Inspire & Equip

Betty’s Story

16 December 2024  |  Championing Leadership Development to Build a Uganda They Want.

Meet Betty Rutare Byanyima: A Heart for Leadership and Impact.
In the heart of Uganda, there’s a woman whose life is dedicated to leadership, personal growth, and empowering others to make a difference. Betty Rutare Byanyima, 60, lives in Kampala and has spent years championing leadership development, particularly among government, church, and marketplace leaders. But it’s not just about big titles or high positions for Betty—it’s about the impact she can have, especially in shaping the next generation of leaders.
Here’s a little peek into her journey, her passion for leadership, and the powerful role she plays in Uganda’s leadership landscape.
 
A Close-Knit Family and Support System
Betty is married with adult children and grandchildren, and she describes her family as her biggest support system. Her husband, a Member of Parliament in Uganda, is an important part of her life, and together, they create a strong foundation of encouragement and strength. Betty is grateful for her family’s support in both her personal life and her work.
 
A Passion for Leadership Development
As the Executive Director of the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) in Uganda, Betty is deeply passionate about leadership development. She’s involved in initiatives that encourage growth and personal development among leaders in government, the church, and the marketplace. But her heart goes beyond just the established leaders—she’s especially passionate about equipping young people with life skills. She believes in empowering them to discover God’s purpose for their lives and be fruitful in their communities.
“I want to see young people empowered to make an impact,” Betty shares. “It’s about helping them identify their purpose and use their influence to promote God’s Kingdom.”
 
How Betty Got Involved with GLS
Betty’s connection to the Global Leadership Summit began in 2015 when she was invited by Bishop Joshua Lwere to process one of the GLS messages at the Summit in Uganda. The experience was a turning point for her, and after the event, she was asked to volunteer and eventually take on a leadership role within GLS Uganda. Nine years later, she reflects on how powerful the GLS has been in helping her and her team influence effective leadership at all levels.
“The GLS has opened so many doors for us,” Betty says. “We’ve been able to influence the government’s tourism sector, support the leadership development of anti-corruption agencies, and right now, we’re working with the First Lady’s office and the Ministry of Education to shape leadership programs in schools and universities.”
 
Attending the Summit: A Life-Changing Experience
Betty first attended the GLS in November 2015, and since then, she has participated in 9 local Summits in Uganda and 7 international Summits in Chicago. For her, every Summit is a chance to grow, learn, and connect with like-minded leaders who share her passion for making a difference.
The GLS has provided her with not just leadership tools but also a powerful community of leaders from around the world who are working toward the same goal: to transform society through effective, godly leadership.
 
A Favorite Scripture that Inspires Her
Betty’s life and work are guided by a strong sense of purpose, and one scripture that resonates deeply with her is Colossians 3:23-24:
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
“This scripture reminds me that my work, my influence, is ultimately for the Lord,” Betty says. “It’s not about pleasing people—it’s about stewarding the influence God has given me, knowing that my labor is never in vain.”
 
A Prayer for Fellow Leaders
Betty’s prayer for other leaders in the GLS family is a powerful one, drawn from Isaiah 54:2-3:
“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations and make the desolate cities inhabited.”
She prays that every leader in the GLS community would experience growth and expansion—both in their leadership capacity and in their ability to impact the world around them.
 
Conclusion
Betty Rutare Byanyima’s life is a testament to the power of godly leadership and the impact it can have when leaders are empowered to use their gifts for good. Whether she’s working with government officials, church leaders, or young people, Betty’s heart for leadership shines through in everything she does. Through the Global Leadership Summit, she’s not just attending events—she’s creating opportunities for transformation and influencing a new generation of leaders.
Her story is one of faith, passion, and a deep commitment to seeing God’s Kingdom advanced through leadership. And with each new door that opens, Betty’s work continues to inspire and impact lives across Uganda and beyond.

Categories

Top Posts

Raising Women Leaders in Nigeria | Wunmi’s Story

Raising Women Leaders in Nigeria | Wunmi’s Story

From the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, Omowunmi (Wunmi) Fahuwa is raising a generation of women to discover their potential and lead with purpose. As a seasoned professional with a background in banking, fashion design, and education, Wunmi blends practical expertise with a deep passion for empowering women.

read more
One Summit. One Leap of Faith.  Albert’s Story

One Summit. One Leap of Faith. Albert’s Story

In Curitiba, Brazil, Albert Martins de Oliveira Filho is known as a dynamic leader in church media and communication. But over the past decade, his leadership journey has expanded far beyond the digital walls of his local church—thanks in large part to the impact of the Global Leadership Summit (GLS).

read more
He Found His Calling at GLS: GLS24_Fady’s Story

He Found His Calling at GLS: GLS24_Fady’s Story

For over two decades, Fady Eldeiry has been on a mission to help organizations and people thrive—powered by his passion for leadership, technology, and global impact. From his early days in Egypt to his current role as an IT consultant based in California, Fady’s leadership journey has taken him to more than 45 countries. But one thing has remained constant throughout: the annual rhythm of the Global Leadership Summit (GLS).

read more
From Injustice to Victory: Mercy’s Story

From Injustice to Victory: Mercy’s Story

At the heart of Meru County, Kenya, lives a courageous and compassionate leader—Mercy Chidi Baidoo, a social worker, wife, and mother of five. As the Founder and Executive Director of Ripples International, Mercy has devoted her life to defending the rights of women and children through holistic, community-based support systems.

read more
Global Leadership Summit 2024 Season Kicks Off in Ukraine

Global Leadership Summit 2024 Season Kicks Off in Ukraine

The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) season in Ukraine has officially launched in Kyiv, marking an unforgettable two-day event that gathered over 600 passionate leaders. On November 28-29, both in-person and online participants from across Ukraine and beyond came together for this transformative experience, creating an atmosphere of unity and growth.

read more
How the GLS Transformed Ronny Alfaro’s Leadership Journey

How the GLS Transformed Ronny Alfaro’s Leadership Journey

Ronny Alfaro Barahona, a pastor, business administrator, and Executive Director of the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) in Costa Rica, is a testament to how leadership rooted in faith and empowerment can transform lives. A resident of Santa Ana, San José, Costa Rica, Ronny’s dedication to his family and his passion for helping others thrive are at the core of his mission as a leader

read more