As the tech landscape in Uganda continues to bustle, a new player has emerged, promising to revolutionize the way companies connect with skilled software developers. TekJuice, a tech talent platform, has officially launched, aiming to bridge the gap between businesses seeking top-tier tech professionals and the wealth of untapped talent in the country. At the forefront of this innovative venture stands Ms. Millie Nakiganda, the platform’s first employee and a rising star in Uganda’s tech scene.
TekJuice addresses a critical challenge faced by many companies in Uganda and beyond finding and hiring qualified software developers efficiently. By creating a curated marketplace of vetted tech professionals, TekJuice streamlines the recruitment process, saving time and resources for both employers and job seekers. The platform’s launch comes at a crucial time when the demand for skilled developers is soaring across industries, and traditional hiring methods often fall short in identifying the right candidates.
Nakiganda’s role as TekJuice’s pioneering employee is pivotal. As a software engineer with a degree from Makerere University, she brings technical expertise and a deep understanding of the local tech ecosystem. Her journey from a fresh graduate to a team lead at TekJuice exemplifies the platform’s mission to nurture and showcase Uganda’s tech talent.
On the sidelines of the just concluded Uganda Developers Summit, we had the opportunity to sit down with Nakiganda to discuss her experiences, insights, and the impact she hopes to make through her work at TekJuice. Her story is one of determination, continuous learning, and a passion for leveraging technology to solve real-world problems.
When we asked about her motivation to pursue a career in tech — “It’s the enthusiasm to create and to impact the world positively,” she explained. “We fit into each sector and are able to come up with solutions to problems that people are facing. That’s exciting.”
Nakiganda’s journey into tech has not been without its challenges. She candidly discussed the process of unlearning and adapting that comes with being a young developer.
“There are certain software skills that are extremely crucial in making a good software engineer/developer,” she noted. “Skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. As a young developer just starting my career, I had a lot of unlearning to do, and that was unsettling but necessary.”
This willingness to adapt and grow caught the attention of TekJuice’s CTO, who had previously worked with Millie on other projects. Impressed by her skills and work ethic, he brought her on board as the company’s first employee.
“It was a smooth experience,” Nakiganda recalled, “but as more projects came in, there was a need for more resources.”
As TekJuice has grown, so has Nakiganda’s role within the company.
“I’ve grown into the role of team lead,” Nakiganda told PC Tech Magazine. “This doesn’t necessarily mean that I am the best on the team. It just means I spearhead coordination, ensure that we are meeting objectives as a team and that we are staying on track.”
For young women looking to break into the tech industry, Nakiganda offers encouraging advice. “Everyone started from the bottom, so it’s okay to make mistakes, just learn from them,” she emphasized. “Don’t be scared to ask stupid questions or to look stupid, that’s how we grow, and that’s how you beat imposter syndrome.”
Nakiganda’s passion for her work is evident in the way she describes the tech industry. “Creating and problem-solving —that’s what I enjoy most,” she said. “Most of the world’s problems can be solved by tech. That’s a powerful position if you ask me. It’s the ability to impact the world positively by solving problems.”
To maintain her motivation and continue growing professionally, Millie stresses the importance of community.
“You grow better in a community,” she explained. “Tech is very wide, and it’s exhausting to follow up on every new thing with just you doing the research yourself alongside your job.” She actively participates in online communities, attends events, and stays current with industry trends.
Outside of work, Millie is a woman of diverse interests. “I love reading African literature books, hiking, and spoken word poetry,” she shared. “I probably make the best playlists you will come across,” she added with a laugh. “I love LOVE music, all genres.”
Nakiganda’s approach to work-life balance is refreshing. “Keeping a good work-life balance is important to make sure that you don’t burn out,” she stated. Her routine includes daily stretches, evening walks, and varied weekend activities. “It could be partying, any activity, I’m usually down. All this keeps me rejuvenated to go on about my work.”
As our conversation drew to a close, we asked her about her future aspirations. With a twinkle in her eye, she revealed, “I want to get over my fear of needles and get a tattoo sometime.”
