I daresay, for most children in Uganda, even when we come of age, we never get to truly know much about the finances of our parents; and of the households in which we are raised.

There is a prevailing culture of ‘inter generational secrecy’ on matters money.

To the extent, I think, for most of us, it is taboo for a child to ask a parent about the parent’s money. Worse more, to dare comment on how a parent uses money.

I wonder whether this historical trend, cultural privacy talking money, explains why our low numeracy levels in our motherland – which hover around 50%.

In comparison, for context, it is reported China’s numeracy rate is nearly 100%; certainly not less than 99%, it is said.

Apparently, in China, basic numeracy – ability to make simple arithmetic calculations is equally prioritized and nurtured alongside literacy – ability to read and write.

Some may wonder why am going on about this.

I assure you, insufficient numeracy skills and low financial literacy in our motherland co-reinforce and in way that is debilitating for many.

Case in point, I struggle each time mentoring youth.

When I insist on youth under our mentorship applying their numeracy and financial literacy skills set, some outrightly completely resist.

Those who do not resist and genuinely express desire to acquire these important life skills, they struggle significantly. It is an uphill battle for them.

For those with promise, I never give up. I innovate and tweak the delivery of mentoring content and the approach, until we find our right rhythm.

“I loved my one-on-one session with our Team Leader on 14th July 2026. It increased my critical investment thinking – using the available resources, like our CPAR Uganda Photocopier, to invest and make money.” Feedback from Lawoko, Innovator under mentorship at our Dr. Paul Hargrave Memorial Centre in Lira City.

I celebrate each breakthrough; however small it may be. It is a step in the right direction.

I am a cultural anthropologist. I appreciate where they are coming from. In most of households we grew up in, we don’t talk numbers, we don’t talk money. Numbers and money are shrouded in mystery.

Our low human development indicators, seemingly have a direct correlation with our other development indicators.

Time is overdue for numbers and money talk to be demystified.

It is necessary for numbers and money talk to become part of central conversations at household level in my motherland.

These are my thoughts this Sunday morning. As I look forward to our next cohort of youth who are soon to benefit from our Dr. Paul Hargrave Memorial Centre Human Development Project. The Research Masterclass. CLICK HERE to read more about it,