In this article, I echo Dr. Mukisa’s piece in “Watchdog News Uganda” on April 1st, 2026, regarding mismanagement of time. Dr. Mukisa emphasizes that time is a critical resource in life, yet it is often mishandled in Uganda’s governance and institutional landscape.
In my personal experience running for the Bunyangabu Woman MP position in the last concluded elections, I noticed a lack of punctuality in many activities. Programs often did not start on time, and events meant to last one or two hours, ended up consuming between four to five or even six hours. SACCO or local council meetings, political rallies, and community service activities like repairing a broken bridge, a road, or shallow well often experienced delays of over an hour due to late arrivals. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “African time,” where delays are frequent, and discussions can drag on endlessly. Similarly, professionals and students struggle with time management by prioritizing activity over results, using “busyness” as a measure of productivity, which leads to missed deadlines.
In addition to these behavioral practices, researchers have explored psychological factors linking time management to productivity. Tinajero et al., (2024) study has shown that effective time management can reduce procrastination and work-related stress, both of which can hinder productivity. Similarly, Steel (2026), highlighted procrastination as a significant obstacle to productivity, often associated with poor time management. For example, students’ strategic efforts to block out sufficient time to prepare and complete academic assignments may lead them to feel more confident of their success or allow them to focus more on intrinsic reasons for doing the work.
Time is impartial; whether a president of a large nation or a beggar on the street, time available to each of them is 24 hours in a day. From leaders to managers, professionals, and locals alike, there is a noticeable issue with time management. Time management thus remains essential for local people in villages, leaders at all levels, entrepreneurs, and traders in shops, markets or streets, students, and professionals in the workforce.
In the long run, the development of technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics will revolutionize how people manage time by offering personalized insights and recommendations. Maximizing time management will also involve managing energy, focus, and mental health in addition to scheduling and task management. Leaders who embrace these changes and time management principles will be better equipped to meet the demands of their roles.
In that regard, strategies such as planning, goal-setting, prioritizing, and organizing consistently yield positive results. Implementing these practices in communities, educational institutions, and professional development programs can help individuals meet the demands of daily life, academic pursuits, and career growth. Moreover, people today face increased tasks, technological advancements, and constant change, making time management a strategic core element. Organizations thus can play a vital role in shaping leaders’ time management approaches by fostering a culture that supports it, providing resources, and facilitating developmental activities.
Finally, the Pomodoro Technique (PT) a time-management method developed by Francesco Cirillo (2018) that splits work into focused intervals punctuated by brief breaks, can be adopted. This technique is designed to address the human brain’s limited capacity for sustained, high-concentration focus.
Basemera Nestor, PhD
Email: basemeranestor3gmail.com
