General
JNLC Hosts Youth Leadership Training for Secondary School Student Leaders
The Julius Nyerere Leadership Center (JNLC) recently concluded a transformative three-day Youth Leadership Training program for secondary school student leaders. Held at Makerere University, the program brought together young leaders from six schools to build leadership competencies and instill core values inspired by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s principles.
Facilitators and Participating Schools
The program featured renowned facilitators, including Dr. Gardner Rwakiseta, Mr. David Nyaribi, Mr. Henry Kasacca, Mr. Saazi Ronald, Ms. Allen Baguma, Ivan Sabastian Ssegawa and Ms. Gloria Jombwe. The schools represented at the training included Kitante Hill School, Taibah International School, St. Mary’s College Kisubi, Luzira Secondary School, King’s College Budo, and Makerere College School. Each school sent a delegation of at least five student leaders, such as head prefects, speakers, and other prefects.
Program Highlights
Over the course of three days, participants engaged in interactive sessions on decision-making, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and servant leadership. These sessions were designed to challenge the students while cultivating a mindset centered on integrity, purpose-driven leadership, and service to others.
Widening the Scope of Leadership Training
Dr. Nansozi Muwanga, Executive Director of the JNLC, emphasized the Center’s mission to groom young leaders for societal transformation. “Since our inception, we have trained university leaders from across Uganda and received positive feedback. This success motivated us to extend our training to secondary schools,” she said. The initiative reflects the values of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, including Pan-Africanism, accountability, and transparency.
Dr. Muwanga highlighted that this program was a pilot initiative aimed at assessing its effectiveness in secondary schools. “After three years of training university student leaders and supporting Makerere University during guild leader inductions, we felt it was time to cascade these efforts to younger students,” she explained.
JNLC’s Legacy and Objectives
Founded in 2018 on the initiative of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the JNLC aims to honor and preserve Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s legacy. The center focuses on:
- Conducting policy-relevant research to bridge gaps between academia and practical policies.
- Fostering cross-generational dialogues on African history, Pan-Africanism, peace and security, and revolutionary movements.
- Training youth and emerging leaders.
Dr. Muwanga emphasized the importance of equipping young leaders with moral integrity and a service-oriented mindset. “Our youth program addresses leadership skill gaps while integrating emerging issues such as social media, digital literacy, mental health and well-being,” she said.
Empowering Young Leaders
With 78% of Uganda’s population under 30, the center’s programs aim to prepare young people to drive national progress. “You are not only the leaders of tomorrow but the influencers of today,” Dr. Muwanga told participants. She underscored the importance of ethical leadership, which fosters teamwork and reduces corruption.
Ms. Gloria Jombwe highlighted the inclusion of topics like financial literacy and emotional intelligence in the training to ensure holistic development. “Leadership intersects with various life spheres, and understanding these connections helps leaders to serve effectively,” she said.
Insights on Leadership and Resilience
During his session, Dr. Gardner Rwakiseta stressed resilience as a key leadership trait. The need for resilience is key regardless of the situation that you are going through. “As a leader you need to be resilient, but how do you build resilience so that you maneuver the storm? One, you need to have values that are aiming for success, and then equip yourself with the skills to accompany your values,” he guided. In sum, “resilience equips leaders to navigate challenges effectively. It stems from strong values and practical skills,” he noted, drawing inspiration from President Museveni’s steadfastness in the face of criticism and ridicule on social media.
Mr. Ssazi Ronald encouraged participants to adopt servant leadership. “True leaders focus on lifting others. Leadership is not about self-interest but about guiding people toward collective success,” he said. He also disclosed plans to expand the program to more schools in future editions, aiming to create ambassadors within participating schools.
Reflections from Participants
Tabitha Nakayenze, Head Prefect of Luzira Secondary School, expressed a renewed commitment to servant leadership. “This training has inspired me to prioritize the needs of others, just as Mwalimu Nyerere did. I hope to demonstrate unity and equality in my leadership,” she shared. She believes many leaders today are self-centered, which hinders service delivery, but, trainings like this inspire young people to emulate leaders like Mwalimu Nyerere, who prioritized the greater good.
“Before coming here, I only knew Nyerere as the first president of Tanzania, and one of the people who fought for freedom of other people. Today, I have learnt many things about Julius Nyerere including the principles of pan Africanism, equality, and unity, and I hope to demonstrate these to my fellows,” she said.
Goodluck Kia Omondi echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the significance of servant leadership. “Learning about Nyerere’s life has taught me that leadership is about service. This training has been eye-opening,” he said.
“I am delighted to be part of this training. When you get exposed to Mwalimu Nyerere’s life, you see a person who dedicated his life to impact other people’s life through servant leadership. From the training so far, I have learnt that leadership is about service to others. Many people who get to office are self-centered, but I have realized that service is key to leadership,” Omondi said.
Mwalimu Julius Nyerere: A Brief Legacy
Born on April 13, 1922, in Tanganyika (modern-day Tanzania), Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere was a teacher and Pan-Africanist who later became the first President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Educated at Makerere College in Uganda and the University of Edinburgh, he championed values of equality, unity, and freedom. His leadership principles continue to inspire generations across Africa.
The JNLC’s Youth Leadership Training for secondary school leaders marks a significant step in nurturing ethical and capable young leaders to shape future policies in their schools and communities and later in Uganda and beyond.
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
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