Dr Maggie Kigozi wears many hats

Dr Maggie Kigozi. She is a fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative of the Aspen Institute. She crossed over to the corporate world in 1994 after quitting the medical profession and was appointed marketing director of Crown Bottlers (Pepsi) Ltd (later Crown Beverages Ltd).

When not attending to the various roles she plans on the boards she sits on, she grows food on the family farm, Zuri Model Farm, in Kyasa.

She is an ardent tree planter, having established pine and eucalyptus plantations on her property. It is therefore not surprising that she is a member of the National Forestry Authority Board.

Her newest investment venture is an eco lodge on an island in Lake Victoria.

She is currently a trustee of the Shell Foundation and chairperson of the Africa Scout Foundation; a director with the Uganda Export Promotion Board and although no longer a practising doctor, she sits on the board of Uganda’s main referral hospital, Mulago.

Dr Kigozi is also a board member of the Uganda Manufacturers Association, where she chairs the marketing committee that hosts the prestigious Uganda International Trade Fair.

Outside boardrooms, she is the president of Business and Professional Women, Uganda. 

Dr Kigozi works with many organisations that support women and youth leadership and entrepreneurship. As a member of the Elders Forum of Uganda and the Women’s Situation Room, she works to ensure peace in Uganda and the region.

Growing up, she was an ardent sportswoman and represented Uganda in tennis, table tennis, squash and motorcycle racing in continental tournaments.
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What’s your off-duty passion?

This has changed over the years. It used to be a game of tennis up to the time I was in medical school. Then it became reading an interesting novel. Now it would be nice to visit the farm.

What would you have been if you were not a medical doctor and business woman?

I became a doctor because my father asked me to. I became an entrepreneur because I had to take over when my husband passed away at only 49 years of age. I would have wished to work in the media though.

What signifies your personal style?

This has evolved over time. Growing up I was a tomboy and loved sports, wearing shorts, tennis dresses and tracksuits. Practising as a doctor for 17 years in Zambia, Kenya and Uganda, I dressed for comfort. The white doctors’ coat came in handy as I just covered whatever I chose to wear. I then went into business and investment and wore trousers or skirt suits. I can now experiment with African wear, long dresses and more casual outfits.

Where are you most likely to spend your Saturday afternoon?

In my house or my farm.

Describe your best destination to date in East Africa?

The White Sands Beach Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya.

Do you have a must-visit list?

Yes. In Uganda I am yet to visit the Kidepo Valley National Park in Karamoja. I wish to travel to Hawaii and Jamaica. I have been lucky to visit all the continents and a number of countries in the world.

Which is East Africa’s greatest strength?  

East Africa’s smart, confident young people are its greatest strength.

What is your best collection?

I have a lot of books.

What’s the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received?

The good wishes I received when robbers attacked me last year were overwhelming. I received visitors, mail, phone calls and many prayers. I had bishops and imams pray for me over the telephone.

What’s the best gift you’ve given?

I believe the gift of education is the best thing one can offer. I educate many of my relatives.

What book have you have read recently?

I have not been able to read any books lately because I have children in the house, my grandchildren that is. It is difficult to find time to read.

Which film has impacted you the most?

Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump. 

What’s your favourite music?

I like soul music.

Which is your favourite website?

Websites have been overtaken by Twitter and Facebook. 

What is never missing from your fridge?

Orange juice and lemon.