Business executives, government leaders and invited guests assembled at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Tuesday evening for a thanksgiving dinner held in honour of veteran entrepreneur Mrs. Goodra Tumusiime Behakanira, celebrating her achievements in business, her personal journey and her steadfast Christian faith.
Among the notable attendees was businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, who joined fellow members of the business community, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries at the event, which attracted a large gathering from different parts of Uganda.
The evening featured worship, prayers, personal testimonies and reflections on Goodra’s inspiring rise from a small trader to one of Uganda’s respected entrepreneurs. Speakers praised her determination, resilience and commitment to building a successful business despite facing numerous challenges over the years.
While addressing the gathering, Goodra narrated how her business career started with a small kiosk in Kabale, explaining that the humble venture laid the foundation for what would later become a thriving enterprise. She credited her accomplishments to hard work, discipline, persistence and a strong belief in God.
She also reflected on the partnership she shared with her late husband, saying they worked side by side to grow their investments while overcoming financial and personal difficulties. Encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs, she urged them to remain patient, uphold honesty and understand that meaningful success comes through consistent effort rather than quick gains.
Goodra further opened up about some of the personal trials that shaped her life, including the difficult years at the beginning of her marriage. She said her faith sustained the family through those challenging moments until they were blessed with a child, an experience she described as a powerful testament to God’s grace.
She also recounted surviving a frightening accident at a building under construction, saying the incident strengthened both her appreciation for life and her confidence in God’s protection.
During her remarks, Goodra disclosed that she contributed to Uganda’s liberation struggle by providing logistical support to the National Resistance Army (NRA) during the bush war. Despite the risks involved, she said she remained committed to assisting the movement. Her revelation was met with applause from guests, many of whom commended both her contribution to the country’s history and her achievements in the private sector.
The thanksgiving ceremony drew several prominent personalities, including Kwagalana Group chairman Godfrey Kirumira, Cabinet ministers Justine Kasule Lumumba and David Bahati, Members of Parliament, senior business executives and leaders from both the public and private sectors.
Also in attendance was Col. Samson Mande, one of the recognised veterans of the NRA liberation struggle who recently returned from exile, adding further historical significance to the occasion.
The celebration concluded with prayers, entertainment and opportunities for guests to interact and congratulate Goodra on a journey widely described as one marked by faith, perseverance and entrepreneurial success. Many attendees said her story continues to serve as an inspiration to Uganda’s current and future generations of business leaders.