A Career Forged in the Frontlines of Governance
Mary Kuteesa Kamuli, a lawyer, anti-corruption crusader, and public-sector reformer, is now vying for a seat as an MP for Mwenge South in Kyenjojo District under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket. Her career has been defined by her commitment to fighting corruption, improving governance, and driving systemic reforms across Uganda’s public sector. From her early days as a State Attorney to her role in overhauling legal services at UNRA, she has consistently demonstrated a principled and results-driven approach. In this interview, she reflects on her journey, the challenges she has faced, and the community work that continues to shape her political aspirations.
Early Public Service: Shaping a Leader
After completing her legal training, Mary chose to work as a State Attorney with the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), driven by her passion for justice and law. Her first major challenge came when she was tasked with prosecuting a criminal session alongside her supervisor, “Uncle B,” before Justice Opio Aweri. Brian handled the first witness, leaving Mary to manage the rest of the session on her own. She secured 19 convictions out of 21 capital cases, a testament to her determination and skill. This experience solidified her resolve to fight injustice and led her to seek more challenging roles. She later joined the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), where she worked to combat tax evasion and corruption. Under the leadership of Allen Kagina, she found a supportive environment that encouraged integrity and innovation. The National School of Leadership (NALI) training further deepened her understanding of governance and citizenship, reinforcing her belief in the importance of efficient and transparent public institutions.
Law and Technology: A New Approach to Legal Work
Mary’s advanced studies were guided by the evolving nature of white-collar crime, which increasingly involves digital processes. Today, government theft often occurs through computers, digital documents, and payment systems. Her combined expertise in law and computer forensics has enabled her to identify and prosecute fraudulent claims effectively. This unique skill set has shaped her approach to analyzing reports, evaluating processes, and closing gaps that could lead to abuse or corruption.
Building an In-House Legal Team: Lessons from UNRA
Mary was head-hunted to establish and lead UNRA’s Directorate of Legal Services due to her track record in combating corruption and contributing to the e-tax modernization project. In 2014, the roads sector faced severe challenges, including corruption, land acquisition disputes, and operational inefficiencies. Her mandate was clear: reduce the annual legal bill and improve litigation outcomes. By recruiting in-house counsel and improving efficiency, they achieved significant cost savings and won 85% of decided cases. The success was attributed to the dedication of a young, motivated team. One key lesson was the importance of retaining talented individuals and ensuring their motivation, as poor morale can cost more than it saves.
Women in Leadership: Overcoming Challenges and Empowering Others
As a woman in male-dominated spaces, Mary has faced numerous challenges. One memorable moment occurred while prosecuting ROKO directors for tax fraud. Three prominent male lawyers initially underestimated her, but by the end of the case, their clients were in custody, and the lawyers had been dropped from the case. This experience reinforced her determination. At UNRA, 70% of the legal team were women, as integrity and commitment often attract more female professionals. Mary is contesting a directly elected seat to prove that women can compete and outperform men. She encourages more women to run for such positions, emphasizing that if they can manage larger territories, they can certainly manage smaller ones.
Community Projects: Making a Lasting Impact
In Mwenge South and Kyenjojo, Mary has focused on reducing school dropout rates, poverty, and limited access to government services. She has partnered with parents to expand secondary school access, constructing classroom blocks and a girls’ dormitory to protect students traveling long distances. With support from the business community, she has renovated classroom blocks and continues to support schools. In infrastructure, she has donated culverts and worked with communities to build crossings, improving mobility and trade. To fight poverty, she has established mother gardens for coffee seedlings and partnered with nurseries to distribute them to households. These initiatives aim to create diversified income opportunities for families.
Policy Priorities: Driving Change in Parliament
If elected, Mary’s priorities will include improving household incomes through mindset change, job creation, and equitable resource allocation. She believes that mindset change is crucial for moving families from poverty to prosperity. She also aims to guide communities in using PDM funds effectively and promote collective production and risk management. Additionally, she will advocate for fair resource distribution, as districts vary significantly in population and geographic size. Education and skills development will be central to her agenda, focusing on hands-on training to build a strong human resource base.
Faith: The Foundation of Ethics and Leadership
Mary’s Christian faith has profoundly influenced her ethics, discipline, and leadership. Scriptures such as Colossians 1:16-17 and Ecclesiastes 5:15 remind her that life is a timed assignment, and she must fulfill her tasks with integrity. This belief has kept her grounded and motivated to serve her community faithfully.
Leadership Ethos: Integrity and Transformation
Mary’s leadership is rooted in truth, integrity, and transformational practices. Inspired by her mentor, Allen Catherine Kagina, she strives for excellence and fosters a culture of accountability. Her values are anchored in fairness and equity, and she remains committed to making a positive impact through her work.
