In this episode of the Footprints podcast, Reverend Canon Diana Mirembe Nkesiga, known as Rev. D, shares her journey as a Christian leader and her reflections on retirement. She recounts how she transformed from a diffident girl into an outspoken woman of credence. Born Mirembe Barlow in Kabanyoro, Wakiso District, in 1960, to Hugo Edward Barlow and Mary Barlow, she attended Nakasero Primary School and later Gayaza High School in 1974, where she was given the name “Diana” by a classmate.
Rev. D’s leadership journey began when she was appointed class monitor in Senior One, learning responsibility and self-awareness through the mentorship of older girls in her Christian fellowships. She identified compassion and altruism as her fortes, which guided her throughout her life. She went on to become a teacher of English and Religious Education at Gayaza High School.
After the Bush War, many girls confided in her about their traumatic experiences, which left her distraught, as she had always taught them that God would be their protector-a belief that seemed inadequate during their time of need. Seeking solace in the scriptures, Rev. D found peace and hoped that the girls would also find healing from their past ordeals. This led her to pursue Theology at Bishop Tucker Theological College, becoming a deacon in 1991 and an ordained priest in the Anglican Church in 1994.
As a missionary in South Africa during the height of the HIV epidemic, Rev. D learned the importance of “The Listening Gospel,” realizing that leaders in the Church cannot simply judge from the pulpit but must listen and walk with the people. She became an advocate for people living with HIV, offering hope long before ARVs were introduced in Africa.
Upon returning to Uganda, Rev. D served as the Vicar of All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala from 2007 to 2018 and later as the Associate Chaplain at Saint Francis Chaplain Kabanyoro. However, her journey was not without challenges. She faced discouragement as an administrator and experienced secondary trauma from her work at the AIDS Haven, leading her to seek the support of a psychologist.
The most devastating trial of all was the death of her husband. Rev. D shares her grief as a woman, mother, and leader, initially engulfed in denial before coming to terms with this major life change. She retired from the clergy a few years after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rev. D candidly discusses the fears surrounding transition, especially into retirement, including concerns about financial stability and asset maintenance in the absence of her husband. She had to make tough financial decisions, such as laying off employees at her retreat center to sustain her budget and focusing on her farm’s production levels. Reflecting on the setbacks she faced, she learned to distinguish constructive feedback from outright scorn, practice self-reflection, and find healthy coping mechanisms for her line of work.
Rev. D’s journey as a Christian woman is both uplifting and educational for young leaders, emphasizing the importance of discovering your gifts early, using them to transform lives in society, learning from challenges, planning carefully, and understanding that self-love is essential to serving others.
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©Blurb written by Divine Karungi
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