Life-on-Life Leadership 🇿🇼 Esther Kabanda

Ep 11: Life-on-Life Leadership 

🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE 

In this episode of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker is joined by Esther Katooko Kabanda, team leader of The Message Trust Uganda (https://messageuganda.ug/), for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about discipleship that's in for the long haul and what it truly means to lead like Jesus. 

Esther's story begins in Uganda, where she was raised in a deeply committed Christian home. But despite this foundation, her journey took an unexpected turn as she wrestled with deep loneliness and inner struggles from a young age—challenges that ultimately became the very place where she encountered God most personally. 

From those formative moments, Esther developed a faith that was not inherited but deeply personal. Her journey through university tested that faith even further, forcing her to confront her dependence on God and rediscover what it means to truly follow Christ. 

Now leading the work of The Message Trust in Uganda, Esther is helping pioneer a discipleship-focused model that prioritises depth over numbers. From small group Bible engagement in schools to mentoring young people in vulnerable communities, her leadership reflects a commitment to seeing individuals known, formed, and empowered. 

At its core, this episode is a call back to the heart of the Great Commission: not just to make converts but to make disciples. 

Whether you're a ministry leader, youth worker, or someone passionate about raising the next generation, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what lasting impact really looks like. 

Enjoy. 

🔑 KEY THEMES 

• The difference between crowd-building and true discipleship 
• How God uses hidden struggles to form authentic faith 
• Why discipleship must be relational, intentional, and Scripture-centered 
• The importance of seeing people as individuals, not numbers 
• Raising leaders through long-term investment and accountability 
• Creating sustainable models for transformation in vulnerable communities 
• Faithfulness in the small, unseen moments of leadership 

👤 ABOUT THE GUEST 

Esther Katooko Kabanda is the Team Leader of The Message Trust Uganda, based in Kampala. She is passionate about discipleship, youth development, and raising Christ-centered leaders through life-on-life mentorship. Esther's leadership is shaped by a deep conviction that true transformation happens through intentional relationships grounded in Scripture. She is currently helping pioneer discipleship initiatives in schools and vulnerable communities, with a vision to see young people equipped spiritually and practically for lasting impact. 

👤 ABOUT THE HOST 

Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond. 

He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast. 

🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD 

Follow Forward is a Christ-centred leadership podcast featuring real stories and global voices. Hosted by Tim Tucker and produced by The Message Trust, the podcast exists to inspire emerging leaders to follow Jesus faithfully and lead others with humility, courage, and purpose. 

🔔 STAY CONNECTED 

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🌍 Learn more about The Message Trust: 

https://messageglobal.org/ 

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