Why Good People Don’t Want to Work for You — And What to Do About It

By Eddie Mugulusi

Let’s be honest for a second.

Finding great employees as a small business is hard. Like, “finding change for 50k in a taxi” kind of hard.

People want good jobs.
You need good people.

So why does it feel like the two never meet?

Well… because your business probably isn’t that attractive.

(I know that stings. But stay with me.)

The Harsh Truth About Hiring When You’re Small

Most small businesses in Uganda can’t pay well.
No juicy perks. No medical insurance. No lunch allowance.

Sometimes—let’s face it—even the salary itself delays.
Payroll comes late, if it comes at all.

Add to that:

• A boring work environment (think one-room pharmacy with no windows).

• No brand name to be proud of.

• And a boss who’s still “figuring things out.”

Now ask yourself:
Would you want to work for you?

Exactly.

But there’s hope.
Because even with all these limitations, you can attract great people.
You just need a better approach.

Let me show you what’s worked for me.

Step One: Be Real With Yourself

Before you even start hiring, stop and get honest.

Who are you as a business?
Where are you right now?
What can you offer—realistically?

And more importantly:
What can’t you offer?

It’s like dating.

You can’t be driving a Premio and dream of marrying someone expecting a man with a Range Rover and a weekend house in Garuga.

You’ll just end up stressed—and probably blocked.

Same thing with hiring.

Don’t go looking for a “passionate, highly experienced, self-driven, all-in team player” when all you’re offering is a 300k salary and a congested backroom with no fans.

Match what you need with what you can offer.

Otherwise, they’ll join excited—and leave disillusioned.

Step Two: Share the Dream (Yes, Tell Them)

Some of you business owners are too secretive.

You have a vision. A plan. Big dreams.

But the people working with you?
They don’t have a clue.

You want them to build with you… but they don’t even know what they’re building.

I once asked a client with two beauty salons what his vision was.

He explained it beautifully. I was impressed.

Then I asked, “Have you shared this with your team?”

He looked at me like I’d suggested selling the business.

“You mean I’m supposed to tell them?”

Yes. Yes, you are.

People want to be part of something.
Even if it’s small.
Even if it’s still messy.
Even if it’s just starting out.

Let them feel your dream.
Let them see the plan.
Let them own it with you.

You’ll be surprised how many people stick around—not because of the money, but because they feel like they’re building something meaningful.

Step Three: Pay On Time. Every Time.

Look—money may not be everything.
But it’s the main reason people show up for work.

Even if it’s small, make sure it’s consistent.
Every month. On time.

It gives people stability.
It helps them plan.
It keeps their landlords off their backs.

Delayed salary = demoralized staff.
And even the most loyal worker has a limit.

If your cash flow is tight, plan better.
Put payroll up there with rent.
Actually, put it above rent—because an empty shop is better than a shop full of angry employees.

And when you can, throw in a little something extra.

A 20k top-up on Christmas?
A small token on Eid?

It won’t bankrupt you, but it’ll speak volumes.

It says:
“I see you. I appreciate you. I’m trying.”

So, What’s the Point?

You want good people?

Be honest about what you can offer.
Sell them the dream—but don’t lie about the struggle.
Pay them on time.
And give them a reason to believe they’re part of something that matters.

That’s how you win loyal, hardworking, solid team players.

Even if you’re still running your business from a storeroom behind someone else’s shop.

Trust me—it works.

Now go build a team that believes in you as much as you believe in your business.

Need Help Figuring This Out?

I’ve spent the last few years deep in the trenches of small business—building, breaking, fixing, and growing. If you’re a business owner trying to attract better staff, grow sales, or just get unstuck, I can help.

I offer one-on-one strategy sessions and private coaching for serious entrepreneurs. If you’re ready to grow, let’s talk.

Reach out via email eddiefab256@gmail.com

Let’s build something worth sticking around for.