The month of March is widely known as Women’s Month, a celebration honoring the contributions of women to history, culture, and society.
In that regard, we are introducing a special Feature series for Women’s Month under the 2021 International Women’s Day theme: ‘Women In Leadership: Achieving An Equal Future In A COVID-19 World.’ Throughout the month of March, we will feature women that have portrayed exceptional leadership in their respective fields during these uncertain times.
The outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic has revealed a hard-and-fast evidence of female leadership competence with numerous studies pointing out, that number of cases and deaths, were systematically less in countries with women at the highest levels of decision-making and frontline service delivery.
We kick off our series with Dr. Maggie Kigozi, a medical doctor , Chairperson of the Global Fund Board Uganda CCM, Chairman Africa Scout Foundation , Vice Chair of Akina Mama Wa Afrika and Board Member of Trade Mark East Africa Ltd. She also runs Zuri Model Farm Ltd.
Dr. Maggie sits on a number of boards and works with numerous organizations that support leadership and entrepreneurship for women and young people.
What motivates you to wake up daily?
I am motivated to wake up early for my family, my country and my continent Africa.
What is a typical workday in your life like?
A typical workday includes ensuring my grandkids are off to school or on virtual school, exercise in the garden, check on the farm and attend virtual meetings for the various boards I sit on. As spokesperson for the National Dialogue, private sector representative, farmer, scout, voice of Women in Business and UN SDG5 Ambassador, I have many media engagements too. I watch TV or read a book before going to bed.
What are some of your most notable failures that ended up playing a great role in your success as a leader?
When I lost my husband suddenly in 1994 I was challenged to become the leader in the family at a difficult time when I was hurting and missing my husband. This enabled me to learn business on the ground at Crown Beverages Ltd, learn advocacy and business facilitation at the Uganda Manufacturers Association and dare to apply for the CEO role at the Uganda Investment Authority, get the appointment and for 12 years worked hard and travelled the world attracting investment.
There’s no gain without pain. What are some of the sacrifices you have made along the way to get to where you are now?
I am glad I never sacrificed my family as they are my top priority. I sacrificed sports to entrepreneurship. I was Chairperson of the Uganda Swimming Association which we were able to turn around and I could have done more for sport but I focused on entrepreneurship and Scouting.
Describe your leadership style? What are some of your go to leadership strategies that help you achieve great results?
My style of leadership is more towards a Democratic style of leadership and I believe I achieve more from my teams’ knowledge and skills. I ensure my team is well supported and trained with the necessary skills.
What are some of the tools and resources that have helped you grow as a leader especially during this pandemic?
I believe knowledge is power. I found out everything about Corona virus. I listened to the President and Ministry of Health, I followed WHO and CDC and our own Uganda Medical Association on Social media. I understood I am only safe if everyone around me is safe. I followed the Standard Operating Procedures and made sure those around me at home and at work did too. I built capacity to use virtual means of communication and ensured all boards I sit on meet virtually. We use the phone more on the farm and tree plantations. I exercise more regularly at home and eat more fruits and vegetables.
What are some of the strategies you have put in place to support your team during this time?
To support our teams at the factory we set up a high level task force. During lockdown the board and management met and drew up a strategy. We transformed the indoor parking and we are grateful to our staff who lived at the factory so that production of Pepsi products did not stop. Those who could work at home do. Covid tests were done and a special health team put in place. The farm was easier as spacing is possible and food is available.
Leading especially during a pandemic is not for the faint hearted. What has kept you going? What has it taught you about yourself?
As a leader in many areas during this Covid19 pandemic the first plan was on how to stay safe and keep both family and staff safe while still being productive. We are preparing to produce healthier products. I grew more food on the farm including cassava, sweet potatoes, matooke and gonja to contribute to food security in case Covid19 is not controlled soon.
As the outgoing chairperson of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism we brought in over $30m to fight Covid19. We brought in over $600m dollars against HIV, TB and Malaria. As Chairperson of the Africa Scout Foundation we funded scout projects in African Scout organizations to keep scouts busy but also safe.
As Akina Maama Wa Afrika, we continue to train women in leadership through our African Women Leadership Institute. We plan to train the new legislators elected to parliament. I chair ICON Enterprise Foundation which is working on family. Lockdown proved how important family was when Gender based violence and child pregnancy increased. I plant trees and support others to plant trees.
What keeps me going? How I can help contribute to the well-being of Ugandans keeps me going. What I have learnt about myself during this pandemic it to be flexible and do the same things differently.
What is the one mistake you often witness women make that hinders their success in leadership?
Women make great leaders when they are given the opportunity. The biggest mistake I see women make today is to prioritize money. They prefer rich old men over young men with future potential. They want to be paid for their work. I confirm volunteering has opened many doors for me.
What takes up most of your time?
Family and business take up most of my time.
What would you want to be remembered for?
Remember me for whatever you like about me.
