By Yasiri J. Kasango
According to John C. Maxwell, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
Joanita Noeline Mutesi, the deputy prime minister, was driven by the desire to show others the way. Mutesi, who joined Uganda Christian University (UCU) in October 2019, was driven by the desire to know what was going on around her class and the entire university.
In most cases, when someone is late to school, it takes them time to adjust and fit into the new environment. For Mutesi, her coming was a blessing in disguise because she was able to identify gaps.
She was always baffled by her class representative who laid back and went available sometimes to help their students.
“When there was a gap in class, I would step in to help the class representative,” said Mutesi.
Mutesi treasures serving others rather than being helped. Therefore, she would gladly embrace an opportunity to help others. However, this volunteering was not sufficient for her to extend her helping hand to the community.
Mutesi wanted a bigger platform where she could help a greater number of people in the community.
When a chance availed itself in 2021 for Mutesi to contest as a member of parliament for the School of Business, Mutesi welcomed it with open arms.
Mutesi, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics, has a zeal to provide solutions to problems in her community.
“I love to help the people in my community, since as a leader you ought to have answers and solutions to matters affecting your community,” added Mutesi.
Mutesi has gone through steady grooming into the leader she has molded into. She was the head monitor at Entebbe Christian School. When she joined St Joseph Girls S.S.S Nsambya, Mutesi was elected a chapel councillor from senior three to senior four and house captain for two years.
A second last born who is also the only one who has a mentality in her life. This type of influence has seen her transit from the position of deputy minister in charge of finance to the deputy leader of government business (Prime Minister).
“In my life, I have been driven by managing my priorities.” “This is key to helping me balance my book and leadership,” she said.
She went on to add that it is quite difficult to manage priorities as a student. However, for one to be successful in life, one ought to manage their priorities.
She believes in teamwork. She strongly believes that, as a team, a lot can be achieved. But it is hectic to work alone.
“I believe in interacting with others because that is the way we learn new things and get opportunities. I encourage fellow students to make new friends because you never know what you will need tomorrow since in this world we need everyone, “said Mutesi.
