Former executive director of Uganda National Roads Authority (Unra), Allen Kagina is in such high demand at Makerere University that there is a stampede at inviting her to address or mentor different units at Makerere University.
This was demonstrated at Makerere School of Public Health (MakSPH) auditorium on March 7, 2025 when different units of the university extended invitations to her, with Dr Suzie Nansozi Muwanga’s, the executive director of Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, being granted the priority.
Kagina was the keynote speaker at the third annual Sarah Nyendwoha Ntiro public lecture that centred on pioneering change, transforming institutions, women empowerment and Ntiro’s trailblazing and illustrious life.
Many speakers asked her whether she has started writing a book about her life journey and leadership roles as a woman, urging her to start if she hasn’t. Some looked crestfallen when she said she hasn’t started, but she explained herself, saying she fears appearing as if she is praising herself and doing injustice to God who pointed her out to carry the burden of leading and transforming large organisations dominated by men, corruption and inefficiency.
“When you pioneer, you don’t know whether you will succeed, but you go on despite that. There are several times I felt like giving up, but I didn’t,” she intimidated.
Apparently, Kagina said, she started her working career as a teaching assistant at Makerere University. She then joined Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in 1992 and grew through the ranks to become the commissioner general in 2004.
After leading URA for 10 years, the now accomplished civil servant and daughter of Kezron and Catherine Kakuyo also led Unra for 10 years, and retired.
Sharing the tip of the iceberg of her public service, Kagina said, “Change is not easy; it’s often met with resistance. Resistance is a natural part of the process, but it can be overcome with the right strategies. Overcoming [it] requires patience, empathy and a willingness to listen. It is not enough to impose change; we must bring people along on the journey.”
She stressed the value of integrity, punctuality and honouring project deadlines, resilience, clear vision, being people-centred, constant communication, continuous learning and unlearning, and the courage to make unpopular decisions in good faith.
She said everyone is a pioneer in their right, and each one of us has the power to transform themselves and their surroundings.
“At Unra, I was overwhelmed with the challenge of being reminded that I am a woman and a non-engineer… Firing people sounds brave, but it’s scary. I made sure I did not make most of the tough decisions alone.”
Allen is a woman of utmost integrity. The kind that are now very rare.
May the Lord who raised her raise many more, for this Country urgently needs such breed of leaders.
In a good urge, Hon kagina Allen can try, and she may come with the idea of sharing her experiences with us through publishing a book.
Thanks for a good work done 💯