Phase 1 of the AVTI Kitchen Project was successfully commissioned today, October 10, 2024. This milestone marks the completion of the dining rooms, a crucial component of the project.
The completed dining area can accommodate a large number of students, providing a comfortable and conducive space for meals.
We are grateful for the support and collaboration of all stakeholders involved in this project. The AVTI Kitchen Project is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality construction solutions that meet the needs of our clients.
Project updates on the construction of the Technical Management Department which is part of the sisters house and the TMD project in Hawassa, Bushulo, Ethiopia. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality facilities that will meet and serve the needs of the community. Watch the video to see the progress and learn more about this exciting project.
At Rostwa Engineers Ltd., we recently gathered for a momentous company retreat and anniversary celebration, marking our 15th year of “Engineering a Legacy.” This event was a perfect blend of reflection, strategic planning, and celebration, held in the scenic Fort Portal, Western Uganda.
Reflecting on Our Journey
Toro Kingdom Palace
The retreat provided us with a valuable opportunity to look back on our achievements and milestones. From pioneering engineering solutions to building lasting relationships with our clients, we have grown and evolved in ways we could have only imagined when we started 15 years ago. This growth is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of our entire team.
Engineering a Legacy: Strategic Planning for Year 15: The highlight of our retreat was our strategic planning sessions, where each department collaborated to set clear, ambitious goals for the upcoming year. This year, under the theme “Engineering a Legacy,” the Jupita team revised and polished our company philosophy, including our mission, vision, and core values. Each department then developed their own mission for Rostwa Year 15, encapsulated in their Wildly Important Goals (WIGs) and detailed action plans (Leads).
Departmental Missions and Action Plans: Each department at Rostwa Engineers Ltd. held its own retreat session to develop a mission and action plan for Year 15. Here are the highlights from each department’s session:
Administration Department: Led by Ms. Atim Juliet, the Administration team focused on enhancing internal communication and streamlining administrative processes to support overall company efficiency.
Finance Department: Under the leadership of Mrs. Berna Otto, the Finance team is dedicated to improving financial transparency and optimizing budget allocation.
Technical Team: Under the leadership of Eng. Emmanuel Obwor, the Technical team is dedicated to driving innovation through external collaboration, maximizing available engineering solutions, and enhancing customer satisfaction.
A Celebration to Remember: In addition to our strategic sessions, we celebrated our 15th anniversary with team-building activities and a memorable Rostwa dinner, where we enjoyed a special cake-cutting ceremony to mark our 15 years of excellence. Our celebration took place at Kalitusi Lodges in Fort Portal City, providing a beautiful and inspiring setting for our events. We also explored the rich tourism sites of the western belt, including visits to the Semuliki Hot Springs, Kyaninga Lodges, Fort Portal City, the Toro Kingdom Palace, Kazinga Channel, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the Equator. These experiences not only strengthened our team bonds but also allowed us to appreciate the beauty and culture of Uganda.
Looking Ahead
As we embark on our 15th year, we are more committed than ever to living up to our theme, “Engineering a Legacy.” With a clear strategic plan and a motivated team, we are poised to achieve new heights and continue delivering unparalleled engineering solutions to our clients.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of our journey so far. Here’s to another year of Engineering A Legacy at Rostwa Engineers Ltd.
We are pleased to announce the successful handover of several key structures at Adilang Vocational Training Institute (AVTI) to the school administration. This signifies the completion of a significant part of a phase of our ongoing partnership with the institution.
Handover Details:
Site Inspection at AVTI may 2024
Girls’ Dormitory: The newly constructed dormitory has 8 rooms, designed to meet the highest standards of safety and student well-being.
Dongo Paco Office: A dedicated office space has been completed for the Dongo Paco Foundation Ltd, ensuring smooth operations and efficient management.
Store: The new storage facility provides ample and secure storage space for essential school supplies and equipment.
Project Inspection:
In addition to the handover, our team conducted a comprehensive site inspection of the remaining school projects currently underway. This inspecti1on allows for proactive identification of any potential issues and ensures adherence to the project timeline and quality standards.
We are committed to delivering exceptional results for our clients. The successful handover of these structures reflects our dedication to quality construction, efficient project management, and on-time completion. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with AVTI and contributing to the continued development of their facilities.
The story of Rostwa Engineers isn’t your typical tale of corporate giants. Ours began in a single room, not in a gleaming high-rise, but in Kitgum Town, Uganda, back in December 2008. Fueled by ambition and a shared vision, two friends, Eng. Obwor Emmanuel and Mwaka Isaac Phillip, dreamt of using their engineering expertise to make a real difference.
From St. Joseph’s Hospital to Rostwa Engineers Limited:
Their journey began at St. Joseph’s Hospital. As their contracts there neared completion, the spark of entrepreneurship ignited. Rostwa (derived from Roads, Structures, Water) was born – a name symbolizing the foundation they envisioned for Uganda’s future.
A Decade of Growth and Milestones (2009-2019):
The early years were a testament to hard work and resilience. Under the leadership of Mr. Onen John Norbert from 2009 to 2016, Rostwa steadily grew its portfolio. In 2017, with Eng. Obwor taking the helm, the company relocated its headquarters to Entebbe, laying the groundwork for further expansion.
The year 2019 marked a significant milestone – a decade of successful projects and a team brimming with pride. As they celebrated at their Entebbe offices, a new vision emerged – the dream of a permanent home for Rostwa.
Building the Future, Brick by Brick (2019-2024):
Dreams have a way of turning into reality. In 2022, Rostwa Engineers proudly opened its main offices in Mpala, Entebbe. This new space symbolizes not just growth, but a commitment to the future.
15 Years and Beyond: The Legacy Continues
From a single room in Kitgum to a thriving engineering firm, Rostwa’s journey is a testament to the power of friendship, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Today, as we celebrate 15 years, we look back with immense pride at the schools, hospitals, and vital infrastructure projects that stand as testaments to our work.
But our story isn’t over. We are filled with excitement as we look towards the next chapter. With a commitment to sustainable practices, innovative solutions, and a passion for building a brighter East Africa, Rostwa Engineers is poised to make a lasting impact for years to come.
As we stand on the cusp of a new year, it’s an opportune moment for the members of our esteemed engineering community to pause and reflect on the strides we’ve made throughout 2023. Beyond the realm of technical innovations and project accomplishments, our personal journeys within the professional landscape deserve acknowledgment and contemplation.
Acknowledgement: Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the collective wins we’ve experienced within our professional and personal spheres. From successful project completions to earning certifications that elevate our expertise, each achievement contributes to the tapestry of our shared success.
Navigating Challenges– In the dynamic field of engineering and of course personal life, challenges are not roadblocks but rather opportunities for growth. Reflect on instances where adaptability, problem-solving, and leadership skills were put to the test. It’s in these moments that true resilience emerges.
Learning Every Day–Our commitment to excellence in engineering and personal aspects of life necessitates a dedication to continuous learning. Consider the new skills you’ve acquired, the courses you’ve engaged with, and the knowledge you’ve sought to remain at the forefront of our ever-evolving industry and the personal life you’re living.
Balancing Work and Personal Well-being: As we delve into our reflections, let’s not forget the importance of maintaining equilibrium between our professional pursuits and personal well-being. Strategies for a healthy work-life balance, stress management, and overall well-being should be woven into the narrative of our professional narratives.
Strategic Vision for the New Year: Now, let’s cast our sight towards the horizon of 2024. It’s time to set intentions and goals that align with our professional and personal aspirations. Consider formulating S.M.A.R.T. goals — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — that will propel your career and personal life forward.
Being Positive and Open to Change – In the face of challenges and opportunities alike, let’s collectively embrace a growth mindset. The professional and personal landscapes are ever evolving, and the willingness to learn from challenges, seek feedback, and continuously adapt positions us for sustained success. Its literally a fulltime job to have a positive mindset.
Cultivating Professional Networks – Recognize the strength in our collective connections. Consider expanding your professional network, engaging with peers, and participating in industry events. Our collaborative efforts fuel innovation and mutual advancement.
Conclusion: As we bid farewell to 2023, let the insights gained from this reflection guide your path toward a future marked by both professional excellence and personal fulfillment. The journey is ongoing, and each step forward is a testament to our collective commitment to professional and personal excellence.
We would like to hear from you our esteemed community members, to share your reflections, goals, and strategies for the upcoming year. We believe in the exchange of insights; we strengthen not only our individual paths but also the fabric of our collaborative professional community.
Here’s to a new year filled with growth, achievements, and collective success.
The first thing a good manager must know is that the skill set is a process. You don’t become a good manager overnight. It takes time. It takes failure, but without that failure you’d never learn from you mistakes and grow. Here are some ways to be as effective as possible as a manager.
Time Management: A good manager can then manage that timeline and break it down into large phases of the project, called milestones, and then into smaller parts that are called tasks. But it’s not merely creating a plan, it’s also monitoring that process and adjusting accordingly to stay on schedule.
Communication – Communications isn’t giving orders, though that’s part of it. Communications is a two-way street, with as much emphasis on listening as there is on talking. If you can get your message across then you’re working efficiently.
Team Building – Individuals can work in groups, but not without some real bonding through team-building exercises like having meals together, having casual chats during breaks. If you put this work in before the project, you’ll have less issues during its run.
Be inclusive: To build a diverse team, you need to create an inclusive and positive organizational culture. When every team member feels respected and valued, you’re naturally going to boost employee engagement and (by default) produce better work. An engaged team is a happier team.
Be decisive: As a manager, you are responsible for making decisions that affect the entire team. To avoid conflicts when making important decisions, it’s important to coordinate with your team and communicate properly by.
Negotiations – You need to attain negotiation skills and it’s your responsibility to find a technique that works. The better you can negotiate with your team, the more likely you are to stick to the planned project goals.
Conflict Resolution – When you put a team together and there will be conflicts, which you’ll have to resolve those conflicts fairly and quickly to keep the project on track. You should allow people to be heard and create an environment where people come together for the greater good of the project.
Planning can help you maximize your time at work, handle challenges better and increase your motivation. Here are few tips to help you plan your workday:
Keep a to-do list: Taking five to 10 minutes at the beginning of each day to write out a to-do list, on paper or digitally, can help promote focus and increase productivity. Adding to the initial to-do list throughout the day can help you keep a clear idea of your goals.
Find a schedule and stay with it: Determine the time of day when you feel you’re at your best and try to get most of your work done during those hours. Staying consistent with your schedule can also help you be more productive. Just as important as choosing a schedule is making sure you can commit to it.
PICTORIAL MOMENT DURING THE ADMINISTRATIVE RETREAT IN GARUGA ENTEBBE MARCH 2023
Take breaks: Taking 10-15 minutes every couple of hours to stretch your body and focus on something other than work can help keep you energized and excited about your job.
Reduce multitasking: Multitasking may sound like the perfect way to get many things done at once, but unfortunately, this not true in many situations. You may even find that multitasking can actually take longer than completing tasks individually.
Identify distractions: Emails, texts and phone calls are a few common reasons behind distraction. Schedule specific times to take care of emails, for example, to stay on task and not get distracted by every new message in your inbox.
Tackle tasks in order of importance: Instead of starting your day with smaller tasks like answering emails, begin by addressing your largest or most stress-inducing task. This might take the largest amount of time in your day, but it ultimately will help your workflows move faster.
Set goals and reward yourself: Setting goals can help you become better at your job through motivation. You can set goals for staying organized, like challenging yourself to make a to-do list every day. Or, you can set professional goals that can help you stay engaged at your job.
PICTORIAL MOMENT FOR SOME STAFFS WHO ATTENDED THE COMPANY’S 14TH ANNIVERSARY IN ENTEBBE APRIL 2023
Some of the technical staffs during a planning retreat in Entebbe.
Your behavior in the workplace can dictate your success and reputation because how you present yourself to others in the workplace matters influencing the overall environment for you and your coworkers. A summary of some work etiquettes which will be helpful at a work place is shared below.
Make a Good First Impression: People often form impressions about others within seconds of meeting them, so it’s important to ensure you present yourself as a professional. Be aware of your body language and how others may perceive it. A good rule of thumb is to stand straight, maintain eye contact, and smile!
Understand your Work Environment: The values, policies, and procedures of a workplace can be difficult to discern at first. If you are in \ organization with a structured human resource division, you may have access to an in-house trainings to keep you informed of your organization’s expectations. Lastly, observing the atmosphere and actions of others can help you understand what’s appropriate and what’s not, and how to best navigate the workplace while maintaining your professionalism.
Communication is Key: Communication is an important part of workplace etiquette. It’s sometimes not what you say, but how you say it that counts so be mindful of how you communicate with your colleagues in meetings and one-on-one conversations. In regards to email, be sure your correspondence inside and outside of your workplace is written clearly and free of spelling errors.
Make it a habit to be prompt: Being on time offers an easy and manageable way to make a good impression. Consistently being punctual shows that you value the time of others in your work environment. When possible, plan to give yourself extra time between meetings so that you won’t be late if something unexpected happens.
Avoid interrupting: When you attend meetings or talk with others in the workplace, let them finish speaking without interrupting. Allowing them to complete their thought or presentation shows your respect for their opinion and efforts. If you have a thought you want to share while someone is talking, jot it down and stay silent until the person finishes.
Use people’s names: Using someone’s name when speaking with them can convey your respect and attention. You can ask them if you don’t remember or know their name. Use their name organically throughout the conversation without too much repetition. Next time you see the person, greet them by name for an additional sense of friendliness and respect.
Be Personable yet Professional: Sharing information about your personal life is your choice, but be cautious when it comes to what you share; some colleagues may be more open than others and might choose to keep their personal life private as well. Similarly, you may want to limit personal calls, emails, and other non-work related tasks to after work hours.
Dress appropriately: Regardless of the policies, you may benefit from dressing slightly more professionally than required to show your professionalism and commitment to the role. If you meet with clients or prospective clients, dress in more formal business attire. Striving to mirror your boss’s style or level of formality can help ensure you dress appropriately
The fact of the matter is conflict in the workplace is unavoidable. The ability to recognize conflict, understand the nature of conflict, and to be able to bring swift and just resolution to conflict will serve you well as a leader , the inability to do so may well be your downfall. Here are some ways to manage conflicts at a work place.
Define Acceptable Behavior: Just having a definition for what constitutes acceptable behavior is a positive step in avoiding conflict. Having clearly defined job descriptions so that people know what’s expected of them, and a well-articulated chain of command to allow for effective communication will also help avoid conflicts.
Hit Conflict Head-on: By actually seeking out areas of potential conflict and proactively intervening in a just and decisive fashion you will likely prevent certain conflicts from ever arising. If a conflict does flair up, you will likely minimize its severity by dealing with it quickly. Time spent identifying and understanding natural tensions will help to avoid unnecessary conflict.
The Importance Factor: Pick your battles and avoid conflict for the sake of conflict. However if the issue is important enough to create a conflict then it is surely important enough to resolve. If the issue, circumstance, or situation is important enough, and there is enough at stake, people will do what is necessary to open lines of communication and close positional and/or philosophical gaps.
View Conflict as Opportunity: Hidden within virtually every conflict is the potential for a tremendous teaching/learning opportunity. Where there is disagreement there is an inherent potential for growth and development. Divergent positions addressed properly can stimulate innovation and learning in ways like minds can’t even imagine.
Laboratory block at Mater Ecclesiae Nursing and Midwifery School Luweero.
Bottom line is I believe resolution can normally be found with conflicts where there is a sincere desire to do so. Turning the other cheek, compromise, forgiveness, and compassion, empathy, finding common ground, being an active listener, service above self, and other approaches will always allow one to be successful in building rapport if the underlying desire is strong enough.
