Innovative and results-driven ICT Systems Administrator with over 10 years of experience in network security, infrastructure management, software design, development and deployment. Managed virtual environments, network maintenance and hardware repair across multiple organizations. Looking to leverage this extensive experience and technical expertise to drive digital transformation and enhance IT operations in a senior systems administration role.
Proven expertise in Network Security, Infrastructure Management, Software Development, Disaster Recovery, and Cloud Services. At Smart Telecom (Uganda), I Optimized IT infrastructure to improve performance and reduce latency across multiple sites. At Premier Foods Limited, I created and executed a comprehensive Disaster Recovery plan, ensuring business continuity and data integrity during critical outages. I also Integrated cloud-based services at HM Viloo to enhance collaboration, resource allocation, and data accessibility, driving digital transformation and operational efficiency.
I have demonstrated the ability to tackle complex IT challenges with innovative solutions across diverse roles during the past 10 years. At Premier Foods Limited, I managed to reduce system downtime and security incidents by optimizing virtual environments and implementing a robust firewall. I also successfully led cross-functional teams in migrating legacy systems to modern, scalable platforms, showcasing a strong aptitude for solving intricate technical problems. At Smart Telecom Limited (Uganda), I streamlined hardware repair processes, significantly improving productivity and reducing turnaround times and also enhanced network performance and inter-departmental communication by redesigning network topologies and integrating cloud services.
At Premier Foods Limited, I effectively communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical staff through comprehensive IT training programs, significantly improving overall productivity and reducing support tickets and conducting regular security awareness training, enhancing employee understanding and reducing successful phishing attempts. At HM Viloo Limited, I coordinated seamlessly with team members and stakeholders in hybrid and remote work environments, ensuring successful project execution and timely delivery. I also led cross-functional teams in major system migrations and infrastructure upgrades, fostering collaboration and clear communication. Maintained a high level of user satisfaction by establishing a user-friendly IT knowledge base and implementing remote support tools for faster issue resolution. I am Fluent in both English and Swahili, facilitating effective communication in diverse environments.
Proven ability to lead and collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams to achieve project goals and enhance IT operations. I spearheaded the adoption of agile methodologies, improving project delivery times and boosting stakeholder satisfaction. Implemented IT asset management systems and optimized network infrastructure, working closely with team members to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Regularly conducted IT training programs, fostering a collaborative learning environment and empowering non-technical staff with essential skills. Demonstrated strong remote collaboration skills, coordinating with team members and stakeholders to ensure successful project execution and communication. Consistently promoted a team-oriented approach to problem-solving, resulting in high-quality outcomes and improved organizational performance.
Premier Foods Limited faced a huge risk running the core ERP without an ICT Infrastructure Backup nor an Offsite Disaster Recovery Site. The only backup that existed was a daily Database Backup which meant that in the case of a system hardware or Operating System breakdown, the latest Recovery Point would be the previous day’s Close of Business posing a risk of re-working an entire day’s work.
As the ICT System Administrator, I proposed implementation of a BCP using available Open Source Infrastructure as the organization’s cash flows were tight. The management gave a go ahead and we implemented the new Infrastructure Setup off-peak without any downtime or hampering any business processes.
The Implemented BCP achieved an RPO and RTO of 2 hours thus cutting down the risk of re-working transactions by over 600%, that is down from 12 hours to only 2 hours in case of any System breakdown.
This project pushed my limits from the normal enterprise solutions provided by VMware for virtualization infrastructure to rapidly learning other virtualization alternatives like Proxmox and XCPng. Being able to compare the two alternatives and finally arriving at the option to take also expanded my knowledge on virtualization technologies.
Fully implementing Proxmox Virtual Environment together with Proxmox Backup Server without losing any data and achieving increased performance due to overcoming VMware licencing hurdles such as processor cores and reduced costs showcases my diverse ability to adapt to change and open minded characteristics.
Tusker Mattresses Limited Customer Care staff faced challenges giving accurate information to customers regarding their returned electronic equipment under warranties. This led to poor customer service in regard to these repairs.
I was part of a team that designed and developed a fully operational Portal that was used to capture the Equipment repairs workflow from when the Customer returns the equipment at the store up to when the equipment is returned to the store and ready for collection by the customer.
The Customer Care Staff were better equipped with giving accurate progress and estimated work completion timelines against each respective Customer’s equipment thus increasing their confidence to face and answer customer queries regarding their returned electronic equipment.
Solutions to real-world challenges don’t have to be complicated. On the contrary, users appreciate and welcome simplistic solutions and work-arounds to their day to day challenges as the adoption of the solutions become seamless and in the long run reduce user related support challenges.
Being an initiator of the project after receiving the real-world challenge faced on the ‘ground’ by the customer care staff during branch visits showcases my ability to identify and pin-point user’s pain areas and ready to engage with the users with the goal of addressing their pain points.
Premier Foods Limited incurred unnecessary OPEX running the core ERP off the ‘cloud’ using a leased server that cost about $400 a month translating to $4800 annually whereas this could easily be Capitalized while achieving a Return On Investment Break Even in less than 2 years. Moreover, the Cloud Infrastructure was without a firewall protection posing a potential security threat to the applications running therein.
I Proposed an on premise solution that would see purchase of an equivalent server and deploy it on premise at the existing server room, virtualizing the environment so as to accommodate all the servers, i.e Database, Application and Test Servers.
Over and above the cost savings, users experienced improved performance since the network latency was significantly cut down from about 250ms to less than 5ms as the Application now existed on the premise LAN DMZ.
Technical requirements need to be examined keenly before solutions are proposed. In this case, Premier Foods were very lucky to have used the ‘cloud’ setup for over two years without a security incident while at the same time paying for the leasing services whereas the same amount could have been invested in a physical on premise server that would be more secure behind the On Premise Firewall.
Organizations should keenly investigate proposals by vendors rather than quickly adopting new technology for the sake of it. The manner and way in which we undertook the migration from the cloud to the premise was also a key highlight for my service at Premier Foods Limited as it got the ICT Team a recognition award from the Management Team.
Premier Foods Limited was incurring lots of cost and was having a big challenge towards playing their part in the sustainability agenda by still using lots of paper and printing documents used for internal processes so as to cover the misfortunes of the core ERP.
I designed and developed a fully operational Portal that was used to capture various process workflows. Some of the processes included were: A fully paperless Procurement to Pay process, ICT Assets Management and Petty Cash.
More efficiency was evidenced in internal processes and in the long run lots of cost savings in stationery. Data Availability also increased by a mile since the records were easily retrievable by several clicks at the Portal rather than perusal through bulky box files around the office.
Solutions do not have to be sophisticated in nature. On the contrary, users love simple solutions to their day to day practical problems.
Identifying the challenge and going ahead to undertake the project without necessarily being required to do so by the Job Description shows my ability to take initiative and self-drive so as to use my acquired skills to make a change in the workplace, however minimal thus being the change that I wish to see.