Stanley Ssempijja is a Ugandan pharmacist turned entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of Sage Buyers. Sage Buyers is a prominent Apple product center based in Uganda. Through the years, he has grown and turned a plethora of friends and acquaintances into a network leveraging digital media such as Twitter honing the name Entrepreneurial Tweep. In this article, through Bryan Morel Publications, let us dive into Stanley’s journey, from his humble beginnings to his evolution into Sage Buyers.
By John Kenny Adeya and Muhumuza Brian
Family, Background, and Education
Stanley’s roots trace back to the Baganda tribe, and he emerged from a modest background where hard work was instilled as a virtue for success. “I was taught to work extra hard if I am to ever have a chance at excelling in life,” said the Sage Buyers CEO, “because the ground was never leveled.” His educational journey includes O-level studies at St Peter SSS Nsambya, and A-level at King’s College Budo, culminating in a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Makerere University.
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How did Stanley Ssempijja become a pharmacist?
In 2015, Stanley embarked on his pharmacy education at Makerere University, completing it in 2020. Following graduation, he undertook an internship at Mityana Hospital in 2022, officially earning the title of a registered pharmacist in the same year.
How Sage Buyers Was Started
The inception of Sage Buyers dates back to 2019, triggered by a viral tweet about iPhones. He told Kampala Edge Times, “On realizing the opportunity that lay in being known as an iPhone expert, I decided to start selling them, first to family and friends, and then the network grew from there. The rest has been history.”
Fast-forward, Sage Buyers is now a retail service provider specializing in Apple products in East Africa. According to Stanley, the company prioritizes authenticity, affordability, and accessibility in delivering quality Apple products. “We are currently working on consolidating partnerships,” reveals the CEO, “with the major players in the telecom industry like Airtel to increase access and enhance the smartphone experience. Before the end of the year, we shall also be launching the first-ever tech lifestyle website in East Africa!”
What has made Sage Buyers remain in the market for over 4 years?
Since its registration in 2019, Sage Buyers has thrived through customer loyalty. By tailoring services to meet individual needs, the company has created a customer base that remains devoted, ensuring sustained success in the competitive tech market.
What does Stanley Ssempijja do as a professional and practicing pharmacist?
When asked about his professional role and responsibilities as a pharmacist, Stanley Ssempijja explained, “As a pharmacist, there are numerous tasks we undertake. From the discovery of drugs, including those protected or discovered by pharmacists, ranging from the very basic molecule to the production of large tablets or injections. The discovery process happens by pharmacists in the lab, and we then take these discoveries to industry for manufacture. Pharmacists oversee the entire manufacturing process to ensure that the drugs are in the best possible condition.”
Continuing, Stanley elaborated, “After the manufacturing, our focus shifts to ensuring that these drugs reach the intended recipients in their highest quality and correct dosages. Following transportation from the industry to hospitals, within the hospital setting, we work alongside clinical pharmacists. They collaborate with doctors, who prescribe specific medications. The pharmacist’s role is to ensure these medications don’t interact adversely and that they are the best fit for the particular patient. In the hospital, our responsibility is to supervise the doctor, ensuring the prescribed drugs are the best available for the patient, maintaining the highest quality, and administering the correct dosage.”
What do pharmacists do?
Transitioning to the pharmacy setting, Stanley Ssempijja clarified, “Then there is the clinical touch. Then we get to the pharmacy, the pharmacist that you see on the road. The role of a pharmacist there is to supervise, not to dispense. Pharmacy technicians handle the dispensing. In the pharmacies that you see, our responsibility is to supervise and ensure the pharmacy is registered, has quality drugs, and the dispensing is conducted by qualified individuals. We also verify that the drugs are still safe to use.”
He added, “Moreover, we are available for consultation on minor ailments, particularly in a community setting. For diseases like malaria and other simple ailments, we can diagnose and treat.”
However, he made it clear about what pharmacists don’t engage in, stating, “What we don’t do is carry out inclusive or intrusive procedures like surgery. Everything a doctor does, we handle. I hope that clarifies it.”
Where does this sophisticated combo career leave the personality and lifestyle of Stanley?
Surprisingly, this convoluted work life does not break down this gentleman, and he confidently smiles as he shares with us, “Besides all this work, I love to attend parties. I enjoy being at a good party with great company, good music, and good vibes. It’s one of the things I do to relax and re-energize myself. Additionally, I love to travel, especially for parties. Yes, I travel a lot, but it’s mostly for parties. Partying is just one of those things I love to do. Also, I love to travel – the experience goes beyond just partying; it’s about exposure, meeting new people, and immersing myself in different cultures. So, yeah, partying and traveling.”
What Milestones has Stanley Ssempijja achieved since 2019?
Stanley’s proudest achievement lies in opening up possibilities for over 5,000 clients served by Sage Buyers. They are currently based in Kampala Uganda. He adds that by providing reliable iPhones and improving access, the company has positively impacted the tech landscape in East Africa.
Now, it’s 2023 and he has won the Young Entrepreneurs Award at this year’s Entrepreneurship Africa Awards in Nigeria slated for 2nd December in Lekki-Lagos. Stanley says it holds special meaning for him. It signifies acknowledgment beyond his home country, underscoring the impact and appreciation for his contributions to the tech industry.
Which was his Toughest Moment in life?
One of Stanley’s most challenging moments was passing the pre-registration exam. “During the pre-registration exam, I had a lot going on in my life and yet again I had to prepare and pass the most critical exam of my life!”
Challenges faced during his duo career path
Stanley shared with Kampala ET, “During that time, I had to balance my nine-to-five hospital job and also ensure the business was running smoothly. This involved overseeing employees to ensure they were performing efficiently and guaranteeing customer satisfaction. Additionally, I had to ensure the timely fulfillment of supplier obligations. As the CEO, I also handled every other aspect of the business. That was the most challenging time for me. I believe my biggest challenge was completing my internship while simultaneously managing the business. It was a tough period, managing employees, ensuring customer satisfaction, and meeting supply obligations on time, all while committing to my hospital job five days a week, from eight.”
Advice Stanley leaves for a fellow youth across the world looking up to him
We asked Mr. Ssempijja to share a piece of advice for young people, and this is what he said: “In a few words, time is a very, very valuable resource, and it’s what makes or breaks people. How people spend their time is what separates presidents from criminals. So the advice is to be mindful of how you spend your time. It’s not a renewable resource, and it’s not something that you can ever get back.”
