Equity Mentors Tell Youth: Talent Alone Is Not Enough

By Mulengera Reporters

One hundred young leaders attending the ongoing Equity Leaders Program at Africa Bible University in Lubowa have been challenged to embrace integrity, discipline and purposeful leadership as essential values for navigating an increasingly uncertain world.

The leadership and career development program brought together senior executives and industry experts from banking, finance, marketing and risk management to equip participants with practical skills and ethical foundations for future leadership roles.

Opening the sessions, Professor Matthew Miller of Africa Bible University described modern leadership as a journey through “permanent white water,” borrowing from leadership scholar Peter Vaill’s theory to explain the continuous disruptions facing today’s generation.

“The 21st century leader is navigating through permanent white water,” Miller said.

Drawing from Psalm 61, Miller urged participants to build inner resilience and emotional stability in the face of pressure and uncertainty.

“When my heart is faint, lead me to the rock that is higher than I,” he quoted.

He emphasized that leadership extends beyond managing teams and organizations to mastering one’s own emotions and responses during difficult seasons.

“You may overcome your Goliaths, but you will also battle your Philistines, challenges that stay with you for life,” Miller told participants.

Head of Enterprise Controls Jimmy Kisomba emphasized the role of ethics, compliance and internal controls in both professional and personal life. He explained that controls are systems and procedures designed to prevent fraud, operational failures and financial losses.

“A risk is anything that can go wrong,” Kisomba said.

Using the analogy of vehicle brakes, he illustrated the importance of controls in organizations.

“You cannot drive a car without brakes. Brakes control movement. Controls do the same in organizations,” he explained.

Kisomba warned students against shortcuts and unethical conduct, noting that intelligence alone is insufficient without strong moral values.

“You can be smart, but without ethics, it will not help you,” he said.

Reflecting on his own journey, Kisomba revealed that he once sat where the students are today.

“Fifteen years ago, I was seated where you are. Today, I am here speaking to you,” he said.

Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Clare Tumwesigye highlighted the growing importance of communication and reputation management in the digital age.

“Marketing is about perception. It is about building trust,” Tumwesigye said, adding that effective communication plays a critical role in crisis management and sustaining public confidence.

Regional Trade Desk Manager Lindah Nagudi challenged participants to practice self-leadership and make intentional life decisions.

“Your future is crafted by the choices you make today,” Nagudi told the students.

During finance-focused discussions, participants were encouraged to remain self-aware, continuously learn and avoid blindly following the crowd.

“Know who you are. You do not have to follow the crowd,” speakers advised.

Equity Executive Director Claver Serumaga used football to explain organizational teamwork and institutional success. In his analogy, defenders represented Internal Audit, Risk and Compliance teams, midfielders symbolized HR, Marketing and Operations, while strikers reflected sales and commercial teams.

“If one department fails, the whole team collapses,” Serumaga said.

He stressed that success depends more on systems, discipline and coordination than individual talent.

“Talent may open the door, but discipline keeps you in the room,” he noted.

Serumaga also challenged the participants to reject the idea that leadership belongs only to future generations.

“You are not the future. You are the present,” he said.

Throughout the sessions, speakers consistently emphasized that leadership is deeply personal and rooted in character, integrity and purposeful action.

As the Equity Leaders Program continues, participants leave with not only technical knowledge in banking and business, but also a renewed challenge to lead lives defined by courage, discipline and meaningful impact. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).