‘I quit my job in Canada, found love, investment haven in Uganda’ - Alex Ponton’s story

In 2015, When Alex Tremblay Ponton made a decision to leave Canada to travel to Africa, he did not put much thought into what the future held for him.

He simply quit his well-paying Finance Job in Toronto, bought a plane ticket to Uganda.

It was all out of impulse, he says, and sheer curiosity.

“I wanted to see what it was to build and invest in a totally different context. That's it! No mission or pretention; just curiosity.”

Alex Ponton has started a number of companies and worked to support communites in several districts in Uganda Photo by Vernon Yuen/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Ponton went viral on Tuesday evening as he shared his experience of starting a completely new life in Uganda.

Over the past eight years, he’s lived and worked in several districts in the country, working and helping communities.

He’s started a number of companies including Spouts International, a ceramics manufacturer and Boresha Technologies, a software company for agribusiness.

“The journey took me across most districts of the country. From Lira to Kasese, there are entrepreneurs that remember Alex from Canada. Everywhere I went, I felt welcomed and was often given a local name. I became Mubiru, Ochen, Tumusiime and Baluku,” he said

“I have worked and funded SMEs. I have started a few successful and a few less successful businesses. The roller-coaster of investing and building in Uganda humbled me, taught me lessons, made me lose my hair but also made me a better entrepreneur, team member, investor and human being.”

Ponton also got to meet the love of his life Hadijja Namazzi, with whom they have a son.

“I also met my partner in crime and best friend, got married and welcomed our amazing son. To Uganda, I will be forever grateful.” He added.

The couple co-founded Modern Living; a thriving furniture company based in Kampala.

Ponton’s story captivated many on social media, and received hearty congratulations and best wishes.

“Beautiful Story Alex from Canada, we the people from Teso are sorry for the delay in giving you a Iteso name, we baptise you Ojakol... Thanks for loving our imperfect country,” wrote one Ariko Daudi.

“Happy birthday Alex! It’s great to see what you have done so far, and what Uganda has given you. The journey has just started! Thanks for sharing your story,” said Steven Mayanja.

The story was also described by Jonan Twine as “very inspiring.”