General
Nkrumah’s Legacy, Influence on Future Generations Endures
By Ritah Namisango
On September 21, 2024, the walls of the Yusuf Lule Auditorium at Makerere University reverberated with tributes of the powerful legacy of Kwame Nkrumah, a titan of Pan-Africanism and a visionary leader whose influence continues to shape the aspirations of the African continent. As the university celebrates the 70th anniversary of Nkrumah Hall, tribute was paid to titan’s unwavering commitment to African unity, as students, scholars, and dignitaries gathered to reflect on the profound impact of his ideals.
This momentous occasion which featured a public lecture and celebrations at Nkrumah Hall grounds, was a resounding call to action for today’s students and young people to embody Nkrumah’s dream of a unified and independent Africa. With the weight of history on their shoulders, speakers such as Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda inspired the audience to envision a future where African nations stand together against the forces of division and exploitation.
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Prime Minister Emeritus and special envoy of His Excellency the President of Uganda, urged the younger generation to embrace the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah in the pursuit of a unified and independent African continent, calling for collective action in the face of adversity.
He highlighted Kwame Nkrumah as a prominent African leader and a pivotal figure in the quest for African unity. He emphasized that African continental agreements are a direct outcome of the philosophy of Pan-Africanism and African unity that Nkrumah championed during the challenging times when many African countries were still under colonial rule.
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda noted that there is much to learn from Kwame Nkrumah, but what stands out most is his unwavering commitment to seeing Africa united, free, and independent—determining its own destiny, making its own decisions, and achieving enlightenment. He stressed that Nkrumah’s vision for a united Africa was rooted in the belief that political and economic cooperation among African nations is vital for achieving true independence and sustainable development. He argued that colonialism and imperialism can only be effectively confronted through unity and collective action.
“Upon Ghana’s independence in 1957, Kwame Nkrumah stated that the freedom of Ghana would be meaningless unless it was linked to the liberation of the entire continent. To this end, he ensured that Ghana served as a political and military base for training African freedom fighters to prepare for their respective nations’ liberation. This commitment inevitably created tension between Nkrumah and several oppressive colonial regimes across Africa, but he remained resolute in his mission. Ultimately, his efforts gained significant momentum,” Dr. Rugunda remarked.
Dr. Ruhakana further highlighted that Nkrumah, alongside his political party, the Convention People’s Party (CPP), collaborated with numerous freedom fighters and Pan-Africanists both from the diaspora and within the continent. He emphasized the mutual influence among these leaders, which propelled their shared causes forward. Dr. Ruhakana identified key allies such as Julius Nyerere (Tanzania), Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt), and Patrice Lumumba (Democratic Republic of the Congo), along with Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois from the diaspora. He noted that Dr. Du Bois, the first Black individual to earn a PhD from Harvard University, was dedicated to connecting the diaspora with the African continent. He was also a pivotal intellectual leader in the struggle for African American rights and equality.
He explained that Nkrumah recognized how colonial powers aimed to weaken and divide Africa in order to exploit its natural resources and people, leading to the enslavement of Africans while developing other parts of the world. This exploitation served the interests of others, rather than those of the African people. Consequently, Nkrumah understood that Africans needed protection.
“Nkrumah realized that without protection, Africans would continue to be exploited. He asserted that Africa must unite. He authored a classical text titled ‘Africa Must Unite,’ in which he passionately articulated the importance of trade and collaboration among African nations. Even 45 years ago, his insights into the dangers of colonialism and neo-colonialism, which he described as the final stage of independence, were profoundly relevant,” he stated.
“President SékouTouré of Guinea declared Kwame Nkrumah co-President of Guinea—an honor I have not heard being bestowed upon anyone else in the world. His special duty as co-president was to champion the cause of African liberation. He had previously done so in Ghana, and President Sékou believed he would do it again. A year later, in 1967, Nkrumah organized the All-African Peoples’ Conference in Accra, resolutely inspiring the struggle for independence and liberation across Africa,” Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda noted.
Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda shared that he joined the institution in 1969 as a medical student under the chancellorship of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, a distinguished alumnus of Makerere. At that time, the university was relatively small, and had only a few halls of residence. He was assigned to a hall known as New Hall, which was later renamed Nkrumah Hall in 1970.
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda emphasized the significance of the renaming of the New Hall. He recounted that when he joined Makerere University, there was considerable student activism that mirrored the broader movements both in Uganda and across the African continent. The struggle against colonialism was intensifying, and Africa was on a path to liberation, with Kwame Nkrumah serving as an iconic figure in this quest. He was a leader who dedicated Ghana’s resources to the collective benefit of the continent.
“So, the students at New Hall convened in the Senior Common Room and passed a resolution to give New Hall a name that honored its significance. The name selected was Nkrumah. This resolution was passed overwhelmingly, and I am proud to have been part of that decision. The name Nkrumah was then forwarded to the warden and the university administration, who accepted it. That is how the name came about. I am also glad to see that there is an appropriate statue in front of the hall, commemorating an iconic figure in Africa’s history,” Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda remarked.
He urged the audience to continually add value to the teachings and philosophy of Kwame Nkrumah in order to support the independence, self-determination, and decision-making of the African people, as well as to promote their unity. He emphasized that unity is essential for harnessing Africa’s vast natural resources, which are often exploited by others. He commended Makerere University for hosting the event and suggested that it should become an annual celebration.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Makerere University and the leadership of Nkrumah Hall for organizing this event and fostering an environment conducive to symposia and discussions of this nature. I recommend that this become an annual event to ensure that more students and the general public are reminded of the vision, ideals, and significant contributions of the iconic Pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah and what he advocated for,” he concluded.
Reflecting on the colonial powers’ efforts to weaken and divide Africa, Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, Chief Political Commissar of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), remarked that Africa was treated like a cake, with its resources plundered and controlled. He noted that Nkrumah recognized that independence would be meaningless without addressing the distortions, particularly the issue of division.
“Nkrumah understood the four essential goals of independence, which can be summarized as five key objectives: First, ensuring that liberation is not exclusive to a select few. Second, that Africa must be free, as the struggle in many places was for immediate independence. Third, it is not enough for people to be free, they must also prosper. Nkrumah viewed the prosperity of the African people as a crucial aim of independence. Fourth, reassembly of Africa as one united entity. Lastly, the need to recover African dignity, heritage, culture, and identity. He fully grasped these five objectives and was especially passionate about the reintegration of Africa,” Maj. Gen. Masiko stated.
In his description of Africa, Maj. Gen. Masiko referred to it as the cradle of humankind, a continent rich in resources and the origin of civilization. He emphasized that Africa pioneered civilization, boasting of great empires like the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire, and the Timbuktu civilization. Despite this, he noted that over the last 600 years, Africa has found itself at the bottom of the global hierarchy, regarded as the most marginalized and despised continent. He pointed out that this represents a contradiction that intrigued heroes namely Kwame Nkrumah and his compatriots.
“Africa, glorious in many ways, is now seen as the last. They understood that this decline resulted from a combination of mistakes and natural challenges that led to disastrous outcomes. The first disaster was the enslavement of our people, forcibly shipped away and scattered across the globe. This was a degrading catastrophe, as many Africans were reduced to the status of slaves. Following the horrors of slavery came the further degradation through colonization, which devastated Africa,” Maj. Gen. Masiko lamented.
As a champion in the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), Maj. Gen. Masiko highlighted that Nkrumah’s dream during the founding meeting in Addis Ababa was to establish a United States of Africa (USA). According to Maj Gen. Masiko, Nkrumah urged all those gathered in Addis Ababa to leave their individual flags behind and raise the flag of a united Africa, advocating for one president, one army, and one government. He even expressed his willingness to step down as President of Ghana if other leaders would agree to form a unified African government in Addis Ababa. While he envisioned a cohesive and united Africa, today we still find ourselves categorized as the Fragmented States of Africa (FSA)! He reiterated that as we gather to commemorate Kwame Nkrumah, we must embrace his dream of unity.
“Kwame Nkrumah had a dream of reuniting Africa, and we must return to that vision. It remains relevant today. Nkrumah leaves us with the challenge he could not fulfill, but his spirit lives on. Imagine that reality of a unified Africa—why not? Perhaps in your lifetime, you could serve as a commander of the United Forces of Africa or serving in the federal government for the continent. That dream should not be regarded as in vain,” Maj. Gen. Masiko stated.
Reflecting on the Berlin Conference, which resolved to scramble and partition the continent, Maj. Gen. Masiko noted that European colonialists spent four months – from November to February devising ways to divide and share Africa among themselves, with no African representatives present at that meeting. He suggested starting a symbolic initiative by declaring these months as a “Months of Disaster” for Africa.
“The meeting in Berlin took place over November, December, January, and concluded in February. So why don’t we designate these four months as African Month of Remembrance for the disaster that occurred in Berlin? We could preach about and condemn the outcomes of the Berlin Conference while wearing black ribbons on our shoulders. I believe this could help awaken Africans to the reality of that disaster,” he proposed.
He revealed to the audience that there is still hope for Africa to reunite, citing a notable example: if Berlin, a city once divided to form East and West Germany, was reunited after the fall of the Berlin Wall, why can’t Africa, which only has imaginary borders, do the same? He thus urged the younger generation to carry forward the gospel of unity as Kwame Nkrumah did.
“The same Berlin was divided, not by rivers or natural boundaries like ours, but by a brick wall that separated Germany. I don’t know how many years they spent as East and West Germany, but they eventually woke up, broke down the wall, and reunited. For us Africans, since 1884, there have been no brick walls. So, young people, if we are unhappy with the divisions that exist, what should we do? I often hear phrases like ‘porous borders.’ Who told you there are porous borders? Porous implies there are holes, but these are merely artificial, imaginary colonial lines in your minds, and you call them porous borders,” he highlighted.
Discussing regional integration, particularly the East African Community (EAC), which currently comprises seven member states, including South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), he shared his experience visiting refugee camps in Uganda. He noted that most of the refugees in these camps were from South Sudan and the DRC. He questioned the efficacy of the EAC by asking, “How can members of a community be refugees within their own community?”
In her speech, Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, emphasized that Kwame Nkrumah’s vision for a politically united and economically independent Africa is as relevant today as it was during his lifetime. As a champion of Pan-Africanism, Nkrumah advocated for a united front against colonialism and the self-determination of African nations. Mrs. Magara asserted that Nkrumah’s dream extended beyond Ghana; it encompassed the aspiration for the entire continent to unite as one.
“Kwame Nkrumah was a great and charismatic man who inspired the fight for independence for Africa. His vision for a politically united, economically independent, and socially equitable Africa is an ideal we must integrate into our educational culture, social, and political environments. Today, we learned of Kwame Nkrumah’s tremendous influence and how he inspired the change of name from New Hall to Nkrumah Hall. Listening to these stories reaffirms the importance of intergenerational conversations to inspire the young generation to live by conviction and for a greater cause,” she said.
She called for a renewed commitment to Nkrumah’s ideals, particularly among the youth, who represent the future of Africa with 73% of Uganda’s population under the age of 17. She said that it is crucial to inspire the next generation to embrace the values of unity and cooperation that Nkrumah championed. She encouraged young people to engage in conversations about their history and the legacies of those who fought for their freedom.
“There is a growing and urgent need to prioritize these conversations, where values and norms are communicated from one generation to another. The recent population census statistics recorded that 45,900,000 Ugandans, out of which 73% are under 17, and only 5% are above 60. With these statistics, there is an incredible opportunity and also a challenge to influence the most significant percentage of the population. The idea of passing on values and knowledge from the old to the young through conversations and storytelling, like we used to do in the past, is the heart of this effort. This is one of the reasons why this engagement of bringing our esteemed alumni to engage with current students is of great importance,” Mrs. Magara stated.
Mrs. Magara proposed the establishment of “Ekyooto,” a fireside discussion for young people to engage in discussions about Nkrumah’s vision and explore ways to actualize it in today’s context. She emphasized the importance of bridging the generational gap and empowering the youth to carry forward the torch of unity and purpose.
“We have begun having what we call “Ekyooto” where young people and university students, come around to discuss these matters. I have a proposal that from this discussion, we have a ‘kyooto’, to articulate together with our elders what we need to do, to actualize the ideals of Kwame Nkrumah and his colleagues.We have to bridge the gap. We talked about passing on the baton, and we heard that Kwame Nkrumah picked the baton from his elders,” she said.
In today’s digital age where social media significantly shapes the cultures and attitudes of the young generation, often to the detriment of their mental and social well-being, Mrs. Magara emphasized the importance of prioritizing mentorship and guiding students toward purposeful living. She expressed particular delight, acknowledging the efforts of students, especially the chairperson and her council, in initiating the vital dialogue. Mrs. Magara urged them to remain curious about the history and the narrative of the African continent as well as the legacies of the great leaders who fought for independence and shaped the society we have today.
Mrs. Magara expressed her gratitude to all participants for their dedication to preserving Nkrumah’s legacy. She said that their presence was a testament to their commitment to the shared cause of preserving and promoting Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy whose ideals are vital for shaping a future where Africa stands united and strong.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, reaffirmed that Kwame Nkrumah remains a symbol of African pride. His vision and hope for a united Africa continue to inspire leaders across the continent and instill pride in Africans regarding their heritage and identity. He commended the students and residents of Nkrumah Hall for organizing the event, with support from the Office of the Dean of Students.
“I am very much delighted to join you all in celebrating the legacy and the day of birth of our African icon, the late Kwame Nkrumah. It is an indication that his ideals and legacy continue to inspire these generations. And for this, we shall be grateful for his contributions and his works for eternity,” he remarked.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi credited the Guest of honor, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda for his contribution towards good leadership and revolutionary ideas. He also welcomed him and Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko back to Makerere University, their alma matter.
With profound pleasure, Dr. Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, remarked that the name Kwame Nkrumah has stood the test of time, resonating like a beautiful horn across the African continent and beyond. She emphasized the importance of focusing on Nkrumah’s views on integration and Pan-Africanism that he championed and articulated to address the challenges of our time.
“Nkrumah saw all those things and realized that there was a need to have home-bred solutions to address the challenges of Africa in order to have a stable and strong nation. Therefore, this symposium aims to honor the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah as well as inspire a new generation of leaders to work towards a strong, prosperous, economically and politically strong African nation.
Kwame Rugunda, son of Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda and named in honor of the great Pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah, acknowledged the responsibility young people have to continue the work laid down by previous generations of Africans. He reiterated that while Kwame Nkrumah is celebrated as the father of Pan-Africanism, he also inherited the baton from earlier Africanists who championed the ideals of unity and cooperation across the continent.
“Kwame Nkrumah picked up the baton from a previous generation, leading Ghana to independence in 1957 and continuing the vital work of Pan-Africanism. As a remarkable champion for the continent, he eventually passed the baton to the next generation, including leaders like Dr. Rugunda and others. Our task as young people is to receive this baton and carry forward the significant mission of advancing the African cause,” Kwame Rugunda emphasized.
He called upon young Africans to contribute actively to the ongoing struggle for their destiny, unity, and Pan-Africanism. “If there is one lesson to take away from today, it is the importance of learning from those who came before us and playing our part in advancing the African continent. We must not look to the West or the East for our direction; we are the architects of our own destiny,” he concluded.
The celebration of Kwame Nkrumah at Makerere University serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s greatest visionaries. His unwavering commitment to Pan-Africanism and unity continues to inspire generations, urging us to confront the challenges of our time with a collective spirit. As leaders and students reflected on Nkrumah’s ideals, it became apparent that the path to a truly independent and prosperous Africa lies in our hands.
General
Breaking the Silence on Digital and Gender-Based Violence: Male Changemakers Lead Makerere University’s Strides for Change
By Eric Tumwesigye and Cynthia Ayaa Komakec
Introduction
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive and entrenched human rights violations in Uganda. Within institutions of higher learning—spaces intended to cultivate intellectual rigor, ethical leadership, and civic responsibility—GBV persists in both visible and covert forms, often sustained by silence, stigma, and institutional inertia. As Uganda’s oldest and most influential public university, Makerere University bears a dual responsibility: to respond decisively to these challenges and to model transformative, ethical leadership for the nation.
It is within this context that the Strides for Change walk, led by 16 male changemakers during the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, emerges as a strategic and symbolic intervention. The initiative addresses both digital and offline forms of violence against women and girls and aligns with the 2025 global theme, UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls. It reflects a growing recognition that gendered harm increasingly transcends physical boundaries, manifesting in digital spaces in ways that exacerbate the vulnerabilities of female students, staff, and young women across Uganda.
Linking Digital Violence with Physical and Psychological Harm
As Uganda’s digital ecosystem continues to expand, emergent forms of violence have surfaced that intersect with, reinforce, and intensify established patterns of gender-based violence (GBV). Research undertaken by the Makerere University Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), in collaboration with the Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET), documents the breadth and complexity of online GBV practices prevalent within the Ugandan context. Their study identifies a wide spectrum of digitally mediated abuses, including the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images (commonly referred to as revenge pornography), online sexual harassment, cyberbullying, stalking, hacking, doxing, digital surveillance, sexist and degrading commentary, trolling, impersonation, identity theft, and threats circulated through social media platforms (IGDS and WOUGNET, 2021, p. 18).
Crucially, these manifestations of digital violence are not confined to virtual environments. Rather, they produce tangible and often severe consequences that extend into survivors’ offline lives. Empirical evidence indicates that women are disproportionately targeted by online GBV compared to men, reflecting entrenched gendered power asymmetries that are reproduced and amplified within digital spaces (IGDS and WOUGWET, 2021, p. 34). Survivours frequently experience profound psychological harm, including heightened anxiety, depression, chronic fear, and diminished self-esteem (Monteagudo Martinez et al, 2020). In response to persistent victimisation, many withdraw from social, academic, and professional spheres as a protective strategy, while others face significant economic repercussions, such as job loss or reduced income, arising from stigma, reputational damage, and trauma.
Within university settings, the consequences of digital violence may escalate further, in some instances culminating in threats of, or exposure to, physical harm (Pew Research Center, 2014). Oksanen et al. (2022) demonstrate that online hostility and harassment within academic environments are associated with acute psychological distress and deteriorating social relations at work. As the authors observe, “victims experienced higher psychological distress and lower perceived social support at work—indicative of social isolation and disengagement in academic roles” (Oksanen et al., 2022, pp. 541–567). Such findings underscore the manner in which sustained online harassment undermines not only individual well-being but also academic participation and institutional belonging.
Similarly, Cassidy, Faucher, and Jackson’s (2017) examination of cyberbullying in higher education institutions highlights the pervasive sense of insecurity engendered by digitally mediated abuse. Their study reports that “victims reported stress, anxiety, and threats to safety, reinforcing that harassment in academic settings is not merely emotional but also threatens well-being” (Cassidy, et al, 2017, p. 888). These dynamics contribute to academic disengagement, social isolation, and long-term reputational damage, with potentially enduring implications for future employment and career trajectories. Taken together, this body of evidence illustrates that digital violence functions as an extension of physical and emotional abuse, forming part of a broader continuum of harm. By eroding women’s psychological health, social participation, academic engagement, and professional prospects, online GBV undermines women’s safety, dignity, and capacity to participate fully in public and academic life. Addressing digital violence, therefore, is not merely a matter of regulating online conduct but a critical component of broader efforts to combat gender-based violence in all its interconnected forms.
The Role of Male Changemakers: Transforming Culture and Accountability
The Strides for Change campaign strategically positions men as visible allies in gender equality advocacy—not to displace women’s lived experiences, but to confront and dismantle patriarchal norms from within. Male changemakers play a pivotal role in advancing cultural transformation and accountability through three interrelated contributions.
First, they reframe gender-based violence (GBV) as a structural and societal concern rather than a “women’s issue,” underscoring its profound implications for human rights, social justice, and national development. This perspective is exemplified by Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentogo, one of the 16 male changemakers commemorated during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Drawing on his experience as an active social media user, he highlights the increasing prevalence of body shaming, slut shaming, and other forms of online abuse that silence girls and women and undermine their meaningful digital participation. He calls on all social media users to recognise, challenge, and reject such harmful language, emphasising that the creation of safe and inclusive online spaces for women is a shared societal responsibility.
Second, male changemakers model positive and accountable masculinities by publicly rejecting norms that equate masculinity with dominance, entitlement, or complicity in abuse. Ugandan musician and producer Navio articulates this stance by acknowledging the cultural power of artistic expression, stating that his lyrics will not perpetuate harm and that consent represents “the rhythm of respect”—not only in creative spaces, but in everyday life. Such public commitments challenge harmful gender norms while offering alternative, ethical frameworks for masculine identity.
Third, male changemakers broaden the reach and effectiveness of advocacy by engaging other men in critical dialogue, often within spaces that women may be unable to access safely or strategically. This engagement is strengthened through intellectual and academic platforms, including presentations at the Makerere University Men’s Forum, where evolving scholarship on masculinity is examined and translated into practical strategies for social transformation. Through this combination of peer engagement, cultural influence, and scholarly reflection, male changemakers contribute meaningfully to the collective effort to prevent GBV and advance gender justice.
Institutional Commitments to Gender Equality and the Elimination of Sexual Harassment
Through the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), Makerere University continues to demonstrate institutional leadership in advancing gender equality and addressing sexual harassment. The launch of the Strides for Change campaign reaffirmed the University’s commitment to the following priority areas:
Strengthening Reporting and Accountability Mechanisms
Makerere University has established confidential, survivour-centred reporting and redress systems to ensure the timely investigation and adjudication of GBV cases. These mechanisms enforce stringent sanctions, including disciplinary action, against individuals who engage in sexual exploitation, harassment, or the solicitation of sexual favours in exchange for academic or professional advancement. The GMD supports the continuous operationalisation and improvement of these accountability frameworks.
Expanding Psychosocial and Legal Support for Survivours
The University is committed to enhancing access to high-quality psychosocial care, legal aid, and referral services for survivours of GBV. The GMD coordinates capacity-building initiatives for service providers and strengthens partnerships with relevant institutions to ensure comprehensive and survivours-centred support.
Institutionalising Male Allyship and Transformative Engagement
Makerere University is advancing a structured approach to male allyship by formalising male and female champion networks that collaborate in dialogue, advocacy, and behavioural change initiatives. This includes integrating men into gender training programmes and encouraging visible public commitments, such as participation in the Strides for Change walk. The GMD leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of these transformative engagement strategies.
Conclusion
Makerere University’s Strides for Change walk and the male changemakers programme, implemented in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden and the United Nations Population Fund, represent a significant milestone in the fight against gender-based violence. By confronting the interconnected realities of digital and physical violence, addressing entrenched patterns of sexual harassment, and mobilising male allies as agents of change, the University sets a compelling precedent for institutional and national transformation.
Ending GBV is not solely a policy imperative; it is a cultural, structural, and ethical commitment. These initiatives align with Makerere University’s broader strategic commitment to inclusive excellence, ethical leadership, and safeguarding the well-being of its academic community.
When men stand in solidarity with women, when institutions centre survivours voices, and when society collectively rejects the normalisation of violence, Uganda moves closer to a future in which every woman and girl can pursue her aspirations free from fear, intimidation, and harm. The Strides for Change campaign is therefore more than a march—it is a call to conscience, a model for action, and a promise of a safer and more just society for generations to come.
Acknowledgement
The Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University, extends its appreciation to the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and all development partners who participated in the Strides for Change walk and the series of activities conducted during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to a comprehensive, 360-degree approach towards achieving zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
References:-
- Cassidy Wanda, Faucher Chantal and Jackson Margaret (2017): Adversity in University: Cyberbullying and Its Impacts on Students, Faculty and Administrators, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health journal, Article 14(8) page 888
- Institute of Women and Development Studies and Women of Uganda Network (2021): Not Just a Trend: Assessing the Types, Spread and the Impact of Online Gender Based Violence in Uganda, Research Report.
- Monteagudo Martinez (2020): Cyberbullying in the University Setting. Relationship With Emotional Problems and Adaptation to the University, Frontiers in Psychology journal, Article: 10:3074
- Oksanen et al. (2022) — Hate and harassment in academia: the rising concern of the online environment, Vol. 84, pages 541 – 567
- Pew Research Center (2014): Part 4: The Aftermath of Online Harassment, Pew Research Center, Published on October 22, 2014
Eric Tumwesigye and Cynthia Ayaa Komakec are the Senior Gender Officer and Gender Officer respectively at the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University
General
UNDP and JNLC hold training in Fort Portal: Participants equipped with skills in Advocacy and Gender Equality, Team Building, Inclusive Leadership, and Financial Literacy
By Charles Iga
Fort Portal-Uganda: On 5th December 2025, more than 70 emerging leaders convened to participate in the second day of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) comprehensive leadership training for youth, young women and local councilors.
Hosted at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) in Fort Portal, the training focused on deepening the leadership skills of young leaders as they navigate the increasingly complex governance and development landscape.
Building on the knowledge acquired during the first day of the workshop, on the second day (5th December 2025), the participants engaged in interactive sessions covering problem-solving, team building, advocacy, gender equality, media literacy, self-marketing, and financial literacy in leadership.
The discussions challenged the young leaders to sharpen their mindsets, broaden their spheres of influence, and strengthen their capacity to champion inclusive and sustainable community development.
Advocacy and Gender Equality: Understanding gender dynamics and women acceptance in leadership
Delivering an informative presentation titled, Advocacy and Gender Equality: Understanding Gender Dynamics and Women’s Acceptance in Leadership, the Guest Speaker- Professor Consolata Kabonesa highlighted that women remain underrepresented in leadership due to entrenched power structures shaped by societal norms and cultural traditions.
Professor Kabonesa emphasized that leadership depends not only on individual ability, but also on the systems that determine who is recognized and legitimized as a leader.
“The roles of women in leadership remain under-represented because power is shaped and perpetuated by societal norms and traditions that socialize women and men differently. These norms influence how leadership roles are assumed and who is considered legitimate to lead,” she explained.
How Socialization Shapes Leadership Pathways of Boys and Girls
Professor Kabonesa highlighted that socialization shapes leadership opportunities, with boys typically encouraged to be assertive, while girls are guided towards empathy and collaboration. This unequal conditioning reinforces gender stereotypes, often undermining women’s authority and sustaining male-dominated leadership structures. She advocated for mentorship as a vital tool, illustrating how role models help girls balance assertiveness with empathy.
She noted that early participation in councils, debates, and leadership roles develops skills, challenges biases, and empowers girls to pursue leadership in traditionally male-dominated fields. She articulated that integrating discussions on gender dynamics into educational curricula equips young girls to recognize and challenge societal norms that limit their potential, while fostering resilience against the discouragements they may face.
Inclusive Leadership: Engaging both Women and Men
Professor Kabonesa articulated that achieving gender equality in leadership is not solely an issue for women, but a collective responsibility. She underscored that balancing participation between men and women fosters mutual understanding, shared accountability, and collaborative problem-solving. She pointed out that inclusive leadership models prevent the isolation of women’s perspectives, ensures all voices are heard, and ultimately contribute to stronger, more equitable, and sustainable leadership that reflects the diversity and potential of society.
“Balancing participation across genders is critical. It helps us understand gender issues collectively, prevents the isolation of women’s experiences, and encourages men and women to address biases together. This approach will ensure that women are not left behind and will foster inclusive leadership models that benefit society as a whole.”
Leading within the Existing Leadership Structures
Expounding on the existing leadership structures and the power of relationships, Mr. Henry Kasacca, the Director of Dialogue and Democracy, explained that people support leaders not for their titles, but for the meaningful connections they build. He stated that effective leadership depends on listening, connecting, and collaborating across diverse spaces. “Leadership is not about the title you hold; it is about the relationships you build. There are people who will support you simply because you have invested time in connecting with them,” he said.
Mr. Kasacca stressed that leaders must navigate the organizational power structures by understanding where influence lies and how decisions are made. He noted that strategic thinking, long-term planning, and aligning ideas with action are key to effective leadership, while qualities such as listening, collaboration, kindness, and clarity of purpose are essential for achieving meaningful organizational and community impact.
He urged participants to maintain a clear vision, develop well-crafted plans addressing both immediate and long-term needs, and combine relationship-building with an understanding of power dynamics to become effective, and inclusive change-makers.
Strategic Thinking: Decision making and Problem Solving Techniques
Guiding participants on strategic thinking for decision-making and problem-solving techniques for effective leadership, Ms. Allen Baguma, a facilitator at JNLC and Founder of the Future Learning Centre (FLC) emphasized that strong leadership is anchored in intentional thinking, clear judgment, and the ability to translate vision into well-considered action.
“A strong team is built on clearly defined roles, an understanding of team dynamics, and psychological safety. When people feel safe to speak, contribute ideas, and make mistakes without fear, teams perform better,” she said.
Building Strong Teams through Clarity and Trust
Ms. Baguma emphasized the importance of clearly defined roles within teams, explaining that role clarity enhances accountability, minimizes conflict, and boosts overall performance. She observed that effective leadership requires understanding of team dynamics and fostering psychological safety, where members feel valued, respected, and confident to share ideas without fear of judgment.
She added that effective team building fosters social interaction, a sense of belonging, and a shared pro-social purpose. She noted that teams perform best when individuals are united by common goals and mutual trust.
Leadership growth across the five (5) levels
Citing John Maxwell’s five levels of leadership namely position, permission, production, people development, and pinnacle, Ms. Baguma explained that leadership growth is a progressive journey, moving from reliance on position to influence built through relationships, results, people development, and ultimately, value-based leadership that inspires others beyond formal structures.
Applying Strategic Thinking to Real-Life Challenges
Ms. Baguma guided participants through a practical exercise on strategic thinking, tasking them to identify personal challenges, explore innovative solutions, and evaluate their feasibility and impact. The exercise highlighted the importance of strategic decision-making in enabling leaders to address both personal and community challenges effectively.
Team Building for Effective Leadership
Mr. Ronald Ssazi, a facilitator and leadership trainer revealed that leadership extends beyond authority and depends on creating genuine connections. He stressed that building a strong and committed team involves engagement of members, which emotionally sparks curiosity and draws people in.
Mr. Ssazi explained that storytelling bridges attention to understanding. He illustrated this with the story of the youngest king of the Toro Kingdom, crowned at the age of three and now navigating life as a father at 33. Such narratives, he observed, showcase growth, resilience, and cultural awareness, humanizing leaders and making leadership relatable. “Leadership is not merely a title, but a journey of responsibility and influence,” he said.
He emphasized that leadership thrives in communities. Effective leaders, he explained, consistently share updates, insights, and experiences with their teams. Strategic use of social media, for example, allows leaders to post short, regular updates capturing daily activities, which builds a loyal and engaged audience that evolves into a network supporting initiatives, sharing knowledge, and amplifying impact.
“Leadership is not solitary; it thrives in communities. Effective leaders consistently share updates, insights, and experiences with their teams and followers. When used strategically, social media becomes a powerful tool for team building,” he said.
Preserving Culture while embracing modernity and team building
Mr. Ssazi highlighted that modern leaders have unprecedented resources at their disposal. He explained that tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), social media analytics, and online platforms can be used to strengthen teams. AI, he noted, can help craft content that resonates with audiences and analyze engagement to refine communication strategies. He stressed that leaders who effectively harness these tools can expand their reach and influence while remaining authentic and true to their values.
Mr. Ssazi emphasized that effective leadership balances modern strategies with cultural preservation, using community history and traditions. “Team building and leadership are about values and vision, balancing modern strategies with cultural heritage to foster pride, cohesion, and inspired and well-rounded teams.”
He stated that whereas true leadership is demonstrated through action, effective team building requires creation of genuine opportunities for participation and contribution. “Leaders who share opportunities, invite collaboration, and encourage feedback, transform their teams into active contributors,” he said. He added that assessing engagement, adapting strategies, and celebrating achievements fosters a culture of involvement and accountability.
Media Literacy: Promoting and Marketing Leadership through Social Media
Describing digital competence as an essential leadership skill, Mr. Ivan Ssegawa Sebastian, rallied participants to effectively utilize social media to promote and market their leadership roles and activities. He observed that most of the participants had smartphones, and were using social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Noting that the key challenge was not access, he challenged the participants on the intentional, responsible and strategic use of social media tools.
Mr. Ssegawa underscored the influence of social media, citing its vast global and national reach and its role in driving social and political movements. He described the Internet as a new battleground for leadership visibility, and provided guidance on the ethical use of artificial intelligence. He tipped the participants on authentic personal branding and effective content creation using emotion, story-telling, and a clear call to action.
Financial Literacy in Leadership: Managing financial resources for Effective leadership
Mr. David Nyaribi, Specialist at ActionAid International, explored the vital connection between financial literacy and effective leadership. During this session, Mr. Nyaribi focused on equipping participants with essential skills to manage financial resources effectively, both at a personal level, and in leadership roles.
He reminded participants that every leader must navigate the reality of unlimited wants and limited resources—especially time and money. “You may acquire more possessions in life,” he cautioned, “but time once lost is gone forever.”
He described the four dimensions that every human being must manage namely physical, cognitive, spiritual, and socio-economic. He emphasized that the socio-economic aspect, which includes financial capacity, is inseparable from leadership. Quoting Tony Robbins, he reiterated: “You either master money, or money masters you.”
The Flight Analogy: How Financial Choices Shape Life Stages
Mr. Nyaribi used a flight analogy to indicate how financial decisions shape life’s stages. From Preparation (0–20 years), building values, skills, and education, to Take-off (20–30 years), where career choices and earnings begin. Stability (30–50 years) is for investing and building systems, Descent (50–60 years) for consolidating and planning succession, and Landing (70+ years) for reflection and enjoying the results.
Impressed that most of the participants in the UNDP-JNLC leadership training workshop were in the preparation or take-off stages, Mr. Nyaribi advised them to invest in education, skills, and self-development. “Many people struggle later because they wasted their take-off stage,” he revealed.
Pillars of Personal Finance every leader must master
Mr. Nyaribi reminded the participants that financial literacy is not just a personal asset, but a leadership necessity. Underscoring the power of discipline and mindset, he urged young leaders to focus on both earning money and building true wealth-assets that empower them to uplift their communities. Mr. Nyaribi highlighted five (5) core financial principles that are essential for responsible leadership:
- Earning through either services or products;
- Saving first as a disciplined priority rather than keeping what remains after spending;
- Investing to turn savings into income-generating assets;
- Spending wisely to avoid living beyond one’s means; and
- Protecting gains through careful planning and accountability.
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