Government secretaries and administrators have been urged to place more emphasis on building their personal careers and professional identities rather than relying solely on the stipulations of the law.
This call was made by Patrick Ayota, the Managing Director of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vision Group, while officiating as guest of honour at the graduation ceremony of company secretaries who had successfully completed a ten-week mentorship programme at the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) Uganda.
Ayota emphasized that while the law provides a guiding framework, excessive dependence on its rigid application can stifle creativity, innovation, and ultimately hinder professional growth.
“Many company secretaries and administrators believe that life is simply black and white, straightforward,” Ayota observed. “But in reality, there are always grey areas that can be constructively exploited for career advancement. Leadership is about the ability to make clear and courageous decisions, often in uncertain circumstances,” he said.
He reminded the graduates that acquiring big titles should not be the ultimate goal of a career. Instead, he urged them to focus on continuous self-improvement and productivity, which remain the hallmarks of long-term success.
“Do not wait until you are out of work to try to become a better employee,” Ayota advised. “Every day is an opportunity to improve your potential not because you are competing with others, but because you are competing with yourself. A truly good employee thrives irrespective of the title they hold.”
Ayota further stressed the importance of personal branding, noting that one’s character, integrity, and reputation are more valuable than financial success.
“Always protect your brand with integrity because small things like your character can cost you dearly,” he cautioned. “Yet, integrity pays off in the long run. People remember you more for your name and the values you represent than for the money you have. Your reputation becomes your biggest currency in any profession.”
On her part, Mona Muguma Ssebuliba, Chief Executive Officer of aBi Finance, highlighted the effective use of time as a fundamental determinant of career success. She reminded the graduates that where and how they choose to invest their time, talents, and resources ultimately defines their professional outcomes.
“Ensure that your resources are invested productively,” she said. “The most successful and wealthy people are also good stewards, and one clear sign of stewardship is generosity towards colleagues and the wider community you serve.”
Ssebuliba likened the stages of career development to the stages of human life. At the beginning of their professional journey, she explained, most employees tend to imitate colleagues they admire, much like how children learn by mimicking adults.
“When you begin a new job, you often return to the copycat stage where you mimic the people you work with,” she explained. “However, as you mature in your career, it becomes critical to step out of this stage as quickly as possible and establish your own identity as a professional.”
She challenged the graduates to develop a sense of independence, creativity, and purpose, which would distinguish them in the competitive job market. “Career growth is not just about climbing the corporate ladder. It is about continuously learning, adapting, and positioning yourself as a valuable contributor wherever you are placed,” she concluded.
The mentorship programme, organized by ICSA Uganda, is designed to equip company secretaries and administrators with the skills, values, and perspectives needed to excel in both private and public service. The graduates were encouraged to take the lessons from the mentorship seriously and apply them to build sustainable careers anchored in integrity, stewardship, and personal growth
