Have you ever had a program set for 5 pm, only to realize down the road that it’s 5 pm already and you are just setting off? That is a typical example of ‘African Time’—a concept reflecting a more relaxed approach to punctuality. While some people believe it’s acceptable to be late in Africa, it’s not to suggest that we Africans are inherently unpunctual. Instead, ‘African Time’ highlights a view of time as more fluid and flexible.
In Uganda and many other parts of Africa, this cultural perception has clashed with the fast-paced, time-sensitive demands of modern work environments and the global economy, and while it might seem a simple case of managing time better, redefining ‘African time’ for modern-day Uganda might mean reshaping how time is managed and valued within contemporary settings while respecting cultural flexibility.
To start off, the African time setting wasn’t always based on specific clock hours but rather on chunks of the day.
The wee hours of dawn, often called ‘cock crow’ or simply ‘first light.’ Constituted the first chunk of time from around the first cock crow at 4 am till around 6 am. People knew it was time to start their day when they could see the first rays of sunlight or hear the sounds of roosters crowing. This period was typically associated with waking up, fetching water, preparing food, and setting up for the day’s tasks, like farming, fishing, or herding.
After sunrise, the morning was marked by the sun’s brightness before it peaked. This period, known as Esaawa Zamalibwa (Time for Digging), was dedicated to essential tasks like tilling the land, planting, or making rounds in the community. Mid-morning, called Kalasa Mayanzi (Sounding of Crickets), followed, signaling the end of the morning’s digging activities as the sun reached its peak.
Midday, known as Mu Tuntu (Sun at its Peak), marked a pause in activities, often dedicated to meals, rest, and regrouping. This period typically lasted from around 12 noon to 2 PM, leading into lunch, Amalya Gebyemisana. The afternoon, called Akasenda Bazaana, was followed by the late afternoon period, Olwegulo (4-5-6 PM), and then the evening, Akawungezi (6-7 PM). These chunks of time allowed flexibility; for instance, if someone expected you to show up during Lwegulo, you had approximately three hours to arrive. Time was more event-based rather than tied to a fixed schedule.
This however, doesn’t resonate with modern times where lunchtime is fixed, 5 pm is 5 pm with no wiggle room whatsoever, which brings us back to the question, can the idea of “African time” be redefined for modern-day Uganda? The short answer? wing it. Improvise and adapt.
In urban Uganda, workplaces expect employees to start their shifts on time, meetings begin at specific hours, and deadlines for tasks are firmly set. For students, classes and exams are scheduled precisely to the hour, and in government offices and businesses, services operate with defined start and end times, thus, following ‘African time’ for such instances only puts one at a disadvantage.
While the prospect of keeping time lux might sound appealing, modern society simply cannot accommodate it as is, but as a refined kind of ‘Flexible Time.’
Flexible Time in the modern world.
Flexible time reframes the idea of clock-watching, emphasizing work completed rather than hours worked. In practice, it might mean adjusting start and end times, focusing on productive ‘blocks’ of the day, or structuring work around deliverables rather than fixed schedules. This principle of time as a rhythm rather than a rigid structure mirrors how traditional African time was once measured in Uganda and elsewhere: by natural cues and the demands of the day, not by the clock.
This principle of flexible time is not just about allowing more leeway with schedules; it’s about creating a workplace that values individual productivity, well-being, and cultural respect. Integrating flexible time — whether through adaptable schedules, task-based deadlines, or core collaboration hours — can result in a more dynamic, efficient, and satisfying work environment. While Uganda’s ‘African time’ may traditionally reflect cultural values, the global interest in flexible work demonstrates that these values resonate universally.
One way to adapt is to harness the flexibility of ‘African time’ within structured frameworks that still respect time-sensitive demands. Modern companies around the world are beginning to recognize that rigid scheduling isn’t always the most effective approach. Instead, they’re moving toward ‘flexible time’ models, where employees work around core hours, focus on task completion, and have the freedom to manage their own time — as long as productivity stays high.
Dell, for instance. As a pioneer in flexible work, has offered remote work options for over a decade. This flexibility includes allowing employees to work entirely remotely or choose hours that fit their schedule. The program has significantly cut down office space costs while improving employee satisfaction and retention
Appen: A leader in AI and machine learning that operates with a flexible work model, connecting over a million remote contractors worldwide. The company provides comprehensive support through community forums and specialized courses to help team leaders manage remote employees effectively.
Unilever: Known for its adaptability offers various flexible arrangements, including remote work, job-sharing, and reduced hours. The company prioritizes trust and support from senior leadership, which empowers employees to balance work with personal commitments while ensuring productivity remains high.
This model has shown promise globally. Remote-first companies like Zapier and Automattic have embraced the approach, emphasizing output rather than strict attendance. Employees focus on deliverables rather than hours, allowing them to work at their own pace. This rhythm-based work structure — a modern take on ‘African time’— fosters well-being by encouraging people to rest when they need it and work when they’re most productive. In effect, it blends cultural respect with modern-day efficiency.
For Ugandans, adopting a modernized view of time might mean becoming ‘punctual with purpose’— showing up on time not simply because it’s required but because it represents a commitment to efficiency and respect. In this way, redefining ‘African time’ doesn’t have to be about erasing Uganda’s unique approach to time but instead about reimagining it for a world where tradition and modernity meet.
