GO BIG, GO BOLD OR GO BACK HOME: Moses Rutahigwa’s 7 leadership lessons learned from conquering The Rwenzoris, and summitting to the ‘roof’ of Uganda Moses Rutahigwa is the Head of Consumer, Private & Business Banking (CPBB) at Standard Chartered Bank Uganda. He recently together, with other mountaineering enthusiasts and adrenaline-charged business executives, summitted to the Margherita Peak (5,109 Metres A.S.L). Margherita is the highest peak of 9 peaks on Mount Stanley- one of the 6 massifs that form the top of The Rwenzoris. The other 5 massifs, separated from each other by deep gorges, are Mount Speke, Mount Baker, Mount Emin, Mount Gessi and Mount Luigi Di Savoia. CEO East Africa Magazine sought him out to share his own experience and most importantly his key life’s and leadership lessons drawn from the climb to what is the ‘Roof’ of Uganda.

Why of all things, why did you decide to climb the Rwenzoris as an individual? 

Unlike many of the team members, Rwenzori was my first mountain. This was a challenge, but I believe in life, you either “Go Big, Go Bold or Go Back Home”. Challenges inspire me, and I went to Rwenzori to not only reach the peak but also to inspire my family and anyone who believes and learns from me to be bold, take on challenging tasks and never doubt their ability.

I also went up the Rwenzori as a token of appreciation to my work colleagues, past and present. They have ensured that Standard Chartered Bank, will this August reach a milestone of 110 years in Uganda; a test of resilience, focus and constant re-invention for growth.

I almost cancelled going to Rwenzori due to business travel scheduled for Sunday 19th June 2022, the 5th day of the seven-day hike. When I engaged the team at Nkwanzi Travel; this seemed a tall order, but we simulated several options to get me up the peak; leave the mountain as fast as possible and arrange a flight from Kasese to be in time for the other travel. I had to train and be mentally ready, but the final details had to be closed out on the mountain.

During the day two evening brief at John Maata Camp [3,505m a.s.l], it became clear that I had to go for the summit alone, a day before the rest of the team. I was given the next day to process the challenge ahead and be ready for it due to the high-altitude gain required. Finally, my journey to the summit started at 0330hrs on Friday, 17 June 2022, from Bujuku Camp [3,962m a.s.l], arriving at Margherita peak [5,109m a.s.l] at 0850hrs. The feeling at the top is indescribable. I then descended to Ellena camp [4,563m a.s.l], spending the night with the rest of the team. On Saturday, 18 June 2022 [as the rest of the group went for the summit], I trekked from Ellena and arrived at the main gate by 1718hrs. Rested for a night at Base Camp in Kasese and had a good journey the next day. Mission Accomplished!

In your own words, how do you describe the hiking experience of Uganda’s highest mountain and the third highest in Africa?

We went to conquer Rwenzori. Instead, it conquered us with its beauty while we conquered our pride and fears. Throughout the hike, we couldn’t imagine this was Uganda. The beauty of the mountain is unbelievable; its natural vegetation, ever-changing weather, gigantic rocks, beautiful animals, fantastic snow line and many others make Rwenzori the place to go to.

I was also impressed by the well-trained and experienced guides, the professional chefs in Kasese and the hard-working porters. This support team made the experience unforgettable.

Are there personal lessons especially on leadership that you drew from the hike and or had a chance to reflect on, before, during and or after the hike?

Yes, they are quite many, and I call them My Rwenzori Reflections as listed below, in no particular order of importance, because all of them are important.

1. Prepare Well: We didn’t just wake up and decide to go up. It’s been more than four months of planning, finalizing the team, exercising, purchasing equipment, and mobilizing other logistics. This ensured that everyone was ready when the time came. It should, however, be noted that no amount of preparation will stop you from facing challenges on the mountain but being prepared helps you navigate them.
2. Be Decisive- Indecisiveness kills dreams: When Robert Kabushenga (RK) announced the planned hike on 29 January 2022, I immediately contacted Maren Bjorgum to add me to the list. I saw this as an opportunity since climbing Rwenzori had been part of my bucket list. With excitement, I booked leave and informed everyone of my departure. I set out for this mission that nothing could deter me from my goal. On the flip side, RK was overwhelmed with last-minute requests from those who wanted to join the team but never decided when the call was first made. Indecisiveness kills dreams and impacts your ability to maximise any opportunities that come your way. Decide and move on towards your goal.
3. Build the right team: First Who, Then What [excerpt from Good to Great – Jim Collins]. What made this trail a success was the people. We were not just people just climbing a mountain; we became a family. The camaraderie spirit across the camps was humbling. From the members, guides, chefs, and porters to our team medic and the lead from Nkwanzi Travel [the hike organisers], we all knew and respected each other. I never heard anyone grumbling but only challenge and support whenever needed. As a leader, no mission succeeds unless you have the right people on the team. You have to be clear on who you have on board, why they are with you, their attitude and their ability to stay focused on the greater mission.
4. Make it fun: There was never any day that we felt this was a life-or-death scenario. Everyone was encouraged to keep their pace as long as we finally arrived at the top. We had many stopovers to take in the beauty of Rwenzori, took so many photos and made each day count. When work becomes fun, the mission becomes easy. Never allow life to box you into just finishing the job or task but enjoy the experience.
5. Follow the process: On day 2, we could see Margherita, the peak from afar, but the journey to reach there was still three (3) days away. The top may appear near in life or career but know that the journey must still be travelled to reach there. No one rises to be a CEO overnight; there are days, months and years of hard work to be done. Never assume you are there when you are on the same floor with your CEO or Unit Head. Trust the process and learn as you rise.
6. Results are everything: “The world isn’t interested in the storms you encountered but whether or not you brought in the ship.” [Raul Armesto]. As we left for the mountain, it became clear that family, friends, work colleagues, and everyone else waited for one thing: Did you reach the top? Therefore, our mission had to be intact: Margherita, nothing less. We ensured that everyone remained focused and supported each other to get there. The 100% summit rate was not just a mistake but a result of careful planning, focus and execution. In any position of leadership, you have to deliver results. Your employer requires you to meet your targets, the shareholders need a return on investment, and your family needs to be provided for. Never allow yourself to bring excuses; give them results.
7. Build a strong mindset and inner courage: The temptation to give up is easy. Just after day one, high altitude starts to take a toll on the body, the fatigue on day two, coldness on day three, at times injuries and sickness on day four and fear for the summit towards day five. You have to dig deep to stay on. While on the hike, we read or listened to books, engaged in courage-building talks, and had early morning stretches to warm our bodies. Despite all this, the bodily exhaustion was far beyond. You needed something that the body was feeling. A mind that is focused on cause can endure anything. You also need to build the inner person as he/she will keep you going when everything else seems off.

You have probably hiked other mountains before- how do the Rwenzoris compare? From your experience, how do you think the climbing experience can be enhanced both for the climbers but also generally to improve our ranking as a tourism destination? 

1. Improve the accommodation facilities on the mountain: The hike on its own is a challenge, and the facilities make it harder. There’s a need for government to construct better facilities to make the hiking experience better. We appreciate the work at Nyabitaba Camp, the boardwalks, bridges, and the plans to improve Ellena camp. Let the same be done across the entire trail.
2. Improve the profile, safety, and welfare of staff: The guides, chefs and porters experience the mountain challenges like other hikers. They need vital gear for their safety, upskilling and good facilities. These people are critical to the hike’s success and thus need to be well catered for.
3. Promote and market the Mountain: There’s a real need to showcase this beauty locally and internationally. Rwenzori is Uganda’s most untapped tourism potential, and we are losing a lot by not giving it the necessary share of mind.