“Be aggressive in a good way if you are to get places in leadership and management.”
Lydia Nabitosi Norah Tukashaba is a Project Management expert in Development Finance, leveraging structured project execution to drive impact in the financial sector. With a strong background in IT, she has successfully integrated project management principles to ensure sustainable and efficient implementation of projects.
Let’s Explore Her Educational and Career Journey
Lydia’s professional journey began when she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology (IT) from Uganda Christian University Mukono. While she initially envisioned a career in technology and systems management, her career path led her to development finance, where she quickly realized that effective project management was critical in ensuring financial resources were deployed efficiently to drive economic growth and social impact.
As her career progressed, she sought to expand her leadership and strategic management skills, leading her to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA). This pursuit played a crucial role in helping her climb the career ladder, navigate leadership roles, and transition across different organizations with confidence and competence. “Earning my MBA was a game-changer in my career. It equipped me with the ability to think strategically, manage complex financial projects, and lead diverse teams effectively. Combining my technical background in IT with project management expertise and business leadership gave me a competitive advantage in the industry.”
Her experiences in managing technology-driven financial initiatives exposed her to challenges in stakeholder coordination, resource allocation, and impact measurement—further fuelling her decision to pursue project management certification.
Certifications and Achievements
With the PMP® certification in hand, Lydia has obtained additional professional certifications that have strengthened her expertise in project management and finance., PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA®), which has refined her ability to align business needs with project outcomes, and PECB Certified ISO 21502 Lead Project Manager, enhancing her expertise in project governance and global best practices.
“Each certification has provided me with a unique perspective and skill set. PMP strengthened my leadership and execution capabilities, , PMI-PBA sharpened my ability to integrate business analysis into project planning, and ISO 21502 reinforced my understanding of internationally recognized project governance frameworks.”
These certifications, combined with her MBA in strategic business leadership, have given her a well-rounded foundation in both traditional and adaptive project management methodologies, making her an impactful leader in financial and development projects.
What Inspired Her to Pursue Project Management?
Lydia’s transition from IT to project management was driven by necessity—the need to bring efficiency and structure to financial projects. She says, “I was mostly inspired to pursue project management after facing difficulties in structuring and leading financial projects effectively. I knew that if I wanted to succeed, I had to adopt a more structured and professional approach.”
By gaining project management expertise, she was able to align financial technology strategies with execution plans, ensuring that development projects delivered real impact.
Getting Her PMP® Certification Was a Defining Moment
Realizing the transformative power of project management, Lydia took the bold step to pursue PMP certification. She reflects, “My first experience leading a project was complicated, and I knew I needed to upskill. Pursuing PMP certification was the right choice to strengthen my knowledge and approach.”
Balancing work and studies, however, was one of her biggest challenges. “I hardly had enough time to read considering my work responsibilities, but I was determined. I had to find a way to structure my study time efficiently to ensure I achieved my goal”, she shares.
Her commitment paid off, and earning the PMP certification boosted her confidence and professional credibility, enabling her to take on bigger responsibilities in development finance.
Where Certifications Made All the Difference
One of Lydia’s career-defining moments came when she applied for a Strategic Partnerships Manager position at Pride Microfinance. She reflects, “When Pride Microfinance advertised the Strategy & Project Manager position, I was PMP certified at the time of my job application. That certification set me apart from other candidates and gave me the competitive edge to secure the role.”
Her PMP training played a critical role in her approach to strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and process improvement, enabling her to drive financial projects successfully.
Navigating Challenges and Biases as a Woman in Project Management
Lydia acknowledges that being a woman in project management comes with unique challenges, particularly in male-dominated financial sectors. “Sure, I have faced challenges—especially when working with male counterparts who feel superior. It’s something that many women in leadership experience, but I have learned that demonstrating value and professionalism is the best way to break those biases.”
Through confidence, resilience, and delivering results, she has earned respect in the industry, proving that competence and expertise surpass gender stereotypes.
Onwards and Upwards; Advice to Aspiring Women in Project Management
Over the years, Lydia has mastered the art of project management in development finance, learning that success comes from team engagement, strategic planning, and bold leadership. “I have learned that as a project manager, team engagement is everything. A well-engaged team is more motivated, collaborative, and driven toward success.”
Her advice to women looking to grow in project management is bold and empowering:
“Be aggressive in a good way if you are to get places in project management. Don’t hold back—take on challenges, continuously learn, and position yourself for leadership. The more you step up, the more you grow.”
About HER STORY
The HER STORY initiative by HEBO highlights the incredible journeys of women breaking barriers in project management. Each of these certified professionals has leveraged PMI certification to elevate their careers, proving that structured knowledge, resilience, and leadership can drive success across industries.
Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate, inspire, and empower more women in project management! 🚀 #IWD2025 #WomenInProjectManagement
