Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, reminisced about his humble beginnings during a recent session, revealing that he earned income by selling pancakes in his youth.
Tayebwa shared with fellow Members of Parliament his journey into the local bakery business of selling Kabalagala pancakes, which began when he was in Primary Four at a school in western Uganda.
During the plenary session, Tayebwa surprised his colleagues by introducing his former mentor, James Bebazo, who had taught him the ins and outs of the pancake trade.
Recalling those days, Tayebwa explained how Bebazo appointed him as a salesman for the pancakes, which were traditionally wrapped in banana leaves.
“I would sell pancakes during break time and after school, and then report back to Mr. Bebazo with an account of my sales the next day,” he recounted.
Tayebwa amused the Parliament by revealing that instead of receiving cash, he was compensated with pancakes, which he would share with his friends.
“For every 10 pancakes I sold, I would receive one as my commission, which I would enjoy immediately with my friends,” he added.
Tayebwa’s story echoes the experiences of other influential leaders in the region, such as Kenyan President William Ruto, who also engaged in entrepreneurial activities during their childhood, shaping their path to leadership.
