General
H.E Ssekandi launches Prof. Suruma Book on Advancing Ugandan Economy
![[Front-Row]Assoc.Prof. Okello Ogwang welcoming H.E Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, Prof. Ezra Suruma and Mr. Edward Gaamuwa](https://news.mak.ac.ug/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/field_image_welcoming-suruma.jpg)
At the climax of the historic book launch held on Tuesday 23rd September 2014, the audience comprising people with different political ideologies, public, business and private sectors, development partners, the academia, students and the media applauded the author-Professor Ezra Sabiti Suruma for presenting to Ugandans and the world at large, a well written and researched political history and economic evolution of Uganda.
This audience that filled the renowned Makerere University Main Hall and Gallery to capacity was nothing short of spectacular. They upheld the author’s point of view that there was a strong correlation between political stability and the rate of economic growth. They agreed with the author that foreign aid would never lead to the development of Uganda; appreciated the author for reiterating the need to involve the communities in the implementation of the rural development strategy; thanked the author for giving direction on a reformed pension and social security sector; and together with the author wished for a well managed oil sector that would lead to job creation and prosperity for all.
In his book, Advancing the Ugandan Economy: A Personal Account published by Brookings Institution Press, Washington, D.C,2014, Professor Ezra Sabiti Suruma, an accomplished academician who served government diligently, highlights that it is because of the transformed political environment that Uganda has experienced stability and growth. He also shares very difficult times in Uganda’s history and the reforms that followed, identifies problems in various sectors and proposes viable solutions given his research background and wealth of experience. Professor Suruma remains optimistic that as the democratic environment evolves, Uganda will become more stable; and emphasizes that good governance is critical in a country’s social and economic transformation.
In his 197-page book, Professor Ezra Sabiti Suruma, a former Senior Lecturer of Economics at Makerere University; former Director of Research in Bank of Uganda; Minister of Finance from 2005 to 2009; and Senior Presidential Adviser on Finance and Planning in Uganda-not only provides an insider’s account of dramatic policy shifts in Uganda leading to stability and growth, but also expresses hope for a better Uganda. This distinguished son of Africa was also a visiting fellow at Brookings with the Africa Growth Initiative from 2010 to 2011.
In the foreword, Henry Krabbendam, a Professor Emeritus, Covenant College Georgia and Founder, Africa Christian Training Institute-Uganda states that the book gives Professor Suruma’s account of the remarkable policy changes that occurred in Uganda from 1986-2012 as well as his vision for the future of his country. He notes that the primary purpose of the book is to demonstrate that African countries can achieve economic stability and sustain rapid growth when they meet at least two interdependent conditions. He however emphasizes that they must establish a stable and secure political framework, rooted in moral integrity, as well as unleash the entrepreneurialism of the populace, facilitated by a free and democratic society.
Focusing on a better Uganda, the hopeful Professor Ezra Sabiti Suruma, a respected economist and academician who served the government diligently decries the growing unemployment levels, but envisions Uganda at full employment. His philosophy of full employment is premised on a well managed oil sector and its correlation with job creation and socio-economic transformation.
“…I continue to believe that the country cannot and should not try to sweep the problem of unemployment under the carpet. With the impending oil wealth, I believe that the country really can afford to pursue full employment. Uganda needs to address the needs of its expanding youth population for adequate housing and decent jobs,” further reads the extract on page 194.
Officiating at the launch of this admirably well-written and researched book, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi congratulated Prof. Ezra Sabiti Suruma upon extending the boundaries of knowledge in economics and politics, and equally commended him for not only awakening Ugandans to social, political and economic issues of our time but also providing solutions these problems.
“I have the pleasure to officially launch Prof. Ezra Sabiti Suruma’s book-Advancing the Ugandan Economy: A Personal Account. I commend it to all Ugandans as a prescription that will save Uganda and take it to greater heights,” said the Vice President of Uganda, H.E Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi amidst applause from a captivated audience.
At the memorable book launch Pastor Laban Jjumba who was invited to say a prayer thanked the Almighty God for blessing the author with the gift of life and wisdom. He also gave God the glory for His Servant’s book launch as hosted by Makerere University.
In the same spirit, the Vice Chair, Uganda Debt Network, Ms. Christine Nantongo said that the organisation was proud to be associated with the Prof. Suruma’s publication. “We are aware of the compelling content in this publication and its potential to contribute to Uganda and Africa’s social and economic transformation.”
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Associate Professor Ernest Okello Ogwang welcomed the audience to Makerere University and commended them for filling up the Main Hall and the Gallery to capacity as Professor Ezra Sabiti Suruma, a distinguished leader and a former Senior Lecturer of Economics at Makerere University (1973-75 and 1979-81) launched his publication.
“Makerere University is indeed proud that you chose this Hall as the venue for the launch of your book Advancing the Ugandan Economy – A Personal Account for if its walls would speak, it would tell many a tale. We are also proud that the narrative of this book had its origins in Makerere University, during your tenure as Senior Lecturer at Makerere University. We warmly congratulate you and take great pride in your achievement, and commend you for literally bringing it home,” remarked Associate Prof. Okello Ogwang.
Assoc. Prof. Okello Ogwang, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)represented the Vice Chancellor.
He applauded the author, Professor Ezra Sabiti Suruma (an insider) for taking a bold step to dedicate time and resources to share with Ugandans and the world at large an insider’s account of dramatic policy shifts in Uganda that led to stability. He then encouraged other insiders who were in attendance to share their own accounts with Ugandans and the world at large.
The Ag. Vice Chancellor also thanked the discussants namely Hon. Dr. Mary Mugyenyi, Gen. Salim Saleh Akandwanaho, Mr. Andrew Rugasira, Hon. Nandala Mafabi, and Mr. Edward Gaamuwa for accepting to be part of the intellectual discourse so that the current political and economic reforms in the quest for economic independence seek to build upon the demands in an interrelated, interconnected and global environment.
At 2:30pm, the author- Professor Ezra Sabiti Suruma took to the podium to address eagerly expectant audience comprising several dignitaries, Senior citizens, Ministers, Members of Parliament, intellectuals – both young and old, students and the media.
“The Financial Sector Reform: Negotiating with the Bretton Woods Institutions, I believe is one of the most interesting chapters for students and professors. As the Vice Chancellor said, I am speaking from firsthand experience,” remarked Prof. Suruma in reference to chapter nine of his book.
With nostalgia, Prof. Suruma thanked Makerere University for welcoming him, and allowing him to launch his book, in the very institution where the journey started in 1979 when he was Senior Lecturer in the then Department of Economics. He informed the audience that the organizers had proposed to launch his book in a different location, but by God’s providence, he was equally happy that they were all gathered in the Makerere University Main Hall.
Prof. Ezra Sabiti Suruma
Recalling their boldness and how their decision to form a 3rd force impacted on the transformation of Uganda, Professor Suruma advised the youths and students to remain focused and determined.
“Then we were young people and a laughing stock. People said that they had dominant political parties, and that we as young people could not do anything. One of the main points, I want to put forward is that when we entered politics, we were responding to a difficult environment. Although they considered us hopeless, we had remarkable achievements. I encourage you, young people to know that ideas are powerful,” he said.
The author pointed out that he escaped death narrowly when soldiers came looking for him, but surprisingly a voice responded that he was not in the area, and by God’s grace the soldiers did not bother to check. Professor Suruma will remain eternally grateful to the person who chose to inform the soldiers that he was not in the area, although the person has never revealed his identity to date.
“To the young people, If God determines that you will live, you will live. Do not fear to organize,” he emphasized amidst applause from the audience.
In his hypothesis, it is because of the transformed political environment that Uganda has experienced stability and growth. In the last 27 years, the country has been going forward because there is a remarkable correlation between the type of government and the rate of economic growth. Although the history of economic growth is attributed to macro-economic principles, Professor Suruma argues that more attention should be given to political stability. The transformation in political stability made it possible to pursue major financial reforms in Uganda.
“Looking at the data on page 22, with Uganda’s economic growth rate rising to 3.6%, there is no doubt in my mind that the increase in economic growth is correlated with good governance,” he emphasized.
Being a key figure in the economic and political transformation of Uganda, Professor Suruma is delighted with the reforms that resulted into the liberalization of the foreign exchange sector. He also encountered serious challenges during his tenure at Bank of Uganda including lack of capacity and accountability as well as independence of the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance. He also shared a scenario where some key government officials wondered why the Bank of Uganda would require a budget! Professor Suruma is equally glad that they took bold decisions that resulted into a reformed banking sector and an independent Bank of Uganda.
He highlighted the struggle for the Uganda Commercial Bank. He referred to it as a bank without money, with the most pressing problem being illiquidity of the bank. Realising that the people would deposit money, but encountered a lot of difficulty in withdrawing, Professor Suruma considered the problem and tried to find out where the money was going.
“I found out that branch managers were lending independently of the centre. Top managers did not know what the branch managers were doing, the latter were practically autonomous. Worse still, the branch managers were lending money but not recovering much of it. That was the ultimate source of the disaster, “he said.
Professor Suruma made an incredible decision, and the bank was liquid within a week, a milestone that his colleagues referred to as the “Suruma Effect.” Listening to his presentation, it was crystal clear that Professor Suruma who had ensured that the Uganda Commercial Bank was profitable as of 1996, did not support the World Bank position of privatizing the bank, but he later realized that he could not win.
The author received around of applause from the audience when he pointed out that the pension and social security reforms are a societal obligation. “I appeal to our citizens to struggle for a time when every Ugandan citizen will afford basic needs and be respected regardless of their economic status,” he said.
In his book, the optimistic Professor Suruma tackles the promising oil sector and its effect on job creation and the social and economic wellbeing of Ugandans. “Chapter 21: Job Creation and Housing Demand in Uganda-An Innovative Synergy is my small contribution to the debate on creating employment,” remarked the author.
The author dedicated the book to his father, Sulumani Barilanwa who made sure that he went to school-even though their village had no school to go to; his mother Esiteri Keiganiza whose unflinching disciplinary rigor set him on the straight path toward good; and to the martyrs and fighters for human freedom and justice everywhere.
To the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu who was out of the country on official duty, the author, Professor Ezra Sabiti Suruma presented an autographed complimentary book with a special message.
“ To Prof. and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ddumba Ssentamu, in remembrance of our time together at Makerere University, 1979 -1981.Thank you for your friendship.”
Discussants:
Hon. Mary Mugyenyi, Patron, Joshua Mugyenyi Foundation said that she could identify with what the author had written especially the history and economics of this country. She however pointed out that although decentralization had taken services to the people, it had shortfalls which should be addressed. She also observed that privatization though good had shortfalls such as the prioritization of foreign firms over local ones. She also noted although SACCOs are good, there is an urgent need to regulate them so as to guarantee the safety of their members’ savings. She emphasized that corruption in Uganda is not caused by poverty and appealed to Makerere University to conduct an informed study on who is corrupt and why they are corrupt.
Gen. Salim Saleh Akandwanaho, Presidential Advisor on Security, and formerly, Minister of State for Microfinance thanked the author for according
him the honour of discussing his rural development strategy and its impact on Uganda, which he; Gen. Salim Saleh has been implementing as a loyal officer. He noted that community information systems and access to finances were crucial in advancing the rural development strategy and also saluted H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for re-enforcing the military in the rural development strategy. Gen. Salim Saleh appreciated the title of the book, especially its faith in the future. He nevertheless drew applause from the audience when he emphasized that his dealings in the privatization of the Uganda Commercial Bank were only influenced by the desire to “Ugandanise” the bank. He asked that authors to publish more books on the economy, politics, and environment so that Uganda continues to move forward.
Mr. Edward Gaamuwa, Chief Executive Director-ACLAIM Africa Limited.
Mr. Edward Gaamuwa, Chief Executive Director-ACLAIM Africa Limited congratulated Dr. Suruma for his incisive and sometimes blunt book and for being bold to call a spade a spade. He appreciated the author for pointing out that Ministers and people in high places had succumbed to corruption. He however disagreed with the author that corruption was a result of income insecurity but was rather convinced that corruption is a result of greed. The discussant decried the “short termism” in managing pension funds and emphasized the need for a long term approach. He added that social security is not a luxury, but a key factor in sustainable development.
Hon. Nandala Mafabi, formerly Leader of Opposition in Parliament reminded the audience that during his tenure, privatization had indeed put the President and Parliament on a collision course as Dr. Suruma correctly pointed out in his book on page 73. Hon. Nandala recalled that he moved the motion in the House not to Hon. Nandala Mafabi, former Chair, Public Accounts Committee.
Mr. Andrew Rugasira, Chief Executive Officer, Good African Coffee Ltd appealed to the youth and students to read the book and fashion their ideologies around it. He detested the high rate of borrowing and its adverse effects on investment and development. He noted that access to capital was a major problem whereby young people have ideas, but very few have access to capital. He stressed that our hope in economic transformation was within our midst, and further encouraged young people to come up with innovative strategies.
Mr. Andrew Rugasira,Chief Executive Officer, Good African Coffee Ltd
Wrapping up, Professor Suruma thanked the congregation for sparing their valuable time to participate in the book launch. “I have been humbled by your presence and contributions.”
Professor Augustus Nuwagaba, who moderated the discussion, thanked Makerere University for producing Professor Suruma – a wonderful son of Africa. He equally congratulated the Vice Chancellor and staff of Makerere University for producing products that can effect change the world over.
The Uganda Debt Network, which envisions a prosperous Uganda with sustainable, equitable development and high quality of life of the people, sponsored the book launch.
Written by: Ritah Namisango, Makerere University
General
JNLC Leadership Symposium Equips Young Leaders for Responsible and Transformative Leadership
The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), in partnership with Makerere University, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), hosted a symposium to equip young leaders with the skills needed to serve their communities effectively, promote accountability, build public trust, and contribute to Uganda’s social and economic development.
Held on 22 September 2026 at Makerere University, the symposium focused on the theme of leadership beyond the ballot and targeted newly elected leaders at various levels of government. To provide a balanced perspective, the event brought together experienced leaders from different sectors, including government officials, Members of Parliament, local government leaders, cultural leaders, academics, and university student leaders.
The symposium featured presentations and a series of panel discussions involving leaders from diverse sectors and disciplines. The sessions created space for the free exchange of ideas and experiences in a relaxed and engaging setting.
Embrace Service and Build a Lasting Legacy
Dr Suzie Nansozi K. Muwanga, Executive Director of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, urged the newly elected young leaders to view leadership as a responsibility to serve communities, create opportunities for others, and build a lasting legacy.
“At the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, we believe that leadership is ultimately about service,” Dr Muwanga said. She invited participants to reflect on the kind of leadership their communities need and how they can use their positions to empower others.
While congratulating the young leaders on their election, Dr Muwanga reminded them that their mandate carries a responsibility to represent their constituents and contribute to the country’s development. She also reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting and working with the young leaders throughout their leadership journeys.
Prioritise Integrity, Digital Skills and Community Service
Addressing the newly elected leaders, as well as young people who had participated in the electoral process but were not elected, Ms Nwanne Vwede-Obahor of UNDP Uganda said that both experiences represented important steps in their leadership journeys.
Describing Uganda’s youth as “a critical asset to social and economic transformation,” Ms Obahor emphasised the need to equip young people with the skills, values, and opportunities required to contribute meaningfully to national development through legislation, oversight, mobilisation, and accountability.
“Transformative leadership begins with character,” she said, highlighting the importance of purpose, integrity, accountability, and service. She challenged the young leaders to continually reflect on why they had chosen to serve and what they hoped to achieve, noting that public trust and commitment are essential for creating lasting impact.
Ms Obahor also urged the leaders to embrace digital skills and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and data-driven tools. She encouraged them to use technology to address challenges in areas such as agriculture, employment, and entrepreneurship.
She stressed the importance of collaboration, partnerships, and mentorship, urging leaders to remain connected to the communities they represent and to ensure that their priorities reflect the concerns and aspirations of citizens.
Ms Obahor said that UNDP would continue supporting the young leaders beyond the initial training by assisting them to develop personal leadership brands, vision statements, and practical leadership impact plans.
Discover Your Purpose and Serve with Responsibility
The former Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Victoria Sekitoleko, urged the young leaders to understand their purpose, remain committed to service, and recognise that leadership begins long before one assumes public office.
She emphasised that leadership is not determined by age or position, but by responsible decision-making, effective communication, and the ability to influence others positively.
“Use the programme to discover your individual leadership path and remain committed to it,” she told the participants.
Drawing on her experience, Hon. Sekitoleko reminded young people not to wait for formal positions before demonstrating their leadership abilities. She advised them to learn from history and from the experiences of previous leaders, cautioning them against allowing anger or emotion to influence their decisions.
She stressed that effective leadership requires knowledge, communication skills, and wisdom—including knowing what to say, when to speak, and when to remain silent. She also called on the leaders to build sustainable livelihoods while using their public positions to serve communities and create opportunities for others.
Hon. Sekitoleko appealed to alumni of leadership programmes to share their knowledge by mentoring young people in schools and promoting democratic leadership through initiatives such as student elections and prefect councils.
Acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties that leaders may face, she encouraged young politicians to persevere and seek guidance from experienced leaders whenever necessary.
Panel Discussion One: Leadership Experiences
Moderated by Mr Sebastian Ssegawa of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, the first panel brought together Hon. Robert Maseruka, Member of Parliament for Mukono South; His Lordship Alionzi Lawrence, Mayor of Arua City; Ms Natasha Ahereza, General Secretary of the NRM Youth League; and Ms Gorret Karungi, Female Youth Councillor for Fort Portal.
Reflecting on his leadership journey, His Lordship Alionzi Lawrence, the 88th Guild President of Makerere University and Mayor of Arua City, explained that his experience began in student leadership and later progressed to local government.
“My decision to contest for mayor was motivated by where I could make the greatest impact,” he said. He noted that effective and transformative leadership requires deliberate training and continuous learning. Using the example of a bus driver, he explained that natural ability alone is not sufficient to take responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of others.
“There are qualities that a human being can be born with that can be crucial to leadership, like empathy and listening. But those in themselves are insufficient to constitute transformational leadership. It requires training,” he said.
He commended leadership development initiatives for providing an important foundation to prepare young people to assume leadership responsibilities and serve their communities effectively.
Sharing her leadership experience, Ms Natasha Ahereza, General Secretary of the NRM Youth League, emphasised that effective leadership extends beyond titles and positions of authority.
“Leadership is demonstrated through the ability to listen to people, understand their concerns, and develop practical and responsive solutions to the challenges they face,” she said.
She urged young leaders to look beyond political affiliations and focus on what they can do for the people who have entrusted them with leadership responsibilities.
Ms Gorret Karungi, Female Youth Councillor for Fort Portal, shared her experience of entering local government, noting that her journey was marked by resistance and several challenges. She explained that mentorship and persistence helped her overcome these obstacles and assume greater responsibilities.
She emphasised that leadership positions should be viewed as platforms for public service rather than opportunities for personal enrichment. Highlighting the importance of mentorship, Ms Karungi noted that guidance and support from experienced leaders can help young leaders navigate challenges and grow in their roles.
Hon. Robert Maseruka, the 89th Guild President of Makerere University and Member of Parliament for Mukono South, traced his leadership journey to his experience in student representation. He explained that his first leadership opportunity emerged after he helped fellow students navigate the university enrolment process.
He called upon the newly elected leaders to begin their service with a clear sense of purpose, serve with ambition, and work towards leaving a legacy that future generations can reference.
Hon. Maseruka also emphasised the need to shift the focus from a candidate’s position or political identity to their ability to serve, deliver, and create meaningful impact in their communities.
Panel Discussion Two: Insights from Seasoned Leaders
Moderated by Ms Annet Mpabulungi Wakabi, Team Leader for Governance and Leadership at UNDP, the second panel featured Hon. Emmanuel Lumala Dombo, politician and Director of Information, Publicity and Public Relations at the National Resistance Movement (NRM); Ms Christine Musisi, former UNDP Resident Representative in Tanzania; and Mr Solomon Sserwanjja, Chairperson of Local Council One (LC1) in Bamutakudde Village.
Reflecting on his experiences in student leadership and national politics, Hon. Emmanuel Lumala Dombo emphasised that effective leadership requires timely decision-making, respect for diverse communities, and a clear understanding of the responsibilities associated with representing others.
He advocated for stronger national values and greater social cohesion, noting that historical prejudices based on religion, ethnicity, and other identities should not continue to shape political and community relations. Hon. Dombo also called for deliberate investment in leadership development. He noted that, just as societies invest in developing qualified professionals in other sectors, countries should systematically prepare competent individuals to assume positions of responsibility.
Ms Christine Musisi advised the young leaders to develop visions that extend beyond personal success and instead focus on significance, impact, and legacy. “If you do not reproduce other leaders, what legacy are you leaving behind?” she asked.
Underscoring trust as a central component of effective leadership, Ms Musisi urged leaders to act with integrity, respect other people’s values, and build relationships across political and ideological differences.
“Trust is the currency of leadership,” she said. She encouraged leaders to critically assess the people around them, particularly their closest advisers. According to Ms Musisi, effective leaders need people who can hold them accountable, support them during difficult moments, and share their core values.
Impressed by the exchange of ideas during the symposium, Ms Musisi advocated for the revival of Ekyooto—the traditional “fireplace conversation,” where young people interact with elders and experienced professionals. She encouraged the young leaders to seek mentors who could support them in their journey from success to significance.
Focusing on the importance of strategic planning, Mr Solomon Sserwanjja, Chairperson of LC1 in Bamutakudde Village, noted that leaders often enter office with manifestos and promises. However, these commitments must be translated into practical plans once they assume responsibility.
“When you come into leadership, it then becomes strategy. Have a plan which is subsequently translated into annual and quarterly work plans,” he said. He explained that this approach enables leaders to identify priorities, set targets, define activities, and establish a framework for monitoring progress.
Mr Sserwanjja further noted that organisation and effective systems can help communities attract resources and partnerships. “People want to give to an organised society. People want to contribute to an organised leader,” he said. He urged emerging leaders to move beyond making promises and demonstrate leadership through tangible results, accountability, and effective systems. Leaders who consistently deliver on their commitments, document their achievements, and establish structures capable of attracting resources are better positioned to build confidence among their communities and partners.
“Build the trust by delivering, document your wins as a leader, be accountable and create a system that attracts resources and impacts,” he advised. He also called upon participants to strengthen the LC system as a platform for accountability and representation. “The LC1 position should be the most powerful office in the public service system,” he stressed.
Panel Discussion Three: Insights on Unemployment
The third panel, moderated by Dr Julius Kiiza, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Makerere University, brought together government officials, cultural leaders, and academics. The panellists were Mr Aggrey David Kibenge, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development; Owek. Robert Sserwanga, Minister for Youth, Sports and Arts in the Buganda Kingdom; and Dr Irene Esther Mutuzo Sevume, a member of faculty at Makerere University.
Mr Aggrey David Kibenge highlighted the need for a whole-of-government approach, noting that unemployment and skills development cannot be addressed by a single institution. “Education, labour, industry and youth programmes need to work together to ensure that the skills acquired in schools and universities correspond with labour-market requirements,” he said.
Owek. Robert Sserwanga underscored that leadership should be centred on service rather than personal interests. He called for a rethink of prevailing mindsets and approaches to addressing future skills gaps, observing that the knowledge acquired in school does not always translate into the practical abilities required in the modern workplace.
Mr Sserwanga also called for more flexible approaches to organising work around outputs and competencies. In his view, employability should not be defined solely by conventional office hours or traditional workplaces, but by an individual’s ability to deliver useful and marketable skills.
He emphasised the importance of leadership in addressing youth unemployment and other development challenges. He encouraged leaders to focus on solving problems within their communities and creating opportunities for the people they represent. He pointed to community-based initiatives and partnerships as potential mechanisms for promoting self-help, skills development, and local economic activity.
Contributing to the discussion, Dr Irene Esther Mutuzo Sevume explained that smartphones and internet access have opened up opportunities that were not available to previous generations. Young people can now access international employers, fellowships, training programmes, and business opportunities without necessarily relocating.
Dr Mutuzo Sevume encouraged young people to move beyond the traditional perception that a “good job” must involve a suit, an office, and a conventional nine-to-five schedule. She advised graduates to explore remote work, digital careers, fellowships, entrepreneurship, and other opportunities available through online platforms.
She also encouraged young people to use emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to develop and refine business ideas, build relevant skills, and identify opportunities, rather than relying on technology primarily to complete academic assignments.
Build Credibility through Strategic Communication
During her presentation on “Strategic Communication and Personal Branding,” Ms Mildred Tuhaise, a media and strategic communications consultant, emphasised that leadership should be driven by purpose rather than position. She noted that titles are temporary, while a leader’s reputation, influence, and impact can endure for generations.
Ms Tuhaise said that leaders should deliberately build their professional identities around three key qualities: character, competence, and consistency. She explained that character is demonstrated through a leader’s conduct in both public and private settings, while competence requires leaders to understand their areas of responsibility and communicate with knowledge and authority.
She encouraged young leaders to establish a niche and develop expertise in specific areas rather than attempting to speak on every subject without sufficient knowledge. On public speaking, Ms Tuhaise stressed the importance of preparation, clear messaging, an audible voice, and confident body language. She advised leaders to read widely and fact-check information before making public statements. She also encouraged them to request time to consult when they do not have sufficient information, rather than providing misleading answers.
She underscored the importance of ensuring that communication on every platform is both timely and accurate. Ms Tuhaise cautioned young leaders about the permanence of their digital footprints, noting that posts, photographs, and statements shared online can resurface years later and affect how they are perceived professionally. She urged leaders to remain authentic, uphold integrity, and recognise that their personal conduct is often associated with the institutions and positions they represent.
Embrace AI for Responsible and Effective Leadership
In a presentation titled “Artificial Intelligence, Digital Technology and Data-Driven Decision-Making,” IT practitioner and digital expert Mr Andrew Jombwe argued that artificial intelligence should not primarily be viewed as a threat, but as a tool for augmenting human capabilities.
Mr Jombwe stressed that technological advancement must go hand in hand with ethics, integrity, and human responsibility. While technology can enhance human intelligence and productivity, he noted that it cannot replace human judgement, contextual understanding, values, and character.
He urged leaders and young people to move beyond fear of artificial intelligence and acquire the knowledge necessary to understand and use emerging technologies responsibly. Highlighting some of the risks associated with AI, Mr Jombwe called upon the newly elected leaders to apply it ethically in addressing everyday challenges and improving service delivery.
Promote Mental Health and Personal Wellbeing
During her presentation on mental health and wellbeing, Hon. Obiga Rose, Chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum, noted that financial difficulties, unemployment, academic pressure, relationship challenges, social media, substance abuse, and other life stresses can negatively affect mental wellbeing.
She urged young people to remain positive, build resilience, and seek support when facing difficult situations, rather than allowing setbacks to lead to hopelessness or self-harm. She recommended healthy habits such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate water intake, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug use.
Hon. Obiga also emphasised the importance of self-reflection, meditation, positive relationships, and avoiding negative influences, particularly on social media. Drawing on her own experiences, she encouraged young people to remain determined, trust in their abilities, and recognise that failure and setbacks do not define their future.
Turn Training into Community Impact
The Chairperson of Local Council Five in Namisindwa District, Mr Emmanuel Bwayo, noted that young leaders who receive training and mentorship have a responsibility to apply the knowledge gained to serve their communities effectively and build public confidence in the younger generation.
He encouraged young leaders to be patient with their growth, respect experienced leaders, and work constructively with public servants and other stakeholders.
Mr Bwayo commended the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre for providing leadership training and called for more leaders, including Members of Parliament, to receive similar training in order to strengthen leadership and governance in the country.
Govern with Integrity and Evidence
Ms Annet Mpabulungi Wakabi, Team Leader for Governance and Peace at UNDP Uganda, urged elected and aspiring young leaders to lead with integrity, use evidence to inform decision-making, and embrace digital competencies to improve governance and public service delivery.
She commended the leadership programme and the mentors who had contributed to preparing young leaders at the national, municipal, and local government levels. “Communities depend on them to address challenges. Use the knowledge gained from experienced leaders to serve effectively,” she said.
Ms Wakabi reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting governance transformation in Uganda and urged the young leaders to work closely with their communities to contribute to the achievement of the country’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Put Dignity at the Centre of Leadership
Delivering the closing remarks, Dr Nansozi K. Muwanga, Executive Director of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, advised the young leaders to put people and their dignity at the centre of leadership.
She called upon them to uphold integrity, embrace innovation, and use technology responsibly to develop solutions and strengthen their connection with the communities they serve.
Dr Muwanga also expressed appreciation to UNDP Uganda for supporting the leadership programme and helping to extend training and continued mentorship to young leaders across the country.
Moderated by Mr Henry Kasacca and Mr Sebastian Ssegawa, staff members of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, the symposium marked a significant step towards equipping newly elected young leaders with insights from experienced leaders.
The discussions underscored the importance of service, integrity, accountability, competence, continuous learning, mental wellbeing, evidence-based decision-making, and the responsible use of technology in effective leadership.
The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University Professor Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management on September 28, 2026 welcomed H.E. Ambassador TAKAHASHI Misako and her delegation in the Council Room at Main Building to discuss ways of deepening their academic and technical collaboration.
H.E. TAKASHASHI is the Director-General/Assistant Minister for African Affairs, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
In the session, VC acknowledged and appreciated the long-standing partnership between the University and Japanese institutions; both private and government.
“The university has had good relations with the Embassy of Japan, with JICA, and with several other Japanese institutions… When we returned to normalcy after turbulent political years, the Government of Japan was among the first ones to come to revive our excellence… so Uganda has had a very long and friendly relationship with Japan” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
He further emphasized the historical impact of this support saying “I want to claim that it could have been because of the support that was given to the Department of Geology at that time, that the discovery of oil became possible in Uganda.”
Contributing to the discussions, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Professor Sarah Ssali shared areas such as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as well as Neurosurgery, where Makerere could benefit from Japanese expertise. She added that the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) currently enjoys a collaboration with the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.
Adding on the outstanding partnership, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVCF&A) Professor Henry Alinaitwe highlighted traffic management as one of the key areas supported, he said “Japan has helped Uganda in the management of traffic…”
Expounding on this, HE. TAKASHASHI said “I just visited the control center for traffic in Uganda. It was built by a Japanese aid… as of today, they are controlling 31 junctions of traffic signals in Kampala City. They are supposed to boost up their activities to cover the entire Kampala city’s traffic systems” a project, she said, the Japanese Government remains committed to.
Continuing, Professor Alinaitwe highlighted Japan’s resilient and strong structures that can withstand earthquakes. He shared that “Japanese are helping us in developing the standards for earthquake design and management.”
Picking it up from here, H.E. TAKAHASHI acknowledged Japan’s proneness to earthquakes, which has led the country to develop leading global expertise in their management. Although Uganda is not comparatively prone to earthquakes, she reaffirmed that “Japan is deliberately thinking about the sustainable development of Uganda”, as a symbol of their friendship with institutions and the young people of Uganda.
She said the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) where “President Museveni is a long-standing participant” is a vital platform for addressing Japan’s various interests in Africa. She also talked about the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FIOP) Principle, and Japan’s three pillars for Africa.
“The three pillars of Japanese foreign policy towards Africa include; realising a continent of peace in Africa, creating a virtuous cycle of growth between Japan and Africa, and finally realising a society where everyone can feel genuine prosperity through empowering young generation for co-creation,” H.E TAKAHASHI noted.
Professor Julius Kikooma the Director for Graduate Training, expressed a need to leverage the partnership further in graduate student supervision, “our biggest area for collaboration should be capacity strengthening through trainings and working together to boost co-supervision of doctoral programs.”
Agreeing with Professor Kikooma, the Principal College of Veterinary and Animal Resources, Biosecurity Professor Clovice Kankya appreciated the support from Japan, particularly in the training of staff.
“A number of our staff have moved to universities in Japan for staff exchange for competence-based kind of training, but also to mention our Japanese counterparts have given a lot of technical support, not only to Makerere College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, but also to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. This kind of collaboration has resulted to advancing some of the veterinary reference laboratories” Prof Kankya elaborated.
Appreciating H.E. TAKAHASHI’s visit, Prof. Nawangwe expressed gladness that the brief session had brought forth a number important issues for discussion, which will enhance collaborations between Makerere University, the Embassy of Japan, and the people of Japan in general.
Some of the key areas with existing collaborations include;
- Engineering and Infrastructure
- Traffic Management
- Health and Veterinary Sciences
- Students and staff exchange
- Space science
- Disaster prevention
- Capacity building and volunteers
- Library and cultural resources
Makerere currently partners with a number of Japanese Universities including; University of Kobe, University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tottori University, among others.
The University Management appreciates the government of Japan for an impactful collaboration over the years as “We Build for the Future.”
Photos by Benite Uwase, Public Relations Office, Makerere University
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