The Big Money Mistakes Ugandans Make—and Alpha Asset Managers’ Playbook for Building Real Wealth

Everybody wants their money to grow, compound and work for them. But the truth is that not everyone has the time, knowledge or discipline required to manage investments successfully. Many Ugandans remain trapped in familiar patterns: buying land they barely use, keeping too much money in one asset, concentrating their savings in government securities, overlooking inflation or chasing the latest “hot tip” from a friend. The result is often capital that looks impressive on paper but generates little income or sustainable long-term wealth. In this episode of the CEO East Africa Magazine Podcast, host Muhereza Abel Kyamutetera sits down with Robert Katuntu, CFA, CPA and MBA, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Alpha Asset Managers, for a candid conversation about the big money mistakes Ugandans make—and what they can do differently. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience in finance, investment, corporate advisory, private credit, audit and governance, Robert offers a practical investment playbook for building real wealth in Uganda. His message is not that Ugandans should abandon land, property or government securities. They should avoid placing nearly all their wealth in one basket. A resilient portfolio may combine fixed income, listed securities, regional investments, permitted global instruments and other suitable assets—depending on the investor’s objectives and risk profile. As Robert puts it, the hardest part of investing is often not finding an investment. It is avoiding emotional, impatient and poorly informed decisions. Important timestamps: [0:00:09] Money, leadership and impact – why this episode matters [0:01:48] Robert Katuntu’s 30‑year journey in finance and belief that “money answers everything” [0:03:14] What Alpha Asset Managers is and what “managing money” means [0:03:47] Why use a money manager: pooling, expertise, regulation and diversification [0:06:16] Beyond unit trusts: custom mandates for high‑net‑worth and institutions [0:08:24] Proper advisory: starting with who you are, not what to sell you [0:10:10] What is an asset? From cows and land to bonds and equities [0:14:41] Wider opportunity set: equities, ETFs, REITs and global exposure [0:17:11] When to stop DIY (including with AI) and bring in professionals [0:23:18] Myths that hold Ugandans back: “land never loses value” and ignoring inflation [0:25:05] What he would tell his younger self about money and failed businesses [0:28:23] Alpha’s investment philosophy: discipline, research, prudent risk and long term [0:31:30] What gap Alpha is solving: from “investment administration” to true asset management [0:48:11] How Alpha charges: management fee plus performance fee aligned to client goals [0:49:30] Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs): structure, transparency and who they’re for If you represent a pension or provident fund, SACCO, insurer, foundation, corporate treasury or family office—or you are a high-net-worth investor seeking a portfolio designed around your objectives—contact Alpha Asset Managers for a confidential investment conversation. Email: invest@alphaeastafrica.com 𑗅 Website: www.alphaeastafrica.com Telephone: +256 200 911875 𑗅 Mobile: +256 786 624 855 / +256 772 425 064 Office: 2nd Floor, Regency Plaza, 30 Lugogo Bypass, Naguru, Kampala, Uganda Subscribe to the CEO East Africa Magazine Podcast for more conversations about business, leadership, investment and impact across Uganda and East Africa. Read more: www.ceo.co.ug #AlphaAssetManagers #CEOEastAfrica #RobertKatuntu #MuherezaKyamutetera #InvestingInUganda #WealthCreation #AssetManagement #FinancialLiteracy #InvestmentManagement #UgandaBusiness #SeparatelyManagedAccounts #personalfinance Important information: This programme is for general educational purposes and does not constitute an offer, invitation or personal investment recommendation. Investment involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Any returns discussed are illustrative and are not guaranteed. Prospective investors should conduct appropriate due diligence and seek professional advice.