General
Empowering and Shaping Tomorrow’s Peacebuilders: Transformative Reflections on a 3-Day Training
On December 5, 2024, the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), concluded its three-day Youth Leadership Training Programme with a cross-generational dialogue on peace and security. This dynamic gathering, held in the serene gardens of Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre at Makerere University, brought together student leaders and alumni from various universities to exchange insights with seasoned experts and practitioners.
The “Ekyooto” Experience: Bridging Generations
The event, modeled after the traditional “Ekyooto” fireside gathering, facilitated open conversations between youth and experienced leaders. Discussions tackled peacebuilding, conflict resolution, gender, and regional politics. Participants explored innovative solutions to local and global peace and security challenges, enriched by intergenerational wisdom.
Leadership Perspectives
Dr. Nansozi Muwanga, JNLC Executive Director, emphasised the dialogue’s purpose: bridging young and experienced voices to provide a holistic view of peace and security challenges. She lauded participants’ enthusiasm and highlighted their potential to translate lessons into actionable solutions for their communities.
Ms. Angella Kasekende of KAS highlighted the transformative nature of cross-generational conversations, sharing how similar dialogues had shaped her leadership journey. She stressed the value of interactive learning over information-heavy training, enabling participants to directly engage with experts.
Insights from Prof. Julius Kiiza
Prof. Julius Kiiza, a political science and political economy expert, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on Servant Leadership, Pan-Africanism, and Peacebuilding in the Great Lakes Region. Addressing the question Whose Security Counts?, he argued that true peace extends beyond the absence of war to encompass human, economic, and cyber security. He urged leaders to prioritize citizens’ welfare, economic opportunities, and meritocracy, framing these within the broader concept of Staatsbildung (state-building).
Key Themes and Reflections
- Human-Centered Security: Addressing unemployment, access to resources, and functioning institutions as prerequisites for genuine peace.
- Meritocracy and Good Governance: Advocating for competence-based leadership to drive national progress.
- Pan-African Aspirations: Exploring the potential for African unity, inspired by historical state-building models.
Cross-Generational Panel Explores Root Causes of Conflict
Moderated by Prof. Julius Kiiza, a distinguished panel at the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre included Prof. Philip Kasaija, Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Ms. Joanna Grace Nakabiito, and Ms. Nashiba Nakabira. They addressed the root causes of conflict and strategies for peacebuilding, drawing insights from academia, policy, and practice to address the root causes of conflict, identity-related disputes, and the roles of youth and women in peacebuilding.
Root Causes of Conflict
The panelists identified marginalisation, greed, colonial legacies, and identity-based disputes tied to religion, ethnicity, or politics as key conflict drivers. To understand identity-based conflicts, participants were asked, “What non-negotiable rights are you ready to fight for?”
Prof. Nkabala urged a shift from a “hardware” focus on peace (guns and uniforms) to human security, emphasizing livelihoods, governance, and distinguishing positive peace from mere absence of conflict. She also highlighted the media’s dual role in fueling or resolving disputes, stressing the importance of trauma-informed peacebuilding and responsible journalism.
Prof. Kasaija categorised conflicts using the “conflict tree” framework, noting interconnections among colonialism, resource greed, and constructed identities. He highlighted the evolution of security from state-centered to human-focused, emphasizing individual well-being as a pillar of stability.
Ms. Nakabiito addressed the complexity of identity conflicts, which are deeply tied to self-concept and collective identity. She stressed the need to address marginalisation and dismantle media narratives that portray such disputes as irrational.
Tackling Conflict and Building Peace
Panelists agreed on the need for inclusive, multi-dimensional approaches to address the root causes of conflict. They emphasized leadership, collaboration, and proactive engagement by youth and women as essential for fostering sustainable peace. The discussion offered participants practical frameworks and insights to address challenges, inspiring them to drive transformative change in their communities.
Key Takeaways from Panelists:
Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala
- Advocated for a human-centric approach to peace and security, highlighting livelihoods, human rights, and the distinction between positive and negative peace.
- Stressed governance and representation as essential pillars for societal harmony.
- Emphasized the responsibility of the media in fostering peace, warning against dehumanizing language and sensationalism that escalate conflicts.
- Advocated for trauma-informed peacebuilding, urging the need to address unresolved trauma as a foundation for sustainable peace.
- Encouraged proactive youth and women’s leadership, suggesting readiness to act even with partial preparedness.
Associate Prof. Philip Kasaija
- Introduced the “conflict tree” framework, linking conflicts to colonial legacies, marginalization, greed, and constructed identities.
- Traced the evolution of security definitions from state-centric to human-centric approaches, emphasizing individual well-being as the ultimate security goal.
- Highlighted resource greed and grievances as intertwined conflict drivers, with examples from the DRC and Darfur.
- Addressed latent regional conflicts (e.g., border disputes) and urged comprehensive, inclusive conflict-resolution strategies.
Ms. Joanna Grace Nakabiito
- Examined identity-related conflicts, emphasizing their roots in self-concept tied to ethnicity, religion, or political ideology.
- Distinguished between necessary (group identity) and sufficient (marginalization) conditions fueling identity conflicts.
- Called for meaningful youth inclusion in peacebuilding, moving beyond token representation.
- Advocated for better coordination among youth empowerment initiatives to align with global and regional frameworks.
Ms. Nashiba Nakabira
- Highlighted the link between strong national institutions and regional integration, using South Sudan’s struggles as an example.
- Criticized barriers to intra-African movement and reliance on foreign donations, urging domestic resource mobilization.
- Addressed the gender disparities in peace processes, emphasizing the need for women’s capacity building in negotiation and diplomacy.
Mr. Robert Muhangi
- Urged youth to advocate for national peace and security action plans, ensuring resource allocation for youth training.
- Encouraged grassroots mobilization of small youth groups to engage in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
- Highlighted the importance of integrating peace initiatives at the community level for broader impact.
Ms. Falade Olutoyin
- Questioned the persistence of patriarchy, advocating for gender equality as a pathway to women’s leadership and decision-making roles.
- Linked corruption to women’s marginalization, particularly in conflict zones, stressing the need to address governance flaws to enable women’s empowerment.
Core Recommendations:
- Address the Root Causes of Conflict: Focus on marginalization, resource greed, and identity-based grievances.
- Promote Human-Centric Security: Broaden definitions of security to encompass individual livelihoods and well-being.
- Empower Youth and Women: Foster meaningful participation in peace processes, ensuring capacity-building and leadership opportunities.
- Strengthen Institutions for Integration: Build robust national frameworks to facilitate effective regional collaboration.
- Leverage Media for Peace: Promote peace narratives and train journalists in peace reporting to prevent conflict escalation.
- Combat Corruption: Redirect resources from corrupt practices to inclusive governance and women’s empowerment.
This panel underscored the complexity of conflicts in Africa and the importance of a multi-faceted, inclusive approach to peacebuilding and governance. The discussion laid a foundation for actionable strategies to empower marginalized groups, harmonize initiatives, and foster a culture of sustainable peace. Here’s a summary of key insights and recommendations:
Key Issues Highlighted
Identity-Based Conflicts:
- Rooted in self-concept based on ethnicity, religion, or ideology.
- Often exacerbated by systemic marginalization and colonial legacies, as exemplified by the Tutsi-Hutu conflict.
- Requires addressing underlying marginalization to prevent escalation.
Youth and Women’s Participation:
- Youth face systemic barriers limiting their decision-making roles.
- Women are disproportionately affected by conflicts and underrepresented in peace processes.
- The intersectionality of age and gender adds layers of vulnerability, particularly for young women.
Structural Barriers:
- Weak national institutions hinder regional integration efforts.
- Fragmented initiatives lack coordination, undermining peacebuilding programs.
- Patriarchy restricts women’s roles in leadership and peacebuilding.
Abuse of Power in Professional Spaces:
- Women face exploitation and harassment in leadership contexts.
- Cultural and systemic issues discourage victims from seeking justice.
Corruption:
- Deepens economic inequalities, disproportionately affecting women in conflict zones.
- Diverts resources that could empower women and youth in leadership.
Educational Disparities:
- Women face additional challenges accessing quality education in conflict regions.
- Lack of networks and support makes it difficult for women to sustain leadership roles.
Recommendations and Insights
Enhancing Youth Engagement:
- Adopt and implement national action plans for youth inclusion in peace and security.
- Equip youth with skills through training programs like those led by the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre.
Promoting Women’s Leadership:
- Increase investment in women’s capacity-building for preventive diplomacy and peace negotiations.
- Address systemic barriers to education and leadership, ensuring equitable resource allocation.
Strengthening Institutions:
- Build robust national frameworks to support regional integration and peace initiatives.
- Mobilize domestic resources to reduce reliance on foreign aid.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Harassment:
- Establish policies and support systems to protect women in professional and leadership spaces.
- Create safe avenues for victims to report abuses without fear of retaliation.
Building Networks and Coalitions:
- Foster coordination among peacebuilding initiatives to align with global frameworks.
- Encourage collective advocacy by women and youth to amplify their voices.
Continuous Learning and Advocacy:
- Encourage participants to stay informed about global and regional conflicts.
- Promote proactive steps toward leadership, utilizing knowledge gained from training sessions.
Looking Ahead
This transformative programme serves as a reminder that peacebuilding is a collective endeavor, requiring bold ideas, cross-generational collaboration, and unwavering commitment. The training and dialogue fostered a shared commitment to tackling peace and security challenges. As future leaders, participants were equipped with tools, perspectives, and networks to drive transformative change across Uganda and Africa.
Closing Remarks
The collaborative efforts of organisations like Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Makerere University Rotary Peace Centre, and Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre highlight the value of mentorship and training. As emphasized by facilitators, this initiative is not only about expanding knowledge but also about equipping young leaders with tools to foster meaningful change. Furthermore, the cross-generational dialogue underscored the need for collective action, deliberate policy-making, and active participation to achieve sustainable peace and security in Africa.
General
Are We Giving Enough Attention to the People Around Us Who Quietly Influence Lives Every Day?
By Marion Apio
On March 21, 2026, I felt a strong urge to reconnect with a close colleague and passionate leader, Owekitinisa Sylas Ruhweza Atwooki. We had not spoken since I moved to the United States to pursue my dream of becoming a journalist. The following day, I learned that he had been quietly undergoing treatment in and out of the hospital. True to his character, he had chosen to keep his condition private. I was shocked and saddened, wishing I had known earlier so I could offer support.
At first, reports from family and friends were encouraging. He had been diagnosed with malaria and low blood platelet counts and was receiving treatment. Respecting his wish for confidentiality, members of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community at Makerere University rallied discreetly around him.
However, on April 29, his condition worsened. He was transferred between medical facilities and underwent extensive tests, including a biopsy, as doctors searched for answers. Sadly, on May 29, Sylas passed away.
His death sparked an extraordinary outpouring of love and solidarity. Friends, colleagues, and former scholars mobilised to support his family, settle medical expenses, organise virtual vigils, and plan a dignified farewell. Hundreds gathered at St. Augustine Chapel to pay their respects. Within three days, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community raised approximately UGX 11 million, a testament to Sylas’ impact on countless lives.
In the days that followed, I found myself wrestling with difficult questions. In a world where we spend so much time following people online, are we paying enough attention to those quietly transforming lives around us? Why do we invest so much emotional energy in distant personalities while overlooking the people God has placed right in front of us?
Sylas lived with humility and served with grace. His death left more than 1,500 Mastercard Foundation scholars and alumni grieving, alongside many others around the world who knew him. Yet his passing also exposed a contradiction in modern life.
We live in an age of unprecedented connectivity. Uganda has millions of internet users and WhatsApp subscribers, while globally, people spend hours each day on social media. We have more tools than ever to stay connected, yet many of us are becoming increasingly disconnected from the people who matter most.
Sylas resisted this trend. Through mentorship, service, and community-building, he remained deeply present in others’ lives. While many people retreat into individual pursuits, he consistently chose connection.
This challenge is especially relevant for Mastercard Foundation scholars and alumni. Every year, young Africans leave home to pursue education and professional opportunities abroad. Distance, time zones, visa restrictions, and rising travel costs make it difficult to maintain relationships and remain actively involved in the communities that helped shape us.
For Sylas, the answer was simple: show up. Celebrate others. Offer support. Stay connected.
He never allowed geographical or personal barriers to become excuses for disengagement. Even while facing his own struggles, he invested in others. He embodied the values the Mastercard Foundation seeks to cultivate—ethical leadership, service, and community empowerment.
Sylas did not wait for a perfect platform to create change. He simply served where he was. He helped build bridges between education, culture, and professional development while remaining grounded in his values. He dreamed of creating a stronger alumni ecosystem and brought both passion and compassion to every initiative he touched.
Since his passing, social media has been filled with memories of his infectious smile and unwavering commitment to others. Those tributes reveal an important truth: people gave generously because Sylas had first given himself generously to them. People from different backgrounds, generations, and communities showed up because he had spent his life showing up for them. His legacy now challenges all of us.
The greatest tribute we can offer is not simply to mourn his loss but to continue his work. That means supporting the causes he cared about, helping the children whose education he championed, strengthening alumni networks, and pursuing the dreams we discussed with him.
The tragedy of modern life is not that we follow people online. It is that too often our attention to distant lives comes at the expense of meaningful relationships nearby. Yet strong relationships are as essential to our well-being as physical health.
As Ugandans, we take pride in our faith, culture, and sense of community. We contribute to fundraisers, attend ceremonies, and support family members in times of need. But increasingly, genuine connection is being replaced by passive digital interaction. Families and communities cannot thrive on likes, retweets, and emojis alone.
They require presence—phone calls, visits, conversations, and the willingness to notice when someone is struggling.
Before spending another hour immersed in the lives of strangers online, look around. Call the friend you have not spoken to in years. Check on a family member. Reach out to a colleague who seems withdrawn. Communities are not built by algorithms or celebrities. They are built by ordinary people who choose, day after day, to care for those within their reach.
Uganda needs more people like Sylas. At just 32 years old, he achieved what many spend a lifetime striving for. He served as Minister of Information in the Toro Kingdom and as President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Association in Uganda. More importantly, he dedicated himself to serving others.
While his death is deeply painful, his life remains a powerful example of how we should live. My prayers and condolences go to his family, friends, and the entire Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community.
Rest in perfect peace, Owek. Sylas Ruhweza Atwooki.
The author is a Mastercard Foundation Alumna from Makerere University and the University of California, Berkeley. She is a journalist based in Southern California and the CEO of the Debunk Media Initiative.
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