Roland Lukyamuzi embodies the spirit of lifelong learning in the fast-changing world of technology. Celebrating a quarter of a century of IT leadership this year, he reflects on the value of curiosity, continuous learning and community.
With a career spanning 25 years at Standard Chartered in Uganda, country technology manager Roland Lukyamuzi has not only witnessed but actively navigated the shift from nascent computerisation to the sophisticated digital era. For Roland, staying ahead isn’t just a professional aspiration – it's a necessity. “Change is part of the life journey,” he says. “You need to really be adaptable and be able to cope otherwise you'll be dropped, or you’ll be left out.”
Roland's career began when computers were a novelty in his office, a stark contrast to today’s environment dominated by AI and constant digital transformation. He believes that keeping pace with these changes requires a multi-faceted approach, emphasising the importance of “upskilling” through regular courses and leveraging diverse learning platforms like YouTube and other Social Media platforms to grasp emerging trends.
Understandably, Roland is very proud of some of the tech changes he has guided the bank through in the last two decades. Projects have included major core banking system changes, Voice transformation projects, centralisation projects as well as significant branch expansions. “Some of the budgets for these projects were huge and when I look back, I realise how privileged I was to have been part of the implementation team.”
A knowledge beacon
His dedication to staying informed extends beyond the immediate needs for his own career. Roland aims to be a knowledge beacon for his colleagues and the broader, Kampala-based organisation. “Colleagues at the bank look at me as an epitome of information in the technology space. I need to be up to speed. So, I can help explain things,” he says. This sense of responsibility drives him to not only understand the intricacies of new technologies but to effectively communicate their implications and applications. “Genuine curiosity and proactively exploring new trends are crucial.”
Looking back on his career journey, Roland takes pride in his contributions to significant projects, such as the transition from analog to digital voice and massive core banking system changes that Standard Chartered has implemented. These achievements underscore the value of adaptability and continuous learning in driving successful technological transformations, he says.
Beyond his commitment to professional development, Roland is a proponent of community engagement as a means to stay informed and share knowledge. While he participates in local IT gatherings through the Uganda Bankers Association, he recognises the potential of a broader, pan-African network to foster collaboration and address shared challenges – and he is excited about the launch of CIO East Africa. “I think this will bring a lot of value,” says Roland, adding that cybersecurity and practical use cases of AI should be top of the agenda for the community.
A holistic approach
Outside of his professional endeavors, Roland balances his life with family, fitness, and a budding passion for solar energy. This blend of interests reflects a holistic approach to life, where continuous learning and personal growth extend beyond the confines of the office.
In a world where technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, Roland's story serves as a compelling reminder of the critical importance of staying on top of the latest trends and embracing lifelong learning to remain relevant and effective in the ever-changing tech arena.
