From Gayaza to Leadership Advocate: Priscilla Sseruuka's Journey

Priscilla Mirembe Sseruuka, the driving force behind Kairos Consult, recently shared insights into her life’s journey, highlighting how personal challenges and diverse career experiences have shaped her into a champion for women’s leadership. Her story, recounted on “Meet the Boss on Morning Switch,” began at Gayaza High School, an institution she credits with instilling early confidence and ambition.

The loss of her father at a young age presented significant challenges, yet it was her mother’s resilience as a teacher turned businesswoman that taught Sseruuka the value of discipline and hard work. A scholarship allowed her to continue her education at Makerere University, where she engaged in student leadership and found her future husband.

Sseruuka’s professional career started in banking at Uganda Commercial Bank, where she spent eight years honing skills in organization and adherence to systems. However, this path eventually felt unfulfilling, prompting a career shift. She moved into development work, first with an EDF microprojects program assisting war-affected communities and later in microfinance.

Her ability to handle significant responsibility was further tested and proven when she successfully took on a regional leadership role for an international NGO, overseeing operations across several East African countries. This experience underscored her leadership philosophy, which emphasizes responsibility, ethics, and hard work, stating that “Leadership and excuses don’t go together. Take responsibility.”

Building on her early leadership roles as a prefect at Gayaza, Sseruuka now spearheads the “Women on Boards” initiative. This program aims to dismantle barriers preventing women from accessing corporate and institutional decision-making tables. It focuses on developing essential skills such as confidence, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness, alongside professional networking.

Sseruuka acknowledges that societal attitudes can impact women’s confidence and is committed to helping women recognize their capabilities. Despite a demanding career, she has meticulously balanced professional ambitions with family life, raising four children and now enjoying her role as a grandmother. Her dedication extends to her church, where she mentors young girls and chairs a building committee.

Her advocacy will be highlighted at the upcoming Women on Boards Awards Gala on October 30th, themed “Governing with Purpose: Celebrating Women Who Lead,” an event that mirrors her own life’s work in empowering women to lead with vision and impact.

Source: Nile Post