Charting new waters: A journey with Robert Kanyembo, Plant Manager of De Heus Uganda's aquaculture venture
Robert Kanyembo holds a BSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries and a Masters in Project Planning Management. With about 10 years’ experience in the animal feed manufacturing industry, he began his career in Zambia at Zambeef Products PLC which owned a stockfeed Business Unit called Novatek Animal Feeds working in production, sales and transitioning to a role in Research and Development. There, he focused on enhancing fish feed quality and performance. He has worked in different countries and on various projects, including supporting smallholder farmers, offering technical advice on good aquaculture practices and selling nutritional solutions to aquaculture as well as livestock customers.
Transition from sales to operations
While sales is an important aspect of a business, Robert wanted to gain a broader perspective and delve into other areas, particularly operations. Throughout his career, even during his role in sales, he worked closely with the production and operations teams. His experience as National Sales Manager often involved managing plant operations, which sparked his interest in managing a plant and led him to pursue this path further.
Opportunity in Uganda
De Heus Uganda offers Robert an exciting opportunity with a state-of-the-art aquaculture plant. He was attracted to the idea of being involved in a project from the ground up, similar to his experience in R&D. It is a challenging but rewarding process, and he wanted to bring his expertise to this new venture. Additionally, having travelled extensively in East Africa for his previous roles, he is strongly connected to the region and he sees the potential for growth and impact.
Impressions of De Heus
Robert regards De Heus as a reputable, globally recognised company known for its quality-oriented approach and entrepreneurial market approach. Although he was not initially familiar with the brand, he has come to appreciate its strengths and vision. He is excited to contribute to the company’s growth in the region, not just in Uganda but across East Africa.
Training experience
The technical training Robert already started is comprehensive and valuable for him. He insists on starting from the basics to ensure he fully understands the operations, despite his previous experience with pellet lines and extruders. He also focuses on leadership and team-building aspects to ensure effective communication and productivity within his team.
Goals as Plant Manager
Robert’s goal is to produce high-quality fish feed locally, making it more accessible and affordable for the region. This involves sourcing local raw materials, supporting local supply chains, and ensuring overall efficiency and productivity of the plant. He is committed to building a robust team and fostering a collaborative environment to achieve these objectives.
Living in Uganda
He looks forward to the natural beauty and tranquillity of Jinja, where the plant is located. It is a quiet area surrounded by nature, which is ideal for his family. The proximity to Lake Victoria and other natural attractions is a bonus. It is a great place for his family of a wife and two daughters to grow up and enjoy a peaceful lifestyle.
Robert is enthusiastic about this new chapter and looks forward to making a positive impact in his role as Plant Manager in Uganda.
Complementary skills for a strong start
As Robert spearheads De Heus's ventures in Uganda, David mirrors the process in Kenya, combining their diverse skills to fortify the company's presence in East Africa. Robert's operational and sales acumen complements David's technical prowess, ensuring a well-rounded approach to expansion. Together, they prioritize quality, efficiency, and teamwork to establish and optimize operations, driving accessibility and affordability of premium animal feeds for regional farmers.
