“If you do not know where you came from, you’ll never know where you are.” In this episode of Footprints, Mrs. Rhoda Kalema, also known as Jjajja Rhoda, shares her ninety-five years of experience and wisdom. She reflects on her early life, political and civil activism for women, and the unwavering faith that guided her through life's transitions. Born to Martin Luther Nsibirwa, the Katikiro of Buganda Kingdom, and Veronica Namuddu, she recalls the values they instilled in her: respect, honesty, practical decision-making, and the importance of education.

Jjajja Rhoda attended Gayaza High School before transferring to Kings College Buddo, becoming one of the first girls in Uganda's co-educational school. She was also the first girl to complete a commercial course in Uganda, later studying at Makerere College and passing the London Chamber of Commerce exams in London. She worked at Gayaza High School, then moved to London with her husband, William Kalema, where she earned a certificate in Social Studies at the University of Edinburgh.

Returning to Uganda, she served as a probation officer and worked with the Uganda Council of Women, contributing to significant milestones for women's rights. After her husband's murder by Idi Amin's regime, she continued her advocacy, eventually becoming a deputy minister of the National Resistance Council, helping to re-establish democracy and create the 1996 constitution. Later, she focused on community work in Kiboga, advocating for education and health services and providing vocational training.

Jjajja Rhoda's journey underscores the importance of intentional leadership, mental strength, and gratitude. She inspires us to be humble leaders who never forget their origins and the support of those who walked with them.

©Blurb written by Divine Karungi

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This episode of the Footprints podcast features Arthur Blick, the fastest man on two wheels, sharing his life’s journey. He discusses the lessons learned, transitions faced, values held, his vision for the future, and the story behind his 660 trophies.

Arthur recalls being bullied by his larger brother, which fueled his competitive spirit. He took to exercise and sports like boxing and motorcycle racing. Winning his first race in 1965 at age fifteen, Arthur became a national champion for fourteen consecutive years and an East African champion for four years.

A spinal injury in 1982 ended his competitive sports career, but Arthur adapted, becoming a mechanic and modifying cars for people with disabilities. He later started Blick Wines, producing organic mulberry wine.

Arthur has served as Local Council One and District Councilor, advocating for accessibility standards. At seventy-six, he plans to set up a family sports complex and expand his wine business. Arthur's journey exemplifies resilience and tenacity, showing that transition is not the end.

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©Blurb written by Divine Karungi

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Living in the moment and savoring the present is important, but we must remember that nothing is guaranteed. In this episode of the Footprints Podcast, Ms. Judy Ann Kamanyi imparts wisdom from her decades of leadership across various platforms and reflects on the significance of preparedness in the face of change.

Ms. Judy's leadership journey began in her teenage years at Gayaza High School, where her potential was recognized by her teachers. She served as a junior-level prefect, received a leadership award, and was later appointed Deputy Head Girl during her senior five. As an expert in social development, gender equality, and governance, she advocated for the education of girls, campaigned against the discrimination of women in politics, and fought against unpunished sexual crimes towards women. Ms. Judy looks back on proud moments such as her contributions to women attaining positions in parliament. However, she also acknowledges her regrets for instances where she could have done more, particularly regarding the prevalent vagueness and ambivalence over topics like The Girl Child. She notes that despite the passage of time, people still seem to misunderstand the significance of these pressing issues. She questions whether she missed something critical that could have altered the outcome she sees today, believing that more focus on The Girl Child might have made a difference.

Despite this, she asserts that as leaders, it is impractical to always blame themselves for the outcomes of their work. While it is right to take responsibility, there are always many other factors at play. A leader must make peace with the fact that certain issues cannot be completely solved in one day.

Ms. Judy shared that she held various positions in the public and private sectors, as well as in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and is currently employed as a consultant. Interestingly, she never prepared for any of these transitions, always focusing on the present and seamlessly moving into new roles. However, she now acknowledges that this approach may have been unwise, as change can bring about unpredictable outcomes. Though she had previously neglected the significance of life's transitions, she has since learned to appreciate the value of planning, especially given her dynamic work schedules.

"One should not take things for granted," she advised. She, like many others, had failed to address her previous transitions and had not devoted adequate time to prepare for them. Although most of her transitions had been relatively seamless, she recognized that sudden changes could be detrimental to many, leaving them in a state of shock. A sudden job loss, for example, could leave one vulnerable if they had not made contingency plans.

Ms. Judy's recognition of the human tendency to avoid difficult topics is significant. As she had experienced, it is a challenge to consider the implications of unexpected events such as job loss or inevitable death. Her emphasis on the value of intentionally asking ourselves difficult questions and planning for every stage of life transition is crucial. We must take the time to reflect regularly and incorporate succession and backup plans into our daily routine. By doing so, we can better equip ourselves to be Change Ready.

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For more information on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CivSource Africa's⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Change

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Most people think of retirement as the end, but it might just be the beginning. In this episode of Footprints, Robby Muhumuza shares his leadership journey, strategic decisions, and truths about misconceptions that cause struggles during and after retirement.

From an early love of stories in Bushenyi, Robby developed into a skilled leader. He served as Head of the Scripture Union and Editor in Chief at Makerere College. Robby worked at World Vision for 23 years, witnessing many transitions and learning to manage them effectively.

Robby prepared for retirement through planning classes, journaling, living below his means, and investing in savings schemes. When he unexpectedly retired at 50 due to restructuring, he was well-prepared. He engaged in consultancy, invested in real estate, and took financial literacy classes.

Robby’s retirement is comfortable, with steady income from investments. He advises planning for retirement early, budgeting, saving, and investing in health insurance. He also warns against relying on children as a backup plan and investing in large houses that can become financial burdens.

Robby’s journey demonstrates that intentional planning and reflection are key to thriving in retirement.

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In this compelling episode of the Footprints podcast, we sit down with Honorable Doctor Miria Koburunga Matembe as she shares her extraordinary life journey, motivations, and insights into finding peace amidst life's inevitable transitions. With remarkable candor and

Born as the fourth child in a family of nine in rural Bwizibwera Kashari, Doctor Matembe's path was far from

Doctor Matembe's achievements are numerous. As the Minister for Ethics and Integrity from 1998 to 2003, she

Internationally recognized, she received a standing ovation at the 1995 Women’s Conference in Beijing for her

However, her journey was not without challenges. Her unwavering integrity and opposition to the removal of

Honorable Doctor Matembe's story is a testament to faith, resilience, and the enduring power of one's voice in

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Join us for Episode 4, Part 2, as she offers invaluable wisdom on leadership, personal growth, and the relentless

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#footprintspodcastseries #legacies #transitions

In this latest episode of the Footprints podcast, we delve into the remarkable life of Hon. Dr. Miria Koburunga Matembe!

Learn how she challenged biases that valued women only if they bore sons or brought dowry, and how she ensured the constitution safeguarded women's rights as the Minister of Ethics and Integrity. Her unwavering fight for equality shaped policies, empowered women to step up, and brought international recognition.

🎧 Tune in for timeless wisdom on navigating life's challenges, standing firm on values, and using your voice for change.

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For more information on⁠⁠⁠⁠ CivSource Africa's⁠⁠⁠⁠ Change

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The lack of purposefulness in many people is probably the biggest reason why our society is in a state of stagnation. This episode of the Footprints Podcast features Ian Clarke, an Irish Ugandan doctor and missionary. He shares his experiences from his 72 years of life, alongside the visions that propelled him to strive for his goals, bringing forth transformation as a leader.

As a doctor, he came to know of the AIDS pandemic scourging the population in Uganda. He arrived alongside the Church Missionary Society in 1987 and was devastated; seeing the cruel nature of the disease firsthand in a community, Luweero, that was in a state of acclimatization, bearing the aftermath of the recent bush war. As an individual highly motivated by having an impact on society, he ran a charitable hospital, treating the ailing as best as he could. Unfortunately, so many still died of the disease, including some of his colleagues which he found extremely emotionally traumatic.

Leaving the country for London, Ian Clarke pursued a Master's degree in Public Health. He started a clinic at the Kampala Pentecostal Church building in Kampala upon his return. He developed the clinic into a hospital; International Hospital Kampala, and also set up Clarke University with a nursing school, following his belief in the need to bring forth substantial change through quality healthcare and education.

In 2011, Ian Clarke served as the Mayor of Makindye Division. Determined to repair the dilapidated roads, he was extremely hands-on, as he engaged with the technical workers like the truck drivers, even offering his own, to ensure all the potholes were filed by the time his term in office had elapsed. He says that leaders must “Get on with it” and do the work to make change.

Ian Clarke states that he will not retire any time soon, but rather focuses on the fact that life is made of seasons, for which one must be purposeful and intentional with each transition. Reflecting on his decision to come to Uganda with the resolve to save lives as a doctor at the height of the AIDS pandemic, build good roads for his community, and settle in Uganda, he is proud of the impact he has made.

It can be said, looking back on his journey, that leaders can only find fulfillment if they first find what drives them; pursuing it relentlessly, with intentionality, and openness to learning.

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For more information on⁠⁠ CivSource Africa's⁠⁠ Change Ready initiative ⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠

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In the latest episode of the Footprints Podcast, Mrs. Joyie Mugarura, affectionately known as Auntie Joy, shares her inspiring life story. Raised in a devout Christian environment, she faced significant challenges transitioning back to Uganda from Canada, where she navigated financial hardships with resilience and integrity.

Choosing to resign to better focus on her family, she started a home-based bakery. Demonstrating shrewd financial acumen, she managed her family's finances through tough times, ultimately purchasing land and overseeing the construction of their home.

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For more information on⁠ CivSource Africa's⁠ Change Ready initiative ⁠CLICK HERE⁠

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#footprintspodcast series #legacies #transitions #successionplaning

Join us on the inaugural episode of the Footprints podcast as Reverend Canon Benoni Mugarura Mutana, fondly known as Uncle Ben, shares his remarkable journey as an ordained priest in the Anglican Church. Discover Uncle Ben's early realization of his leadership potential and his unwavering commitment to revolutionizing music within the church to reach the youth. Despite facing resistance, his perseverance and innovative approach left a lasting impact on the community.

As Uncle Ben retired after 50 years of service, he reflects on the challenges of transition, including financial uncertainties. Yet, his foresight and careful planning with his wife ensured a smoother transition, emphasizing the importance of preparation for life's inevitable changes. While Uncle Ben's journey highlights the realities of the employment sector, it also underscores the necessity of faith, perseverance, and responsibility.

Ultimately, Uncle Ben's story teaches us the significance of finding our gifts, creating change, and cultivating leaders, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and leaving a lasting legacy.

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