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CELEBRATING LIFE

It’s been almost a year since we bid farewell to a remarkable leader, Dr Michael Kansiime, whose vision and unwavering commitment to the Dairy Development Authority (DDA) reshaped an entire industry and left an indelible mark on countless lives. 

In this tribute, we reflect on the life and legacy of a man affectionately known as Dr KanMich, who went far beyond the conventional notions of leadership. 

His journey at the DDA began in 2021 and with it came an era of unprecedented transformation that touched not only the institution but also the hearts and careers of those who had the privilege to work with him. In the book of Proverbs, we find these timeless words: “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV). 

Dr Kansiime embodied this truth, for he was a man with a vision and it was a vision that breathed life into an organisation and the dairy industry at large.

The visionary 

 In one of our first meetings, he unveiled an 18-point programme for revitalising the dairy industry. 

What set this programme apart was its emphasis on the data ecosystem and the monitoring and evaluation framework. Seven of those eighteen points were dedicated to strengthening this aspect and recognising its pivotal role in our industry’s success. 

This vision resonated profoundly with my role as the head of planning at the DDA. 

Dr Kansiime’s vision for real-time milk traceability and the professionalisation of the dairy industry aligned perfectly with my expertise. 

It was as if he saw a piece of the future and our task was to shape it. Dr Kansiime’s vision was a gift and it bore fruit not just for the DDA, but for the entire dairy industry. 

A uniformed vision 

Dr Kansiime’s leadership was not limited to strategic planning; it extended into the very fabric of our organisation. One of his transformative innovations was the introduction of corporate wear that bore a resemblance to military insignia, categorised by rank. 

This choice was far from merely aesthetic; it was a strategic move to affirm our authority as an enforcement agency. 

In elegant sky-blue shirts and blouses tailored to fit, we were not only given a new look but also a renewed sense of purpose and distinction. The uniforms served as a constant reminder of our roles as guardians of the dairy industry’s integrity. 

In this, Dr Kansiime brought to life a scriptural truth: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God and those that exist have been instituted by God.” 

Our corporate wear, inspired by his vision, became a symbol of our God-given responsibility to serve and protect. 

Advocate for staff welfare 

Dr Kansiime’s leadership extended beyond industry transformation. He was relentless in his pursuit of better conditions for DDA staff. 

His advocacy for our well-being was reminiscent of Philippians 2:4: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (ESV). 

He was a leader who cared deeply for the welfare of his team. I recall the time we spent lobbying for increased salaries at the finance and public service ministry. 

Despite facing humiliation and bureaucratic hurdles, his resilience paid off. He secured an enhanced salary rise through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll System that benefited all of us. 

Dr Kansiime’s advocacy was a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of those under his leadership. His dedication did not stop at salary increments. 

With an unwavering commitment to employee well-being, he introduced staff lunches, a feat that previous administrations had failed to achieve. 

This act was an embodiment of the biblical principle of sharing, as we are reminded in the book of Acts when all the believers were together and they had everything in common. 

A spiritual compass  

Dr Kansiime’s leadership extended even further. He was a man of deep faith and he made it an integral part of the DDA’s work environment. 

He institutionalised a Wednesday fellowship that became the spiritual backbone of our organisation. His sermons, a seamless blend of professional ethics and Christian morals, became the highlight of our week. 

In the book of Colossians, it is written: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him” (Colossians 3:17, NIV). 

Dr Kansiime exemplified this truth. He saw no separation between faith and work, recognising that one could be a guiding light for the other His touch and sermons during these fellowships ignited a desire within us to search for our purpose, not only in our careers, but in life itself. 

Dr Kansiime was more than a leader; he was a spiritual guide who helped us navigate the complexities of our daily tasks. 

Mentor, father figure  

For me and for many others, Dr Kansiime was not just a boss; he was a mentor and a father figure. 

He didn’t merely make decisions for us; he encouraged us to be co-creators of our future. During my service under him, I got wisdom that Dr Kansiime embodied and this motivates me throughout this day. 

He not only sought my opinion, but trusted me enough to let me articulate our collective vision to external stakeholders. 

He was the embodiment of the saying “a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” 

Even in his moments of self-doubt, he was the buoy that kept me afloat. His leadership was a testament to the power of trust, guidance, and belief in one’s team. 

Even in his ailing condition, he insisted on renewing my contract, a testament to his belief in me. In the book of James, we are reminded: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). 

Dr Kansiime’s wisdom and belief in his team were gifts that continued to bear fruit. 

Conclusion  
In memory of Dr Michael Kansiime, the Dairy Development Authority, and the dairy industry at large celebrate a visionary leader who left an indelible mark. 

His vision, dedication to staff welfare, unwavering faith, and mentorship continue to inspire those he mentored and led. Dr Kansiime’s legacy is a testament to the enduring impact of true leadership, guided by a vision that was not limited by the confines of a job title, but driven by a calling to make a difference. 

As we move forward, we remember the profound wisdom that Dr Kansiime shared with us, “Prepare your bed and lay on it.” 

It is a reminder that we are co-creators of our future, accountable for our actions and guided by the enduring legacy of a visionary leader.

His legacy continues 

Dr Kansiime’s untimely departure left an irreplaceable void, but his legacy endures. Even during his convalescence, the DDA clung to the faith he had instilled in us. 
His return to the office, albeit brief and frail, was a testimony to the indomitable spirit he had fostered within us — his transformers. 

He always reminded us of the enduring power of God’s guidance, always telling us to wait for the Lord to renew our strength; run, and not be weary. Dr Kansiime’s return, even in his frailty, was a testament to this promise.

Today, as I continue to serve at DDA, it is his vision that guides me. I stay not because it’s a job, but because it’s a calling that he helped me recognise. 

His vision, his faith, his unwavering advocacy, and his mentorship continue to shape the course of the DDA and the dairy industry. 

Dr Kansiime may have left us in body, but his spirit and vision continue to illuminate our path. 

In the Bible, I find a promise that resonates with his enduring legacy: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, NIV). 

Dr Michael Kansiime was a beacon of transformative leadership and his memory will forever be etched in our hearts. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Tribute written by Kenneth Otikal, the principal planning officer, Dairy Development Authority