David Wampamba

Author: David

  • How do you find courage to push on hard for success?

    Many of us have a vision and dreams which we really want to achieve in this life. In fact, we try to work hard, set goals and objectives but it just doesn’t happen or it is about to happen before we quit. Don’t give up, read this article of series in which am sharing 10+ important lessons which have discovered and embraced to keep me on track for success.
    First of all, many people treat success like a destination though in actual civilization success is a journey we travel to create reality from our dreams and visions. Paint your vision.

    • Find your passion

    I like to agree with one professor who said “Passion is the fire that lights your way“. Put yourself in a position of tasking in a dark cage without light, how far will you go?

    • Know WHY

    “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain
    If you don’t have a reason, then you purposeless/directionless take a journey. Such journeys end nowhere. The WHY is the reason you are here on this planet, breathing and perhaps do whatever you do.
    Let me share something with you about me.
    I’m passionate about developing solutions using computers, and various skillsas resources available to me. I’m also passionate about talking to people about the positive side of things.
    I didn’t know how to do this effectively to benefit myself without wasting resources or being used to advantage. When I was introduced to David Reeve, Unleash Dreams and Unleash culture founder, I put in time to learn about the reason “WHY”. I’m happy that I can stand before you with my head high and say my purpose to you in a simple sentence. Everyday I live, everything I do, the question is am I fulfilling my purpose?

  • How to create Web Applications using WordPress! Part 1

    WordPress powers over 24million websites online, and people are leveraging it’s simplistic to create amazingly life changing web applications, without spending much time on coding. In article I will teach you how to create Web Applications using WordPress, of course it will involve some coding but it will be easier than any code you have come across.
    Assuming you know how to install WordPress, on your host or computer, install it and login afterwards.
    Navigate to the plugins WordPress dashboard and install a plugin called Advanced Custom Fields and Custom Post Type UI
    After installing them follow part 2 here.
     
     

  • 3 Mistakes every youth should avoid to get to the top of entrepreneurship game.

    1. Avoid getting loans in early stages of life and idea development.
    Getting loans is one way of solving lifetime obstacles, in fact not money people have been able to succeed without getting a couple of them. Loans sometimes are a catalyst of self motivation to working harder. Because you know you got a debt you must pay, so you work hard to beat time limits and pay back. Pretty good, isn’t it?
     
    Where is the mistake?
    If a loan is to work for you, it should be at a time when you are able to service it. Those times when you have enough income flow, or properties which you are ready to sell off if things don’t go right.
     
    By the way, it doesn’t matter from who you get the loan. Because eventually you will have to pay back. And if you delay then you are essentially harming your network/society indirectly. Do you want to be in such a situation where someone who would be able to help his/herself has to turn to others for help? And the only reason is because they gave out a loan to a friend who is unable to pay back?
     
    2. Don’t give loans.
     
    Whether giving loans is your business or not. Evaluation should be at the front otherwise it’s a huge mistake. Many people have the potential to become rich but mistakes like giving out loans to friends on that basis is not right. At least am saying this out of experience, because many times I’ve got/gave loans from/to friends but we ended up hurting ourselves in the process. Believe you me, unless it’s a life taking situation, always there is another way than a loan. In fact in life talking situations we usually come to the rescue by giving out to save a life.
     
    3. Don’t order unless you have cash.
     
    Every business on this planet grows by having a steady cash flow.
     
    Try so much to avoid traps of ordering for services/products when you don’t have cash. This will help you develop and hook up strong networks. It won’t only show your authenticity, it will translate in care and fairness for everybody around you. The minimum you can order on expected income is when you are 150% specific on the dates it’s coming in. In addition to having self trust that when it comes all you will do is submit the payment. Actually the service provider should know and agree with you, with pure understanding of your the situation. If not that then it’s a mistake you are doing which will be felt like exploiting others. The harm this brings is not felt only by the people/businesses you exploited. It will actually be felt by you, your family and network.
    In summary, say no to loans, order with cash. You won’t believe the speed of personal/business development you will have.

  • Using minimum resources available to empower communities in Uganda!!!

    Uganda has more than 100 districts occupied by 35 million people, Kampala being the capital city hence the district of preference for everyone. The capital is a home for 1.5 million people. This district is attractive to many due to better education, health, transport, communication etc services than other districts. It also  has modern towns such as Kabalagala, Nsambya, Kansanga and Makindye in contrast to those of other districts.
    The factors about Kampala, are the major migration attraction for young people from many under developed districts to this area.
    Though it’s the best place for anyone in Uganda, it’s not the same for the opportunities it avails. For example, many young people from other districts end up sleeping on streets because Kampala doesn’t welcome none skilled individuals. Without skill, one has to have relatives in this area to accommodate, for sometime as he/she learns something to do.
    As of today, over 1000 young men and women are living and sleeping at the streets, they become beggars, crooks or robbers. The only optional available if they are to stay alive living in Kampala. It’s easier to say, than to see or experience. Life at the streets has never been a preference, it never becomes good, it just deteriorates from being someone to becoming useless, hopeless, forgotten and all alone.

    I believe something can be done.

    Many people say we can’t change lives because of the government system, which accommodates corrupt, unaccountable, certified but not qualified and lack of passion officials. In addition everyone who takes care of his life and family, has nothing more to give; when you work and earn, all you get is what can keeps you living today. Without being extra creative  you may some feelings have to live the next day on an empty stomach.
    Life has many options, we just don’t have to relax in our comfort zones, but we can do something. Recently I ran local a crowd fund, of UGX 500,000/= equivalent to US 150$. Of the crowd funding goal, 7 of us were able to contribute the little we had and raised UGX 249,000/= about US 74$ in total. What this fund will do is wonders. It will be handed to the youths of Soweto in Jinja, where life is not as expensive as Kampala.
    The youths here will be able to start small but sustainable income generating activities.
    This will reduce the number of youths and young kids who end up at the streets of town centers.
    In this area school fees is as low as 30,000/= equivalent to US 8$ per term of 3 months, but 80% families cannot afford this. Now that we raised this money I believe if the youths use it to implement income generating activities and keep committed, it will take a few years and they will have a better life than now.
    Hope is restored, when someone knows someone can be there for them. So we promised some parents some start up capital too and school fees. I will also be visiting them once in a month or 2 months, to train them, inspire them and check their progress.
     
     
     

  • What vs Why in business.

    Many of us from East Africa start up businesses on the principle of results. I want to have some income, I want to be respected, I want to feed my family or I want to be called so and so. As if our sales will be automatic which in reality it can never be. What if we pulled plug on Why and What principles?
    Embracing “Why” when involving in any business puts us in pole position to succeed since it  pushes one to look at the realistic bit of things.
    Why is the attraction of How, What, Where and When.
    Without why, one is set to running a business by default as opposed to design. The most successful business people in the world observe it. Take for example, facebook. Mark Zuckerberg had to ask  why start facebook.com, How will it work and help in daily life, Where will facebook used (Who will use facebook) and When.
    Whatever answers, he got must be the reason why we use this platform everyday, everywhere and everyone virtually uses it.
    Additionally embracing “What” helps you define an idea (business) or be part of one. This definition is also the reason why others come on board.
    Of course Why defines the purpose for what a solution is created but not everyone will comprehend the why, this is when the What will come to help the people you are talking to understand.
    The easier it is for them to understand, the easier it is for them to work with you.
    See you at the top! 🙂

  • How to build relevant networks and improve your business.

    How to build relevant networks and improve your business.

    Any idea whether charity or business needs at a collage of these 5 elements, to grow. In fact, so many of underrate one of the elements, but if once neglected, however much the idea will develop, it may completely fail when it finds a stumbling block. The Idea, The Labour, The Skill, The Market and The Capital are such elements which foster a developing cause/product/service. They are largely equivalent, and are none is bigger, none is smaller which means a good entrepreneur must balance them in his/her eco-system to experience success and sustainability.
    How does network get’s it way in. A relevant network is the only way we have those elements in abundance. In this network some are buyers (market) also talk good of us and what we do, some are business partners or charity partners – they invest/fund, some are your employees providing skill and labour, while others could are innovators creating and building ideas. Your Network is your Net Worth so how can you build and sustain it?

    Focus on your interests.

    Because you need good people around you, it doesn’t mean any famous or popular individual is worth having in your circles. Some have achieved through by hurting others and you don’t want to involve that character in your own personal life or brand life. Because at anytime it can hurt. So know yourself first, know what you are interested in and build your brands are that too. As you do that the people you will attract will most likely have similar interests who posses the qualities of the interests you know you need.

    Be responsive

    I also suck at this but am doing my best to improve. When you get a new friend or have an old friend, he/she deserves to know you care. Press that phone call or send that text, email once  in a while you never know the nourishment it may bring. This is also necessary, when these people reach out for you. Be that someone that is not focusing to impress everyone but just being there when it’s necessary. And the emotional attachment will improve.

    Be supportive

    Some day, I was having a Facebook chat with my friend from France. We were discussing about the class I was going through and I hinted on the award winning. Then he hinted that I should be careful about awards. This meant a lot of me, it showed my friend from a far is supportive to me and wishes me the best. Many people who have money desires think such support like a word or two is not that important. For me it’s important.

    Be honest

    To me honesty is key and a person who is honest has a unique character. It means to be true to yourself as well as others everywhere. This eliminates unnecessary doubts, and it’s fuel to great networks. Just keep calm and always be who you are.

    Go to events

    If there is anything to be done, can only be done out there – Ortega Ian, a friend of mine said this to me. Choose the events about the causes you love, attend them because chances are; you will meet inspiration there and make new networks.
    They are more things you can actually do to build networks and sustain them, feel free to share with the world. By sharing them through comments.
    Wish you success! #OneLove
     
     

  • Take action and paint your vision.

    Take action and paint your vision.

    For so many months I have been pondering on whether I should learn git or not, I know I needed it than I wanted. Though I kept on procrastinating which made everything difficult. To the extend that even the little I knew evaded from my brain.
     
    A few weeks ago, a friend(Bosco Anthony) shared his with me, his TedEx talk video and did more to me especially igniting my motivation.
     
    In his video he shared about the game changing ingredients which are Purpose and Momentum. And he shared what he knows are the 5 real life applications for fueling one’s purpose. What interested me more was accountability and vision.
     
    How would you achieve a vision if you are not accountable, how easy will it be if you practiced clarity?
     
    Last night I wrote a tutorial which could help anyone learn how to create a WordPress plugin.
     
    Yesterday (3rd/July/2016), besides being a Sunday, I utilized the day instead of relaxing to create templates for the products I’m about to bring to the market, in addition to creating a WordPress plugin, which will help WordPress website owners add 120px by 600px banners to their websites without writing a single piece of code or waiting for a web administrator to do it for you.This plugin is already uploaded to github.com.
    github-git-cmd-push-photo
    A screenshot of the process as I pushed to github via Git CMD.
    So that anyone can do whatever he wants do to it for free. Whether you install it on your blog or fork it and contribute to it, you’re welcome. Before the end of the day, I will try to upload it to WordPresss.org, fingers crossed. It will be my first in the repository. You may find it here, if you want it.
     
    Little of this would happen if I hadn’t watched this 18 minute video. In fact, sincerely, the words Bosco shared helped me find Rhythm and introspect.
     
    You can access the video here on youtube.
  • Simplest WordPress plugins creation, Part 1.

    Simplest WordPress plugins creation, Part 1.

    There is no question WordPress is the most popular Content Management System, in the world of CMS possibly because of it’s simplistic and the free blog platform wordpress.com and support for several features; theming, plugins, widgets, media management and more being the most notable. I personally love SEO support that it comes with out of box.

    Plugins-available-in-Wordpress-dot-org
    WordPress.org has over 45k plugins!

    Actually wordpress.org has ove 40,000 plugins and more are coming in. So why do I teach someone who to make a plugin? Simply because you may have an idea that is not yet executed though it could be useful to you and other WordPress users. So if you read this short tutorial and other parts, you will be able to do that whenever you want.
    Tip: WordPress plugins can be monetized hence make some income for you.

    Prerequisite knowledge you should have/know.

    It’s important to check yourself for the technologies below.

    • HTML, CSS & PHP knowledge (Must)
    • Javascript/Jquery/Angular knowledge is a plus
    • A text editor such as Notepad++, Brackets & Sublime, etc.
    • A fully working WordPress installation, running on a local/private server. Testing on local(development) set up, is recommended in order not harm the website the visitors are viewing.

    Step 1. In a folder of your choice, create a main PHP file of your plugin and name it. e.g my_plugin.php
    For preview purposes, I suggest to create a folder, residing in the WordPress plugin folder.
    Which is located at /wordpress_install_folder/wp-content/plugins
    If you have xampp installed on your development machine, you have this folder in the path; c:/xampp/htdocs/wordpress_install_folder/wp-content/plugins
    Step 2: Add plugin code to the file

    a.Tell WordPress about your Plugin

    A WordPress plugin begins with code that describes the plugin, they code is so helpful for installation, uninstall and management of the plugin. It also makes extending the plugin or updating it’s code easier. Such details include:- Plugin Name, Description, Tags, Author, Version, Author URI and etc. As a general rule of thumb this code goes at the start of the file, enclosed in comments.
    Example:
    /*
    Plugin Name: My Plugin
    Author: awebdesigner
    Author URI: http://fictiontoactual.wordpress.com
    Description: My Plugin is a cool plugin and it will print the date at the footer of website. For illustration purposes.
    Version: 0.0.1
    */
    b. Add code to do the real thing
    add_action(‘wp_footer’,’print_date’);
    function print_date(){
    echo date(‘Y’);
    }
    Step 3: Compress and upload to server.
    Let see it in action. Compress the plugin and upload it to your site.
    Notice: Since WordPress is coded using PHP, it’s plugins supports everything PHP supports, includes, services, MYSQL etc. Don’t limit yourself.
    What’s next? Improving the functionality of our WordPress Plugin by adding to the Admin Menu, integrating a form which saves something and display to the users.
     

  • Why get a credit card in Uganda?

    Why get a credit card in Uganda?

    Online(internet) wholesale and retail stores are increasing in the this third world country. With the launch of stores like Jumia.com, lamudi.com, ugunlocked.com, pesapal.com and etc… one would miss out on top quality affordable items if you didn’t have a credit card.
    Take for example, on black Friday, Jumia featured a huge percentage discount on all their items bought via the online platform. Other days to watch out for are Christmas day, New years day and Easter season. In most cases wholesalers and retainers who sale traditionally have not adopted the discount culture, so many buyers would miss out. This is why I’m writing this article. I will give some reasons why everyone from Uganda needs a credit card and a guide of how to get one.

    Access Money anywhere

    The beauty about credit/debit cards is the convenience of access to your money anywhere in the world. Yes, everywhere where there is an Automated Teller Machine or Point of Sale. So if you want to withdrawal some cash go an ATM which has the labels of your card such labels can be American Express, Visa, Mastercard etc. If you want to purchase something in a store just swipe the card in the POS machine and you will be good to go. So whether it’s renewing insurance, paying for medicine, renewing utility back at home, you don’t need to travel back and forth. It’s just a card.

    Setting up online presence.

    Online presence is your address on the internet. Everyone in Uganda is steadily adapting to using a smart device, thanks to Facebook and WhatsApp. Many people being online everyday, means a big chance to put your business out there, it’s a sales opportunity. However to get a website, you must purchase a domain name and web hosting, the most convenient payment method for that is a credit card. Of course a friend who has maybe of help but that might add an extra cost, which you may want to avoid.

    Purchase of goods and services

    The generation we are now, you can buy a car, land, food and medicine; name it all just at a snap of a finger. Without moving out of your house or office and have your items delivered. Even if you can pay search services with Mobile Money solutions, for the costs of some products, the spending limit on Mobile Money services may hinder. But credit cards have a slightly higher spending limit.

    Improve financial management

    Most issuers of credit cards have an online portal where you go to check your transaction history which means you can access your banks statements at anytime of convenience. Actually this is very important for reviewing and evaluation of your spending habits. Traditional you would have to spare a couple of minutes, if not hours to line-up in a queue in the banking hall and still pay for the bank statement. The question is do you want to continue losing time or save time while increasing income?

    HOW TO GET A CREDIT CARD IN UGANDA?

    A while ago, it costed much more than $200 to quality for a credit/debit card in Uganda, this made it hard for many to afford. Today it’s as low as UGX 15000/= in addition to no monthly bank charges.
    So far I have personally used two banks so the choice between the two is yours because I may not give reasons today why you should choose this or that.

    United Bank of Africa

    First bank to introduce a fully functional internet enabled prepaid card was United Bank of Africa(UBA). They issue a visa card in Uganda shilling currency in just a couple of minutes. All you have to go with is a passport photo, a valid ID and UGX 20,000/= or UGX 30,000/=. Since the debit card is not attached to a saving/current account the introduction and recommendation letters may not be compulsory but to be on safe side, I encourage you to go with one written and endorsed by  your LC1 chairperson or teacher at school or employer or a person banking with UBA for at least 6 months. To know more click here

    Equity bank Uganda

    This bank has proven to have a slightly better online exchange rate compared to it’s competitors. Of late they also issue internet enabled visa cards, all you have to do is to apply for a savings account and apply for a visa card ATM. They will also issue it on the same day like UBA. They are need the same fees and documents as UBA to be in the position to give you this online prepaid card.

    Other banks you can try.

    Just in case you are not a fun of the above mentioned banks, try to Stanbic bank, Standard Chartered bank and Crane bank.
    Good luck
     

  • 1 way to get the best out of WordPress blogs!

    If we are all familiar WordPress is one among themes which allows anyone anywhere, any age to register and get a free blog.
    But how can you best benefit from the blogs in the WordPress.com database? I will share about this and conclude with a bonus so that you get two tips to benefit from WordPress blogs.

    Often writing

    I’m a trainer so what am about to write about I do it out of experience, so it helps! Even you attend 1000 classes, you may get out nothing if you didn’t do anything. In traditional classes, you would copy and write notes. In the advance but still traditional class, you would use a laptop to note what’s important or not. Also in the modern class you spend less time learning because you can now use smart phones to record whatever the trainer is saying while you spend the time to listen. You may still have to summarize important points using a pen and paper. But you would still do this using the Notes App on your smart device.
    The similar adage goes for blogging. You must get off your ass and write. Write anything in your style and share it, you never know how many people it can help. They are many benefits when you write informatively and communicate effectively, but one cannot learn the tricks without writing quite often. Writing a blog maybe once in a day or a week or even a month will help you improve your WordPress experience and the results after that are rewarding, you can even apply to automattic.com for a job and correct spelling errors in other people’s content or translate some plugins and themes which can be done for money. Write, Write, Write!

    Discover and Follow

    And now the bonus, though I have written enough from which you could pick one or a couple of ideas, I promised to conclude with a bonus.
    One of the coolest things WordPress.com has got is that members can discover and follow other member’s blog posts. This means if what you write is interesting a lot of readers will follow you hence more traffic for you.
    On the other hand it’s also important you discover and follow others to learn a lot and be inspired. Besides being updated all the time since 100s of bloggers are writing and publishing minute by minute. So you miss a thing from those you follow because they are somehow like browser bookmarks, you can always come back and catch up where you left.

    How to Discover and Follow?

    Follow

    1. Of course you must visit http://wordpress.com and login.
    2. Click the Reader link located at the top left of the screen just after the WordPress logo and My Site link.
    3. Click Manage besides the Follow site label. Doing this will help you see the blogs you had followed and at the top, there is box for entering the address of the blogs you wants to follow.
    4. Once you do that WordPress.com will search the blog in their database once found click the follow button or alternatively just press the return/enter key on the keyboard. Never miss out on anything from your connections.

    Discover

    Click the discover link and see everything posted on discover.wordpress.com as well as follow it.
    That’s what I have for you today.
     
     
     

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