Empowering women in strategic leadership: A reflection on women on boards training

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OPINION

By Lillian Kabanyoro

An approval from URA Staff SACCO to attend the Women on Boards (WOB) Skilling Program jolted me out of my reverie! I was elated but equally sceptical about how the experience would play out. “Would it be mind-blowing or lukewarm? Compelling or Shaky?” I pondered.

The full-day capacity-building sessions ran from 16 – 18 July 2025 at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Kampala by Kairos Consult Ltd. All I can say, without fear or favour, they were mind-blowing! The various speakers’ words dripped with authority and wisdom, commanding the room’s attention. It wasn’t uncommon for the audience to gasp in unison, a collective “What a Wow!” “aaaaaah”, “oooohh” and “Perfect!”. Ultimately, the training was a transformative journey that ignited a spark within me.

In her book “Lean In”, Sheryl Sandberg highlights the “Leadership Ambition Gap” that is, “…The data clearly indicate that in field after field, more men than women aspire to the most senior jobs.

A 2012 McKinsey survey of more than four thousand employees of leading companies found that 36 percent of the men wanted to reach the C-suite, compared to only 18 percent of the women. When jobs are described as powerful, challenging, and involving high levels of responsibility, they appeal to more men than women. And while the ambition gap is most pronounced at the highest levels, the underlying dynamic is evident at every step of the career ladder.”

This dilemma is similar to our Ugandan Context! It’s against this backdrop that Kairos Consult Ltd deemed it fit to do its best and bridge this gap through supporting women currently serving on Boards, those aspiring to serve and ones deployed in strategic positions. Women were encouraged not to just “Seat” on Boards, but rather to “Serve” on Boards and in strategic positions by upholding integrity, femininity and most importantly, ensuring value-addition.

The sessions were expertly delivered by distinguished coaches who included; Ms. Mary Lillian Nabunya Manyonga, Mathia Katamba and Diana Ninsiima Mukumbya who spoke to Effective Communication, Personal Branding & Executive Presence, Negotiation Skills, Ethical Leadership, Strategic Thinking & Decision making at the Board Level, building confidence and influence, networking, use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Financial Oversight and Risk Management to mention but a few.

The most incredible part was the sense of community and support that permeated the entire program; the opportunity to connect with like-minded women who are willing to mentor and coach others way beyond the boundaries of the training room at no cost, yet very encouraging of women not to forget their God-Given roles!

A one Dr Nabatanzi was impressed by the women’s valour and contributions in their leadership roles; she implored them to take on more Board and Oversight roles in the Public Sector in a bid to strengthen holistic accountability in our Country, Uganda.

In attendance were dignitaries like Ms Stella Oguti & Ms Lillian Kabanyoro (Board Members, URA Staff SACCO), Dr Julian Nabatanzi (Deputy Director, State House Health Monitoring Unit), Ms Sarah Kagingo & Ms Aphwa Kawaase Sebyala (Board Members, NEMA), Ms Jenipher Bamuturaki (CEO, Uganda Airlines), Ms Barbra Ofwono Buyondo (Proprietor of Victorious Education Services Ltd), among other notables from the Private Sector and Humanitarian Agencies.

Kairos Consult’s Commitment to promoting women’s leadership is commendable, and I look forward to witnessing the ripple effects of this training in the years to come.

Respected readers, I implore you to pursue leadership roles and attend future similar trainings! Remember, you do not need a title to lead!

The writer is a Domestic Taxes Expert at URA