The Bell is Ringing, Dr. Martin Aliker

If you like a good laugh while reading and hold an interest in Uganda’s political history, The Bell is Ringing by the Chairman of Chairmen, Dr. Martin Aliker should be your next read. It is a reflective book that touches on the themes of life, struggle, politics, and the human condition. It blends elements of personal storytelling with broader cultural commentary. Through a series of reflective life experiences, Dr. Aliker explores both the external pressures people face as well as their internal struggles, and how these affect their lives and perceptions of success and purpose.

I had the distinct privilege of co-reviewing the book (though ambushed) with Bernard Mukasa, Class President Cohort 2 #JTB2025. Together, we explored the themes and key lessons Dr. Aliker skillfully weaved into his work, life and legacy. Though I cannot narrate all the lessons learnt because of space, here are some of the most memorable lessons for me from the book.

1. Embrace Lifes Challenges: The book emphasizes that struggles and hardships are a natural part of life. Rather than avoiding them, we should face challenges head-on, as they are opportunities for growth and personal development.

2. Resilience and Adaptability: Life can be unpredictable, and adapting to changing circumstances is key. This is reflected in Dr. Aliker’s move to exile in Kenya where he had to start from scratch and build his way up, not only into Kenya’s best dental practice but corporate business arena as well.

3. The Importance of Relationships/Networks: Relationships—whether with family, friends, or colleagues—play a crucial role in shaping our lives. Dr. Aliker emphasizes that cultivating meaningful, supportive connections is vital for personal happiness and success. These relationships help us weather life’s storms and grow as individuals. Because of the constant nurture to his relationships, Dr Aliker was able to have a soft landing in exile and this was key to his political and corporate business success in exile.

4. Leave a Legacy:  The book encourages readers to think about the legacy they wish to leave behind. Dr. Aliker prompts readers to live in a way that will leave a positive impact on others and the world at large, whether through acts of kindness, wisdom, or contributions to society.

5. Integrity: Integrity is tested most when faced with challenges or adversity. Dr. Aliker shares an experience when he was faced with a major decision at work involving a financial opportunity that would have benefited him personally. He chose to reject the offer because it conflicted with his moral values. This decision reinforced his belief that integrity is about making the right choice, even when it’s not the most advantageous.