and Management. The professional development Richard was doing and the experience he was gaining brought him many different promotions within ACTS for Water. He was first promoted from a Technician to a Foreman, then to Projects Manager, then Programs Manager, and most recently to Director of Operations. Within this time, Richard was reminded of his love for learning, which helped motivate him to attend university, as he originally planned for his life.

Richard resonates with the story of Joseph in the Bible. Joseph interpreted the king’s dream, but this dream did not come true for many years. Although Richard planned to attend university many years ago, his dream has still come true; he just had to be patient. He has now graduated from university and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Leadership and Management. He lives in Uganda with his wife, two sons and three daughters, and he continues to work for ACTS for Water.  

Richard’s excitement for learning is what has motivated him to attend the Abundant Leadership Institute (ALI). He believes that the skills he learns will help him in his career, and he is looking forward to continuing to learn in order to improve himself as a leader. He is passionate about the work he does because, while growing up, he too had to travel in the morning to fetch water. The journey was long and dangerous, and had many negative consequences. Therefore, Richard understands how having reliable access to clean water within a community can make a huge impact, and he is excited to see how ALI will support the work that he is doing.