In an era where professionals frequently change jobs in search of higher salaries, better working conditions, or new challenges, Kisaka is a rare example of stability. She has spent 17 years at the URA, climbing from a customs officer to a top finance executive in one of Uganda’s most crucial institutions.
“I have worked with the Uganda Revenue Authority for 17 years now—a very interesting journey because my first appointment with the authority was as a customs officer. Of course, I came in having qualified as an accountant at that time, but the role that was available was in the customs department,” she recalls.
Her rise to leadership wasn’t accidental. It was the result of hard work, strategic decisions, personal development, and a strong moral compass. Over the years, she has collected 18 key lessons that define her approach to finance, leadership, and life.
1. The Harvest Is Always Bigger Than the Seed – The Power of Consistency and Integrity
For Kisaka, effort, discipline, and ethical decisions always yield bigger rewards in the long run. She believes in the power of delayed gratification—that what one sows today will determine their future success.
“Every seed has a harvest. Interestingly, the harvest is always bigger than the seed,” she says.
This lesson is particularly relevant in finance, where sound decision-making, risk management, and ethical leadership lead to sustainable growth. Kisaka applies this philosophy to both her professional and personal life, encouraging young professionals to invest in learning and integrity for long-term success.
2. Stability is Underrated – The Power of Long-Term Commitment
In a fast-moving corporate world, staying at one institution for nearly two decades is uncommon. However, Kisaka values stability, not as stagnation, but as a platform for deep growth.
“I wanted to grow my career in finance with an organisation that is stable. URA is a very stable organisation, and I like stability.”
This has allowed her to develop a strong professional foundation, gain institutional knowledge, and rise through the ranks. Stability also enables work-life balance, especially for professionals juggling demanding careers and family responsibilities.
3. People Don’t Leave Organizations, They Leave Leaders – The Role of Leadership in Employee Retention
A company’s culture is often defined by its leadership. Kisaka believes that leaders play the most critical role in employee retention.
“The kind of leader that you have in an organisation determines whether or not you stay or you move on.”
She attributes her long tenure to strong and inspiring leaders such as Michael Otonga, Edna Rugumayo, and Herbert Rusoke, who upheld integrity and professionalism. Good leadership creates an environment of trust, motivation, and professional growth, reducing turnover and fostering long-term commitment.
4. Character is the Backbone of a Finance Professional – Integrity Above All
Finance professionals handle large sums of money and critical financial decisions, making them vulnerable to ethical dilemmas. Kisaka believes that personal integrity is non-negotiable.
“Your character must be strong enough. You must be able to know: this belongs to me, this does not belong to me, and for that reason, I will not touch it.”
She emphasises the importance of teaching integrity from childhood, ensuring professionals understand the consequences of ethical and unethical decisions.
5. Competence Over Opportunity – Be Ready Before the Door Opens
Many professionals chase promotions and leadership roles without building the necessary competence. Kisaka warns against this approach, advising young professionals to focus on skill development first.
“I never dreamed that I would be here one day, but when the opportunity presented itself, it found that I had the competence to actually step into that role.”
She encourages professionals to be ready before opportunity knocks by continually improving their skills and knowledge.
6. Develop People, Not Just Systems – The Heart of Effective Leadership
Leading a 60-member finance team, Kisaka sees people development as a key leadership responsibility.
“My preoccupation really is to see that each of these persons is maximising their potential.”
She challenges her team to step out of their comfort zones and constantly improve. Leaders should identify and nurture their employees’ strengths, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle future responsibilities.
7. The Gen Z Factor—Different But Valuable
Kisaka recognises that young professionals work differently from previous generations.
“As a leader, you really must be open. You must be willing to be challenged.”
She sees their innovation, digital fluency, and risk-taking as assets. However, she also encourages them to balance speed with careful decision-making. For organisations to thrive, leaders must bridge generational gaps and create environments where experienced and young employees contribute effectively.
8. Feedback Should be ‘Feed Forward’ – Building a Culture of Growth and Improvement
Feedback shouldn’t just evaluate the past but should also shape future improvements.
“These days, we actually don’t call it feedback, we call it feed forward.”
Organisations can create a culture of continuous learning by focusing on progress rather than blame. Kisaka believes feedback should be constructive and solution-oriented, helping employees grow rather than discouraging them.
9. Tax Compliance is a National Duty
Uganda’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains low (12-14%), which Kisaka sees as a challenge.
“Our obligation for tax is real, and we need to pitch in wherever possible.”
Non-life continues to dominate insurance sector, but microinsurance is rapidly growing She urges businesses and individuals to comply with tax policies as a way of contributing to national development.
10. Digital Finance Requires Strong Governance – Balancing Innovation and Risk
URA has embraced digital transformation, but with it comes higher risks of fraud and security breaches.
“The Gen Z’s are out there creating opportunities to get away with things because we are running very fast.”
She emphasises strong financial controls, regular audits, and continuous monitoring of digital transactions to minimise risks.
11. A CFO is a Business Enabler, Not a Cost-Cutter
CFOs are no longer just gatekeepers of cost control but strategic partners in business growth.
“My goal is not to say no; my goal is to ask the right questions.”
Kisaka believes in data-driven decision-making to balance financial discipline with strategic spending.
12. Leadership Lessons from Parenthood – Managing Teams Like a Family
As a mother of five, Kisaka applies parenting principles to leadership.
“I’ve got five children. They are extremely different. Not one of them is the same as the other.”
This has helped her understand individual team members’ unique strengths and weaknesses.
13. Managing and Balancing Family Expectations as a Support System
For Diana Kisaka, a thriving career is only sustainable when family remains a strong and intentional priority. She acknowledges that career demands can be overwhelming, but open communication and mutual support with one’s spouse and family create a solid foundation for success.
“As you get very busy in the corporate world, don’t forget your family. As a lady, it is upon me, and it is a priority that my family comes first before everything else— in the order of priorities, it is God first, family and work next in that order. Getting those things in order helps you allocate time appropriately.”
She emphasises that a stable home environment contributes to professional effectiveness, noting that even career success can feel empty without proper balance.
14. Gender Should Not Be a Limitation – Breaking Barriers in Finance Leadership
Raised in a family of five girls, Kisaka was encouraged to be bold and confident.
“You are complete in yourself and can stand on your two feet.”
She urges women to develop competence, communicate boldly, and take leadership roles confidently.
15. ‘Are You Okay?’ Matters in Leadership – The Power of Empathy in the Workplace
Employee well-being affects productivity. Leaders should regularly check in on their teams.
“Everyone must perform but also take time to recover.”
16. The Bigger Picture Matters – Aligning Decisions with Long-Term Goals
All financial and career decisions should align with long-term objectives.
“You must always keep the broader picture in mind. What are we ultimately trying to achieve?”
17. Learn to Speak Up – The Power of Effective Communication in Finance
Many finance professionals struggle with communication, but Kisaka believes public speaking is a crucial leadership skill.
“Go out there and speak boldly.”
18. Never Stop Learning – The Key to Staying Ahead in Finance
Kisaka continually invests in professional development, taking finance, governance, and leadership courses.
Continuous learning is key to staying relevant and competitive in the finance industry.
Editor’s Take: Lessons in Leadership, Integrity, and Growth
In a world where finance is often reduced to numbers, budgets, and cost-cutting, Diana Kisaka’s story offers a refreshing perspective—one that blends strategy, ethics, leadership, and personal fulfillment. Her 17+1 lessons are not just for finance professionals but anyone seeking to grow, lead, and leave a lasting impact.
Her reflections on competence before opportunity, ethical leadership, team development, and balancing career and family responsibilities serve as a masterclass in professional and personal success. More importantly, they remind us that growth takes time, preparation is key, and leadership is about empowering others, not just managing systems.
If there’s one takeaway from Kisaka’s journey, it is her guiding principle: “Every seed has a harvest, and the harvest is always bigger than the seed.” This simple yet powerful reminder that every decision we make—whether in our careers, finances, or personal lives—has long-term consequences.
Her insights challenge us to chase opportunities, prepare for them, lead with character rather than authority, and build strong institutions and families. As she puts it, work will always be there, but your foundation—your integrity, relationships, and purpose—must remain solid.