How Makerere Students Embraced Multi-Level Marketing Business

Written by: 
REAGAN KIYIMBA

MAKERERE - When one moves around campus, it is hard not to meet two or three students telling you about network marketing. Starting from the Main Gate to Ham Towers, Silver Arcade, Haruna Towers and University Plaza, there are many multi-level marketing (MLM) companies dealing in health products, which prompt students to join network marketing business.

"As money is everyone's need, network marketing provides a fertile ground for making money through easy means,” says David Maseruka, a student involved in the business.

He says when one joins network marketing, they are provided with a kit of health products (depending on the amount one pays) and they are given an account to manage their business.

According to Jamia Komwaka, a professional networker and a member of Alliance in Motion (AIM) global, joining networking business requires little money depending on the company charges. She says that unlike other businesses, here one is required to pay once and start earning without taxes charged.

"MLM business does not require a lot. You just need little capital, dress up smart and talk to people about your business, but more so you need to work as a team, engage in company trainings and events to earn,” says Kelvin Jjingo, a student and member of AIM Global.

“The best part is that we earn on daily basis whether you are at work or at school," Jjingo adds.

Jjingo says he balances school and work since his MLM business gives him enough time compared to other businesses.

However, Tumusiime Reagan, a student and a former member of AIM Global and Superlife network marketing companies, says that MLM business is a conmen platform which trains people to become professional conmen to steal students money. “I was introduced to these companies and I was promised to get rich in a week; I paid my Shs 780,000 out of excitement but I didn't get any coin,” says Tumusiime.

MLM business, like any other business encounters problems and sometimes the promises of riches do not work out. Dalton Kibirige, a student and a member of Superlife says it is important that students entering this business should be able to endure many possible challenges in the business.