Profiling Timothy Bukenya, Mogo Uganda’s IT Guru

For the past five years, Bukenya Timothy has been the backbone of MOGO Uganda’s IT operations, a role he has embraced with passion, innovation, and a touch of humor. His journey is one of curiosity, dedication, and a relentless drive to understand how things work—a trait deeply rooted in his adventurous childhood.

"I had a very interesting childhood, that proper childhood of the village," Timothy recalls with a smile. "We grew up around animals—cows, goats—and riding bikes. It was the kind of childhood where you'd watch someone ride a horse in a movie and then jump onto a goat pretending to do the same. We were the kids who tinkered with things, opening up radios to see if the person speaking was inside." This early curiosity laid the foundation for what would later become his career in IT.

Timothy’s career began as a developer, but over time, his role evolved into IT management with a strong focus on infrastructure. "My inspiration draws from the need to understand how things work and it being a passion for me," he explains. 

At Mogo Uganda, he has seamlessly transitioned from focusing on business applications to taking on infrastructure projects. His work has been pivotal in implementing systems heavy on automation and driving branch rollouts with precision and efficiency.

One of Timothy's proudest achievements is the successful implementation of numerous back-to-back projects that have propelled Mogo Uganda forward. "We've implemented systems that are heavily automated," he shares. "Ensuring we get the best focus has been key."

Tackling challenges with resilience

The dynamic nature of IT comes with its fair share of challenges, and Timothy has faced them head-on. One particularly demanding aspect of his role has been managing constant changes from the business side. "Today you implement a system, and tomorrow they need a change," he notes. 

Over the years, Timothy has worked across multiple code systems while ensuring delicate customer data and records are securely backed up and easily referenced. His ability to adapt quickly and find solutions has been instrumental in overcoming these hurdles.

As an IT manager leading a lean team, Timothy understands the importance of keeping morale high—even during tough times. His secret? Humor. 

"We like to have a good laugh at anything that comes up," he says. "Personally, I like to have light moments because I understand we’re dealing with human beings, not robots." Whether it’s joking about small support issues or sharing banter with his team, Timothy’s approach fosters camaraderie and keeps his team motivated.

Staying ahead in an evolving Industry

In an ever-changing field like IT, staying updated is crucial—a challenge Timothy embraces wholeheartedly. "I read a lot," he says. "I have a schedule in my day where I spend time referencing articles and understanding new trends in technology." This commitment to continuous learning ensures that Timothy remains at the forefront of IT management trends, influencing his decisions at Mogo Uganda.

When he’s not solving complex IT challenges, Timothy finds joy in playing football and tinkering with machines—hobbies that keep him energized and ready to tackle new projects. These activities reflect his hands-on approach to both work and life.

Automation and AI

As Timothy looks to the future, his excitement is palpable. "Automation and artificial intelligence—that's my career," he declares confidently. These areas represent not just personal goals but also avenues for Mogo Uganda’s continued growth under his guidance.

For those starting their careers in IT today, Timothy offers sage advice: "Choose your niche and focus on it. If it's going to be development, focus there; if it's infrastructure, focus there. And remember—you don’t know it all. Consult, study, and stay abreast of the latest standards."