to agriculture, bidding on government contracts. My first major deal came through the Office of the Prime Minister, and by the end of two years, agriculture became central to my business. In 2015, a major produce contract gave me enough savings to start thinking long-term. I invested in land and began constructing a commercial building. Initially planned as apartments or a small hotel, I later turned it into a guesthouse—Hotel Avena. The guesthouse succeeded, and I eventually expanded it into a full hotel. Hotel La’vena has been a blessing— offering steady income, creating jobs, and opening doors to new relationships. I’m now proud to serve on the board of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association. Despite my growth in hospitality, I never abandoned my roots. I still manage my original business on Nkrumah Road, handling printing, supplies, and food distribution. I split my time between the hotel and my other ventures, making sure each continues to thrive. This journey has been anything but easy—marked by setbacks, reinventions, and resilience. But every step has shaped me into who I am today: a mother, a businesswoman, and a believer in the power of hard work, faith, and persistence. PK: I was actually about to ask that. As a single mother with so many businesses, how do you manage to maintain a balance between your work and personal life? Adrine Kobusingye: Balancing everything isn’t easy, but I’ve built strong systems and structures that help me manage it all. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of delegation. I also involve my
family in my businesses—something many advise against—but for me, it works beautifully. My siblings, whom I helped raise, feel like my own children. They’ve been part of the journey from day one. Two of my brothers are now part of the hotel’s management team. They handle operations and technical matters, allowing me to step back while staying connected. I focus on strategy and marketing, which suits my strengths and my wide network—about 70% of hotel clients come through personal or mutual connections. I stay updated, listen to my team, and trust them to make decisions. I use the same approach in my other businesses: hiring the right people and empowering them. Most importantly, I prioritize my children. Now teenagers, they are my partners and friends. I intentionally make time for them—this month, I took time off just to be with them. It’s all about balance. With strong systems, trust in my team, and clear priorities, I manage to stay present at home and effective in business. PK: Let’s shift gears a bit from your business journey. Could you tell us how you got introduced to Rotary and how your journey with the organization began? Adrine Kobusingye: In many ways, I’ve always lived with a Rotarian spirit—even before officially joining. Giving has always been at the core of who I am. My daughters often tease me, saying, “Mommy, are you God’s assistant?” or “You need to be more selfish—you always put others first.” But I find genuine joy in helping others, even when it stretches my resources. For a long time, I hesitated to join Rotary.
The formal process—being invited, inducted, attending fellowships—felt too demanding alongside my busy schedule. I used to think, “I’m already doing my part. Do I really need a title to keep giving?” That changed the day I attended a fellowship at the Rotary Club of Upper Kololo. The atmosphere was warm, vibrant, and deeply inspiring. I felt like I had found my tribe—people who valued service as much as I did. That same day, I made the decision to join. Today, I’m a proud member of Upper Kololo. Even when I can’t always be physically present, I contribute through mentorship, resources, and my network. Just today, I met two girls from Teso seeking guidance. I mentored them— and offered to sponsor one for school. For me, being a Rotarian is about showing up with heart, wherever you’re needed. PK: Could you share more about the nature of your partnership with the Rotary Club of Upper Kololo and what your experience has been like so far? Adrine Kobusingye: It’s been a truly rewarding journey. Sometimes, you step into partnerships without thinking
17 The Golð n Wagø - Instå lå iø Souvenir La Vena’s Manager (left) participating in the reception of products from the Naguru Remand Home project on behalf of the hotel
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