When Leadership Drains, God Refills: Allen Kagina’s Blueprint for Faith-Driven Leadership For Allen Kagina, leadership isn’t just a role—it’s a sacred responsibility anchored in faith. In this candid interview, the former UNRA Executive Director and current Chair of the TVET Council shares how she integrates prayer, purpose, and divine guidance into every leadership decision. “God is not an accessory to leadership—He is the source,” she says. From navigating national reforms to mentoring future leaders, Kagina offers timeless wisdom on staying grounded, embracing vulnerability, and leading with conviction in a world that often overlooks the power of spiritual strength.

Your leadership has always been anchored in faith. Could you share with us how you practically integrate God into your daily leadership decisions—whether at work, in consulting, or in life?

Absolutely. For me, God is not an accessory to leadership—He is the source. Leadership carries weight, and I’ve learned that divine guidance isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. I move forward best when I’ve first bowed in prayer.

You often talk about checking with God before pursuing any venture, like your consulting firm. Can you tell us about a moment where you felt God specifically redirected you in your work, and how that changed your plans or mindset?

Yes, very clearly. After completing my time at UNRA, many expected me to quickly take on another high-profile role. But I felt the Lord saying, “Wait. Seek Me first.” That period of waiting was uncomfortable, but it became a sacred time of clarity. Eventually, He led me to start Cornerstone Consulting, with a focus on building leaders and strengthening institutions through a values-based approach. More recently, as I was considering future directions, the opportunity to chair the TVET Council came up. Again, I prayed—and sensed the Lord saying, “This is strategic for national transformation.” That moment of redirection reminded me that His plans often go beyond personal ambition—they tap into national purpose.

In your farewell message to the UNRA team, you urged leaders to ‘connect with God continually’ because ‘at the top, you always leak strength.’ Could you unpack this a bit more—what does it mean to you, as a leader, to ‘leak strength,’ and how does one stay replenished?

Leadership is a constant outpouring—of wisdom, hope, energy, and decisions.  The higher the position, the greater the drain. That’s what I meant by “leaking strength.” You give, and you give—but if you don’t refill from the Lord, burnout is inevitable. I replenish through prayer, worship, and time in Scripture. I also make room for rest and stillness. It’s not just about being strong—it’s about staying connected to the Source of strength.

Many leaders struggle to show vulnerability, yet you encourage it as a strength. How has embracing your own vulnerability helped you grow as a leader, and how can others learn from this?

Vulnerability has been one of my greatest growth points. Whether I was leading complex reforms in revenue and roads, or now helping shape the future of vocational education, I’ve learned that pretending to have all the answers is not strength—it’s pressure. But when you allow people to see your struggles, they not only relate, they rise. I’ve cried in prayer rooms over decisions no one knew about, and I’ve admitted when I didn’t know what to do. That honesty draws people in, and it invites God to show Himself strong. I encourage other leaders: your openness could be the breakthrough someone else needs.

You often quote scripture like Matthew 28:20—“Surely I am with you always”—and Deuteronomy 31. Why are these verses so foundational for your leadership journey?

Because they remind me that I’m never alone. As I step into new roles, like chairing the TVET Council, the scope of responsibility can feel daunting. But these verses ground me. Matthew 28:20 reassures me of God’s presence, and Deuteronomy 31:8 assures me of His precedence—that He has already gone ahead of me into the meetings, decisions, and outcomes I’m yet to encounter. When you hold leadership that affects thousands or even a nation’s future, you must stand on something deeper than your credentials. I stand on the promises of God.

Finally, if you could leave one message to young and emerging leaders about balancing ambition, faith, and service, what would that be?

Be ambitious—but let your ambition be shaped by heaven, not just the headlines. It’s possible to pursue excellence, grow your influence, and still be deeply grounded in faith. Serve where you are with integrity, and let your promotion come from God. In my life, the most impactful opportunities weren’t the ones I chased—they were the ones I was prepared for in private. Stay rooted, stay prayerful, and never confuse position with purpose. Your greatest legacy will be how you lived, not just what you led.