10 Ugly Truth about Sales Jobs in Uganda: No Salary, Very Low Commission and Burnout.

I will never forget the day I chose to work as a sales agent at Platinum Credit (U) Ltd a few years ago. It was supposed to be the launch of my career after graduation, a chance to escape the comfort zone of my previous campus life and enter the working world. Instead, I experienced a crash course in the harsh realities of the job. Days were filled with hunger, long walks, and dealing with clients who often held negative perceptions of the company. The pressure to meet targets was immense, while the compensation was meager - very low commissions with no base salary or any form of facilitation. This resulted in months of relentless pressure, meager earnings, and a constant growing anxiety that left me questioning my self worth and whether the company truly valued its sales agents.

Last week, I saw a Facebook post from Mogo Uganda (a financial company offering loans and asset financing) showcasing a fun day for their staff. My immediate thought was, 'Were the sales agents, who spend their days tirelessly on the streets, included in this fun?' I discussed this with a friend who works as a sales agent for the same company. To my shock, he confirmed they were not even aware of the event. He painted a bleak picture of the realities of the job, stating, "We are on our own in this role. If something happens to us, like getting injured, the company doesn't care.

They only focus on clients." He further explained that while they receive a daily facilitation of 15,000 ($4.06) Ugandan Shillings (except on Thursdays), it comes with strict conditions. They must arrive at the communicated place mostly traffic jam like Wandegeya, Mulago, Kira traffic lights, and Acacia jam among others as early in the morning as (7:30 AM) and conclude at 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM) and resume in the evening from (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) to receive the allowance.

He emphasized the difficulty of adhering to these times, as they often spend the entire day walking and have no designated rest areas, especially when their assigned territories are far from their offices. This deeply resonated with me.

When navigating the job search on LinkedIn, one frequently encounters companies actively recruiting sales professionals. However, despite consistent hiring efforts, there's a high turnover rate, with employees quietly resigning, creating a vicious cycle of recruitment.

Many of these companies, including insurance firms, marketing agencies, IT companies, and financial institutions, are relatively new to the market. Others, while established for decades, seem to have failed to learn from past mistakes or may intentionally avoid addressing the underlying issues. This could be due to various reasons, some of which I suspect I may be aware of

Sales jobs in Uganda can be incredibly challenging. Many individuals enter these roles with the hope of financial gain, but the reality often falls far short of expectations. I have witnessed firsthand how many sales positions offer no base salary, extremely low commissions, and an overwhelming pressure to meet targets. These factors can significantly hinder a salesperson's ability to thrive and often lead to burnout.

Below, I'm sharing '10' honest truths about working in sales in Uganda that everyone should carefully consider before embarking on this career path. Understanding these challenges is crucial to making an informed decision about your future.

• Inconsistent and Low Pay: Low base salaries are common, and commissions are often unreliable and unpredictable, leaving many sales professionals struggling to meet basic financial obligations.
• Intense Pressure and Stress: Unrealistic sales targets and constant pressure from supervisors can lead to burnout, disappointment, and significant negative impacts on mental well-being.
• Demanding Schedules: Long working hours, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends, severely disrupt work-life balance.
• Job Insecurity: Job security is often lacking, with short-term contracts and the constant threat of termination.
• Limited Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement are scarce, often limited to internal connections, leaving many sales professionals stagnant in their roles.
• Ethical Dilemmas: Aggressive or manipulative sales tactics may be encouraged or even required, creating ethical dilemmas for many individuals.
• Inadequate Benefits: Essential benefits such as health insurance, pension plans, and professional development opportunities are often non-existent or severely limited.
• Lack of Support: Sales teams often receive inadequate guidance and support from management, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration.
• Poor Communication: Over-reliance on communication platforms like WhatsApp can exclude those without consistent internet access, leading to confusion and missed opportunities. Furthermore, clear and consistent communication regarding sales targets, commissions, and expectations is often lacking.
• Exploitation of Vulnerable Groups: Sales roles often disproportionately target and exploit vulnerable individuals, such as students, women, and those facing economic hardship.

Sales jobs in Uganda can present significant challenges. Understanding these realities is crucial for anyone considering a career in sales. By acknowledging these issues, individuals can make informed decisions about their career paths and potentially advocate for better working conditions within the sales industry.