By Hope Mafaranga
If you see me thriving today navigating
complex conversations, telling untold stories, or stepping into leadership with
clarity and confidence it’s not because I walked alone.
My journey has been anchored,
nurtured, and propelled by five phenomenal mentors: Declan Okpalaeke, Jacqueline
Asiimwe, Joan Mugenzi, Barbra Kaija, and Dr. Charles Wendo.
Each of them came into my life at
different seasons, and each left a permanent mark, not just on my career, but
on my character, values, and vision. Today, I celebrate them.
Declan Okpalaeke: The Investigative
Firestarter
Declan didn’t just shape me into a
better journalist, he made me fearless. As one of Africa’s finest investigative
journalists, his mentorship challenged me to dig deeper, question harder, and
write with purpose.
He taught me to think like a
watchdog and to use journalism not just to inform, but to reform. Declan pushed
me to elevate my storytelling, sharpen my facts, and never settle for
mediocrity. I owe my boldness in the newsroom to him.
Jacqueline Asiimwe: The
Purpose-Driven Pathfinder
Jacqueline’s mentorship helped me
find alignment between my career and my calling. She’s not only a fierce
advocate for justice and gender equity she’s a living embodiment of courageous
leadership.
From her, I’ve learned that
integrity isn’t optional, that values must lead every decision, and that it’s
okay to lead with heart. Jacqueline continues to inspire me to take up space
boldly, speak up for the voiceless, and never shrink myself to fit outdated
systems.
Joan Mugenzi: The Inner Work
Whisperer
When the world gets too loud or the
pressure too much, I hear Joan’s voice urging me to return to my center. A
masterful coach and strategic thinker, Joan helped me realize that leadership
is as much about self-awareness as it is about skill. She taught me to slow
down, reflect, and lead from a place of wholeness. Thanks to her, I understand
the power of resilience, clarity, and protecting my peace while pursuing
purpose.
Barbra Kaija: The Editorial
Trailblazer
Barbra has been a beacon in my
journalism journey. As Uganda’s first female Editor-in-Chief, her story alone
is enough to inspire. But it’s her quiet strength, razor-sharp editorial eye,
and commitment to ethical storytelling that shaped my newsroom discipline.
Barbra believed in my voice even
before I fully did. She raised the bar and taught me that good journalism is
not just about speed—it’s about depth, accuracy, and impact. She helped me see
the weight of the stories we tell.
Dr. Charles Wendo: The bridge
between science and storytelling
Dr. Wendo brought a new dimension to
my craft—science journalism. His mentorship made the complex simple, the
technical accessible, and the scientific deeply human. With his guidance, I
learned how to connect facts to feelings, and evidence to everyday life.
He showed me how journalism can
serve public health, climate action, and innovation. Dr. Wendo challenged me to
grow beyond my comfort zone and trust my ability to engage with complex
subjects without losing clarity or empathy.
Each of these mentors offered me
something unique—Declan sharpened my edge, Jacqueline anchored my values, Joan
nurtured my resilience, Barbra modeled excellence, and Dr. Wendo expanded my
range.
So, when I rise, I rise with their
voices in my head, their lessons in my hands, and their belief in my spirit.
And that is the kind of legacy only
great mentors leave behind.
