IWD Spotlight: Beyond Her Desk - Mukisa Mercy Sentongo - How she is helping others feel seen.

Behind every confident professional is often someone who once believed in them when they couldn’t yet see their own potential. For Mukisa Mercy Mukisa Sentongo, that belief became a calling.

As a Sales Executive at Interswitch Group Uganda, Mercy describes herself as a cheerleader, someone who thrives on helping others feel capable, seen, and encouraged. Beyond her role, she actively supports and uplifts women as they navigate their paths in tech and professional spaces.

In this conversation, she shares why encouragement matters, what leadership looks like without titles, and why sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is remind someone of their worth.

Q: For those who may not know you, can you tell us a little about your role at Interswitch and the community initiative you’re involved in?

A: I’m a Sales Executive at Interswitch, and I often describe myself as the cheerleader. I genuinely don’t like seeing someone in my space feel unsure about themselves or their abilities.

Beyond my professional role, I’m passionate about supporting and encouraging women around me, especially those navigating the tech ecosystem. Sometimes people don’t lack skill; they simply lack confidence or someone who believes in them enough to push them forward. I try to be that voice.

Q: What first inspired you to start giving back in this way? What has been the most challenging part?

A: My inspiration came from a personal experience. At a time when I was struggling and missing opportunities, someone stepped in and uplifted me. They believed in me, cheered me on, and gave me the stepping stone I needed. That experience stayed with me. It showed me how powerful encouragement can be.

The most challenging part, however, is when someone is experiencing burnout or deep self-doubt. In moments like that, encouragement alone isn’t enough. You cannot simply “cheer away” exhaustion. Sometimes the first step is acknowledging what they’re going through and giving them space to rebuild their strength.

Q: Was there a particular moment that made you realise you wanted to create impact beyond your professional role?

A: Yes. There was a moment when I realized that doing well in my role was fulfilling, but it wasn’t enough. I started noticing incredibly talented women around me who were taking opportunities outside their core roles to uplift others and make an impact. Seeing the difference they were making made me reflect on my own capacity to do the same. That realization stayed with me, and I knew I wanted to contribute beyond my desk as well.

Q: What does leadership look like when you don’t have a corporate title attached to it?

A: For me, leadership without a title looks like:

· Influencing positive change without waiting for permission

· Speaking up when something can be done better

· Supporting a teammate without being asked

· Sharing knowledge freely

· Taking responsibility instead of waiting for instructions

· Creating solutions instead of pointing out problems

Leadership is less about position and more about how you show up for others.

Q: Can you share a story of someone whose life was changed through your initiative?

A: One story that stays with me is about a talented young woman who joined our workspace but wasn’t confident in her voice or where she fit in within the tech space.

She had the skills, but she lacked exposure and confidence. Over time, through practical guidance and consistent encouragement, she began to see her own potential. A few months later, she secured a role she once believed was completely out of reach. What moved me most wasn’t just the job offer, but the message she sent afterwards. She said: "For the first time, I see myself as capable, not just hopeful." That moment reminded me why encouragement matters.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to young women who want to make an impact, what would it be?

A: Your voice matters, even when it shakes.

Your ideas are valid, even when they’re different. And your journey is yours; it doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful. Have the courage to show up, learn, try again, and keep going. Most importantly, don’t stop.

Q: Why is it important for women in corporate spaces to give back intentionally?

A: Because representation alone is not enough. When women intentionally mentor, advocate, and create opportunities for others, representation turns into real access.

Cultural change doesn’t only happen through policies. It happens in conversations, in hiring decisions, in mentorship moments, and in the spaces where women uplift other women.

Q: What change would you love to see for the next generation of girls?

A: I would love to see a world where girls don’t feel the need to apologize for being ambitious.

Where “boss energy” isn’t judged, and “girl power” isn’t just a hashtag, it’s a lived reality.

Q: How has leading this initiative changed you personally?

A: It has taught me that impact isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about showing up consistently, listening deeply, and creating space for others to thrive. It has also strengthened my confidence and reminded me that encouragement can truly change lives.

Q: What ripple effect do you hope your work creates?

A: I hope it creates a culture where support, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing become normal.

A culture where future generations don’t just follow existing paths—they feel empowered to create their own.

Q. What is one uncomfortable truth about women’s advancement in Uganda that we don’t talk about enough?

A: One uncomfortable truth is that systemic barriers still exist, even when policies suggest otherwise. Bias, gatekeeping, and informal networks often influence access to leadership roles in ways we don’t openly discuss enough. Recognizing these realities is the first step toward meaningful change.

Q: Lastly, tell us about yourself and what you do for fun.

A: Outside of work, I enjoy reading, listening to good music, dancing, and spending time with kids. These moments recharge me, spark creativity, and remind me to enjoy life beyond work.

Impact doesn’t always start with grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with encouragement: one conversation, one moment of belief, one reminder that someone is capable of more than they realize.

Beyond her desk, Mercy continues to uplift others, proving that confidence can be contagious when someone chooses to pass it forward.