Grateful for 15 Years at Roke

In 2011, I serendipitously chanced upon Roke Telkom. I had struggled to secure an internship opportunity, but Rhonah Kobusingye (who had earlier advised me to list a Bachelor of Computer Science as my second choice) came through once again and recommended me for an internship at Roke Telkom, Plot 7, where she too had proudly interned.

During the interview, I sat before a panel (Carol, Joseph & Sheeba) that asked why I believed networking was the right career path for me. I confidently explained that I was exceptionally good at configuring internet settings on people’s handsets and unlocking modems, skills that were not common at the time and seemed highly relevant to a telecommunications company. Thankfully, they agreed.

The internship program was one of the richest experiences I could have hoped for. Only three of us were selected. We received lunch, a weekly allowance, and participated in a well-structured, all-round development program that exposed us to various aspects of the business. That deliberate investment in young talent became a hallmark of Roke’s culture and was instrumental in mentoring and identifying future employees for many years.

Later, together with Mary, Perry, and Emily (two of whom I had interned alongside) we developed a PBX solution using Linux FreePBX, with a few custom modifications, as our final-year university project. Today, that may sound straightforward, but sixteen years ago it came with its fair share of challenges, troubleshooting, and late nights.

Towards my bachelors studies final exams, I experienced the heartbreak of a six-year relationship coming to an end. In what I can only describe as God’s providence, the Roke Telkom switchboard called with news of an opening for a NOC Engineer position. I gladly embraced the opportunity. God has a way of using certain seasons and opportunities to heal us. I became so immersed in my work at Roke that, over time, the pain of that breakup faded into the background. In fact, the following year I was recognized as the Most Innovative Employee. Ironically, that achievement was partly born out of a determination to stay busy and productive while running away from painful memories. Looking back, I have come to appreciate that productive work can be a gift from God and often plays a role in helping us recover from some of life’s deepest disappointments.

Roke also played a role in introducing me to my forever love. In 2015, I was assigned to deploy what has since become Uganda’s largest public Wi-Fi project—ROKESPOT. The project kept me spending significant time around university hostels and hangout spots, which gave me more opportunities to spend time with a certain campus student who had caught my attention. As they say, the rest is history.

Over the last 15 years, Roke has been more than a workplace. It has been a source of provision, growth, challenge, and opportunity. It has allowed me to sharpen my technical, intellectual, and entrepreneurial skills—something every great workplace does for its people.

Some of my most memorable lessons were learned through the culture of innovation and problem-solving that Roke encouraged. Brainstorming sessions often evolved into projects such as ROKESPOT and the expansion of our WiMax & fiber network even beyond Uganda , while troubleshooting challenges pushed us to think creatively and develop practical solutions. Those experiences shaped not only the engineer in me but also the entrepreneur, as I rubbed shoulders with some of the most talented technical and entrepreneurial minds in the industry who were developing products for both impact and profit. 

At one point, the stability of a good salary gave me the confidence to begin small business ventures. I started by buying and reselling routers at a markup, then reinvested the proceeds into cameras, which later grew into LED screens and other opportunities. Roke provided both the environment and the foundation that allowed me to grow beyond my job description and explore new possibilities.

As I change stations, I can confidently say that I have lived this chapter to the fullest. I leave with deep gratitude for the people, lessons, friendships, and experiences that have shaped me along the way. The Lord has been kind to use Roke as a tool for my growth, provision, and development over these many years. As I turn the page to the next chapter, I do so thankful for the journey, proud of what we built together, and excited for what lies ahead.

Thank you, Roke and above all, thank You to my Lord, who faithfully guides our footsteps.