Margaret Blick Kigozi, commonly known as Maggie Kigozi, is a Ugandan medical doctor, business consultant, educator, and sportswoman. She is a consultant at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). She formerly served as the executive director of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), from 1999 until 2011. In this interview with Stellar Woman Magazine, she opens up about her journey to the top, being a stellar woman, and why it is important to celebrate your success.
You are an investment expert, entrepreneur, mother, and farmer, you sit on all these boards. How do you do it all?
I encourage women if they are too busy now to relax. I personally prioritised my children until they grew up. Now I can explore the world.
You were named as one of the most influential and successful women in Uganda. Growing up, did you see yourself being this influential woman?
Not at all. I grew up with only boys, playing all the rough games.
What are some of the challenges that you faced as a single mother and how did you overcome them to be such a successful stellar woman that you are today?
The biggest challenge was when my husband passed. It was great to have a friend and somebody you can depend on. Another challenge is after agreeing to sit on a particular board, there is a lot of learning to do. You have to know just as much or even more than the CEO.
Have you failed at anything before?
Yes, yes, yes. There were a number of women’s organisations in business that I felt I should work with but they were not welcoming.
What future do you envision for women?
Oh, I am excited. It’s an exciting time because women now have opportunities that we didn’t have at our time. I see a very bright future since people have noticed women too can do most things.
Who is your ideal stellar woman?
She is always thinking about other people. Her purpose is how to make Africa great.
If you were to go back in time, what would you tell your 15-year-old self?
Everything is digital now, better be ready to go digital. I would allow her to choose her passion and career rather than being chosen for.
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