A cadence for accountability

Growing up in the charming village of Nsamizi, Entebbe, was an exhilarating experience. Nestled on a hill in the former East African Community flats, our home offered breathtaking views of Lake Victoria. The tranquil scenery was occasionally interrupted by the rhythmic hum of planes like the Boeing 707, C-17 Globemaster III, Fokkers, and Cessnas gracefully landing at the majestic Entebbe International Airport—views that sparked envy among visitors from Kampala.

What stood out most, however, was the tightly-knit Entebbe community, where everyone seemed connected—whether through school, church, or our shared adventures around the neighborhood. Our backyard was a playground bordered by concrete slabs and black metallic poles, which marked the boundary of the then-iconic Entebbe Statehouse. To the left was a lush eucalyptus forest, which became our training ground for exploration and the study of diverse flora and fauna.

While elaborate toys like Legos, mountain bikes, and remote-controlled cars were privileges reserved for the kids of the more affluent engineers and pilots, our own childhood joy was found in spirited physical games. From hide and seek ("Tampo") and kick the can ("Kakebe") to hopscotch ("Sonko"), dodgeball ("Kwepena"), and finger pool ("Dduulu"), every game demanded strategy, quick thinking, and a competitive spirit. Those were truly memorable days that shaped us in ways beyond imagination.

A childhood friend recently shared a photo of the Christmas service at St. John’s Church, Entebbe—a sacred site known for its majestic arches and my earliest encounter with a pipe organ. The beautifully played organ accompanied the congregation as they sang timeless hymns like Crown Him, Rock of Ages, Amazing Grace, and How Great Thou Art. Only in adulthood have I come to truly appreciate the masterpieces of hymn writers like Mathew Bridges, Godfrey Thring, Carl Boberg, John Newton, and Augustus Montague.

The church was also a hub for community interaction, where local leaders often occupied the front pews. They would address the congregation, sharing plans and updates that underscored their connection to the community.

Back then, church services were an occasion to don what we called our “Sunday Best,” with Christmas being the ultimate opportunity to showcase special designer outfits bought specifically to honor the holiday season. TO BE CONTINUED...

#Leadership lessons

• Community and resourcefulness. Fostering close connections and making the most of available resources is key to thrive . The spirit of creativity, teamwork, and competition helps build resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills—traits essential for effective leadership.
• Tradition fosters unity and purpose. The regular practice of coming together for hymns and worship reflects the power of shared traditions in building a strong, cohesive community. Leaders can draw inspiration from this by fostering rituals or routines that create a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
• Visibility and connection build trust. Community leaders engaging with the congregation demonstrated the importance of visibility, accessibility, and open communication in leadership. Being present and addressing people directly builds trust and reinforces accountability.
• Presentation reflects respect for the occasion. The emphasis on wearing one’s best to honor an event highlights the value of preparation and respect for important moments. Leaders can adopt this principle by ensuring their actions and demeanor always reflect the significance of the occasion or audience they are addressing.