By Joseph Mbazzi Muguluma
In a world increasingly obsessed with academic qualifications, wealth and professional titles, Joseph Mbazzi Muguluma argues that one of life’s most undervalued assets is Amagezi Amazaale — innate wisdom, instinct and the elusive gift of good fortune he describes as Ekisima.
For Muguluma, this gift transcends classroom instruction and cannot be acquired merely by accumulating certificates.
It manifests in business, relationships, leadership, cooking, personal presentation and spirituality.
“Degrees will fill your wall, but only Ekisima will fill your stomach, your house and your legacy,” he argues, emphasising the importance of applying practical wisdom to everyday decisions.
He illustrates his point with a personal experience involving a former schoolmate who excelled in engineering drawing but has worked under him for 27 years.
Despite their shared educational background, Muguluma attributes their different professional trajectories to the intangible advantages of innate wisdom and opportunity.
In business, he believes, possessing equipment or technical knowledge is insufficient without creativity, judgement and attention to detail.
A salon owner must understand how to handle customers’ hair safely, while a food vendor must master flavour, presentation and consistency to retain customers.
His example of preparing enkwaale (partridge) captures this philosophy: technique, patience and experience can transform an ordinary ingredient into an exceptional meal.
Muguluma extends the argument to relationships, dressing, football and political leadership, maintaining that success often depends on qualities that formal education cannot fully measure.
Reflecting on Uganda’s political history, he contrasts the tenures of Idi Amin, Professor Yusuf Lule and Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa with Yoweri Museveni’s longevity in power, presenting political survival as an illustration of strategic judgement, fortune and an ability to maintain public support.
However, his central message extends beyond material achievement. He urges people to remain grateful to God for their natural abilities, exercise sincerity in prayer and preserve the values passed down through their families and traditions.
Muguluma also credits his inherited wisdom to his forebears, particularly Jjajja Naidoo and Jjajja Muguluma, whose journeys and experiences, he says, continue to shape his outlook.
Ultimately, his reflection is a celebration of practical intelligence, cultural heritage and gratitude.
Academic qualifications remain valuable, but he believes their greatest impact emerges when combined with sound judgement, creativity and an ability to navigate life’s uncertainties.
His closing appeal is simple: never take innate wisdom and good fortune for granted; recognise them, nurture them and use them responsibly.
