God, Faith, and Leadership: How Uganda’s Top Executives Draw Strength from Above

In the high-pressure corridors of corporate Uganda, where profit margins and shareholder returns dominate boardroom agendas, an unexpected theme is rising to the forefront of leadership: faith in God.

Across sectors—from real estate and telecoms to central banking and public service—a growing number of Uganda’s most influential leaders are openly crediting their faith in God as not just a personal compass, but a professional imperative.

“God is not an accessory to leadership—He is the source”

Allen Kagina, former Executive Director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and now Chair of the TVET Council, is clear about the centrality of faith in her leadership.

“For me, God is not an accessory to leadership—He is the source,” she says. “Leadership carries weight, and I’ve learned that divine guidance isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. I move forward best when I’ve first bowed in prayer”.

FULL INTERVIEW HERE: https://www.ceo.co.ug/allen-kagina-faith-driven-leadership-purpose-prayer/

Kagina, whose public sector reforms are widely regarded as transformative, emphasizes the need to refill spiritually:

“At the top, you always leak strength… You give, and you give—but if you don’t refill from the Lord, burnout is inevitable. I replenish through prayer, worship, and time in Scripture”.

“I live for an audience of One”

Sylvia Mulinge, the CEO of MTN Uganda, calls her leadership journey a divine assignment:

“I live for the audience of One. The Lord is my stage, and the Lord is my audience,” she explains. “That perspective gives me grounding in how I view everything—work, family, spiritual matters”.

FULL INTERVIEW HERE: https://www.ceo.co.ug/leading-for-an-audience-of-one-sylvia-mulinge-on-faith-driven-leadership/

Mulinge’s leadership blends spiritual conviction with corporate strategy. In moments of uncertainty or adversity, she says:

“I’ve knelt down in my boardroom, in front of my team, just giving thanks. For me, I’m not ashamed of it. I come from the perspective that if I’m not ashamed of God, He will not be ashamed of me”.

“My faith is the foundation of my leadership style”

Judy Rugasira, Managing Director of Knight Frank Uganda, echoes this fusion of faith and business.

“My faith is the foundation of my leadership style—it shapes how I define success and how I treat people,” she says. “I strive to lead in a way that reflects core biblical values… decisions guided by integrity, service, stewardship, and purpose every day”.

FULL INTERVIEW HERE: https://www.ceo.co.ug/leading-with-purpose-judy-rugasira-on-faith-integrity-and-stewardship/

Rugasira begins and ends her day with prayer and reflection.

“Each morning, I wake up early to pray and read Scripture… I often pray over upcoming meetings and projects, asking God for clarity and discernment”.

These habits, she explains, are not just spiritual exercises—they’re practical tools for stress management, ethical decision-making, and team motivation.

“By anchoring my daily routine in prayer, meditation on Scripture, and reflection, I find I’m more patient with others, more confident in decisions, and better able to lead with compassion”.

“I go on my knees asking for a spirit of discernment”

For Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, the connection between faith and leadership is not abstract—it’s part of his daily rhythm.

“Before I come to the office in the morning, I go on my knees asking for a spirit of discernment, wisdom, knowledge and proper judgment,” he told #BoUConnects podcast.

He begins each day with Scripture, asking:

“How do I apply this to today? If I’m reading about patience, then I say: what do I need to do to be patient today?”

In moments of crisis or pressure, he leans heavily on Philippians 4:6:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in prayer and supplication, let all your requests be known to God… and the peace of God that surpasses all human understanding will guard your heart”.

“Work is a noble act of worship”

Elizabeth Ntege, a tech entrepreneur and co-founder of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur program, believes that the marketplace itself can be a spiritual calling.

“Work is a noble act of worship through which man carries out God’s work of bettering the earth,” she says.

Her organization partners with churches to support Christian entrepreneurs, offering community, content, and mentorship.

READ FULL INTERVIEW: https://www.ceo.co.ug/partnering-with-god-in-the-marketplacea-faith-driven-entrepreneurship-gospel-a-la-elizabeth-ntege/

“Just as the clergy are called to shepherd their flock, entrepreneurs are called to create solutions that meet the needs of their clients through their businesses,” she adds. “When entrepreneurs understand that their work is an act of worship… everything starts to change—outside and inside the walls of the church”.

Ntege says Uganda, one of the most entrepreneurial countries in Africa, has the potential to lead in “faith-driven entrepreneurship” and reshape the economy in ways that honour both purpose and profit.

Why Faith in Leadership Matters

The integration of faith into business and leadership isn’t merely a private conviction—it shapes organisational culture, resilience, and long-term success.

“Leadership is a constant outpouring… if you don’t refill from the Lord, burnout is inevitable,” says Allen Kagina.
“Leadership can be a very lonely journey… So for me, prayer is going to the One I believe is the greatest leader—and asking Him for wisdom and counsel,” adds Sylvia Mulinge.

This spiritual grounding appears to have organisational ripple effects. Judy Rugasira, for instance, has established a corporate fellowship at Knight Frank:

“We have corporate lunch hour fellowship every Monday where we pray for guidance as a team… these spiritual practices help us build solidarity,” she notes.

Similarly, Sylvia Mulinge advocates for workplace inclusivity that respects expressions of faith:

“People of Christian faith shouldn’t feel they need to hide just because they’re in leadership… We should have the freedom to express our faith without fear or shame”.

The Bottom Line: Character Before Credentials

In a world of volatile markets and constant disruption, these leaders suggest that the inner life of a leader—their faith, discipline, and spiritual resilience—may be more vital than ever.

“You can’t really orchestrate your life if you don’t go back to speak to the One who created it,” says Sylvia Mulinge.
“Don’t compartmentalise your character. Make fair and upright decisions even when it hurts your bottom line… it pays off in trust and credibility,” adds Judy Rugasira.
And as Allen Kagina counsels young leaders: “Let your ambition be shaped by heaven, not just the headlines”.

In Uganda’s boardrooms, it seems, the quiet strength of prayer and the bold clarity of purpose are finding new relevance—not as obstacles to success, but as its very foundation.