General
Youth Empowerment Takes Center Stage at Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025
On April 15th and 16th 2025, leaders from various sectors, students, and distinguished guests converged at Makerere University for the Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025—a vibrant platform designed to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of leaders.
Held under the theme, “Our Heritage, Our Voices: Culture, Innovation, and Servant Leadership,” the festival celebrated the enduring legacy of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, founding President and Father of the Nation of the United Republic of Tanzania. It also marked the commemoration of his 103rd birthday, celebrated in style through a dynamic, youth-driven programme.
Organized by the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) at Makerere University in partnership with the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), the two-day event featured a rich blend of intellectual exchange, cultural expression, and leadership development activities. Highlights included:
- A powerful keynote address: “Shaping the Next Generation of Servant Leaders: Mwalimu Nyerere’s Legacy”
- Panel discussions on Servant Leadership for Societal Transformation and Youth Voices for Societal Change
- Cultural showcases, storytelling inspired by Nyerere’s teachings, and poetry sessions celebrating African unity and Pan-Africanism
- A Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurship Workshop, Innovation Pitch Challenge, Mentorship Walk (Walking in Nyerere’s Footsteps), and conversations on mental health and wellbeing
Honoring a Legacy of Servant Leadership
Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, born on 13th April 1922, is revered for his humility, deep sense of purpose, and unyielding commitment to African liberation and unity. As a young scholar, he studied at Makerere University—then the only tertiary institution in East Africa—where he earned a teaching diploma and began developing the ideas that would shape his Pan-African vision. Throughout his life, Nyerere championed equity, youth empowerment, gender equality, African culture, and education for sustainable development.
In her remarks, Dr. Nansozi Suzie Muwanga, Executive Director of JNLC, noted that the Centre was founded to advance Nyerere’s values by preparing a new generation of servant leaders. Established on 6th October 2018 through the initiative of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, JNLC runs programs that empower youth to harness their potential, preserve cultural heritage, and develop innovative solutions to today’s societal challenges.
“Mwalimu Nyerere was a passionate believer in the role of young people in shaping Africa’s destiny,” Dr. Muwanga affirmed. “This festival reaffirms that belief.”
Reaffirming Regional Unity and Youth Potential
In his address, H.E. Maj. Gen. Paul Simuli Kisesa, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to Uganda, highlighted the festival’s role in recognizing youth as active agents of change, capable of linking Nyerere’s timeless vision to contemporary progress. He encouraged young people to embrace their cultural identities while harnessing innovation to advance their communities.
H.E. Kisesa reminded students that Nyerere’s Pan-Africanist ideals took root while he was at Makerere and urged them to connect with the same spirit of purpose and service. He emphasized the strong ties between Uganda and Tanzania and cited infrastructure projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline as modern expressions of Nyerere’s Pan-African vision.
“This partnership reflects a dedication to regional unity—empowering young people to contribute to a prosperous East Africa,” he said, pledging continued support to JNLC to ensure Nyerere’s legacy endures.
Makerere University: A Century of Leadership and Excellence
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Julius Kikooma, Director of Graduate Training, celebrated Makerere’s 103-year legacy as a cradle of African leadership. Prof. Nawangwe reaffirmed the University’s commitment to nurturing the next generation through education that builds wisdom, purpose, and service.
“Since its founding in 1922, Makerere has grown into one of Africa’s most prestigious institutions,” he noted. “We are proud to have educated presidents, scholars, innovators, and change makers across the continent—including Mwalimu Nyerere himself.”
He added that the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre continues to provide a nurturing environment for young leaders to grow in character, competence, and commitment to society.
A Call to Action
Mr. Andrew Tumusiime, a Board Member and representing the Chair of the Board of Directors – Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre Dr. Kasozi Mulindwa, emphasized the Centre’s dedication to amplifying youth voices and building their leadership capacity. “The Centre is committed to listening to young people’s aspirations and walking with them toward a better future,” Mr. Tumusiime said.
Acknowledging concerns about the future, he urged youth to take meaningful action now and shape a legacy they can be proud of. “The time to lead is now,” he stated. “Together, we can build the Africa that Nyerere envisioned—united, innovative, and just.”
Reigniting Nyerere’s Spirit Through Youthful Leadership and Collective Action
The Chairperson of the JNLC Board of Directors, Dr. Saturninus Kasozi-Mulindwa, set the tone for the second day of the Festival with a powerful message: “Today is about re-igniting Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s spirit through your voices as young people—through our culture, our innovations, and your leadership.”
Dr. Kasozi-Mulindwa emphasized the richness and resilience of African heritage, rooted in unity, dignity, and communal responsibility. “Your voices matter. Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the leaders of today,” he declared.
Drawing attention to the interactive nature of the festival, he encouraged participants to actively engage in the panel discussions, exhibitions, innovation showcases, and intergenerational dialogues. These platforms, he noted, are essential for amplifying youth voices, challenging injustices, and shaping narratives grounded in African identity and values.
“This is your moment,” he concluded, “to not only dream of change but to drive it—to question, to learn, to lead, and to inspire transformation.”
Building on this foundation, Dr. James Nkata, Director General of Uganda Management Institute, represented by Associate Professor Gerald Karyeija, echoed the ethos of servant leadership. He called on youth to prioritize critical pillars such as education, healthcare, African unity, and collective responsibility.
“Be the custodians of our heritage,” he urged. “Build strong, self-reliant communities grounded in education, family, and moral leadership.” He concluded with a rallying call: “Let us honour Nyerere’s legacy by working for a brighter future for ourselves, our communities, and our continent. Go and become servant leaders.”
The keynote address that followed served as a compass for the rest of the day’s discussions.
Keynote Address: Shaping the Next Generation of Servant Leaders
In a keynote address titled “Shaping the Next Generation of Servant Leaders: Mwalimu Nyerere’s Legacy,” Ms. Eva Mulema Matsiko, Chief of Party at RTI International, challenged young leaders to embrace excellence and purpose-driven leadership.
“Harness every opportunity to the best of your advantage,” she advised. “Like Mwalimu Nyerere, whose remarkable list of accomplishments and honorary doctorates show us that excellence is within reach if we are willing to pursue it.”
Ms. Matsiko reflected on Nyerere’s early days at Makerere University, where he nurtured his Pan-Africanist ideals. She called on the youth to define their values and ensure that their actions align with their words.
“Mwalimu Julius Nyerere did not just speak about unity and justice—he lived it. He sacrificed personal comfort to realize his ideals. That is the kind of selfless leadership we must emulate,” she said.
She highlighted Nyerere’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, African liberation movements, and indigenous culture—especially his promotion of Kiswahili as a unifying language.
Quoting African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, she stressed the urgency of self-reliance: “Africa must chart its future relying not on the benevolence of others, but on its own determination.”
She concluded with a call to action for both current leaders and mentors: “Model the values you wish to see in the next generation. Provide real opportunities for youth to lead. Only then can we cultivate servant leaders in the true spirit of Mwalimu Nyerere.”
Panel I: Servant Leadership for Societal Transformation
The first panel discussion, “Servant Leadership for Societal Transformation”, chaired by Ms. Marion Kirabo, former Guild Minister for Gender at Makerere University, featured passionate insights from Ms. Josephine Aanyu, Mr. Gracious Kadondi, and Mr. Kenny Ronnie Rubanga.
Mr. Kenny Ronnie Rubanga, Guild President at UMI, emphasized the urgency of unity and ethical leadership. “We must unite or perish,” he said, quoting Nyerere. He called on the youth to rise above tribalism, uphold integrity, and advocate for policies that are people-centered.
“Uganda has excellent policies, but they are undermined by poor implementation—often by us,” he noted. “Before blaming others, assess yourself and your peers.”
Ms. Josephine Aanyu, former Guild Speaker at Uganda Christian University, emphasized the importance of accountability and modesty in leadership. She urged young leaders to avoid extravagance and instead focus on transparent management of entrusted resources.
Addressing unemployment, she encouraged youth to form collaborative teams and generate impactful, community-based solutions. “We are brilliant and creative. Let’s use our collective energy to create jobs and opportunities,” she said.
Ms. Gracious Kadondi, the 91st Vice Guild President of Makerere University, highlighted ethical leadership as a combination of empathy, transparency, and public service. She advocated for mentorship programs to nurture a new generation of ethical leaders and emphasized the need to connect leadership to real societal needs.
Panel II: Youth Voices for Social Change
The second panel discussion, “Youth Voices for Social Change”, moderated by Dr. Gardner Rwakiseta Herbert, Programme Manager at JNLC, featured Mr. Robert Maseruka, Ms. Charity Nduhura, and Ms. Rose Nabwire.
Mr. Robert Maseruka, 89th Guild President of Makerere University, emphasized equity and inclusion in leadership, citing the Makerere Guild Constitution’s provisions for women and persons with disabilities.
He urged young people to reflect on their life’s purpose: “Great leaders—whether Jesus Christ, Napoleon, or President Museveni—discovered their purpose early. What is yours? What are you willing to stand—or even die—for?”
The panel continued with more reflections on grassroots activism, the importance of youth representation in governance, and using creativity to challenge the status quo.
Conclusion: Celebrating Legacy, Inspiring Action
In her compelling remarks, Ms. Rose Nabwire, Guild President of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), challenged fellow youth to be bold and intentional about engaging in politics. She urged young leaders to be active listeners and to participate in community empowerment initiatives, such as volunteering and giving back to their communities. Stressing the importance of humility and empathy in leadership, she reminded her peers that true service is rooted in understanding and compassion.
On a more somber note, Ms. Nabwire raised concerns over the increasing commercialization of student politics across universities. She encouraged upcoming leaders to resist this trend and strive for integrity, transparency, and purpose-driven leadership.
Ms. Charity Nduhura, Guild Speaker at UMI, inspired the audience by sharing her personal journey of balancing student life, politics, employment, marriage, and family. As a living testament to the power of resilience and time management, she encouraged young people to understand their priorities and plan their schedules effectively.
In advocating for greater inclusion, Ms. Nduhura appealed to the festival organizers to ensure representation of young women from rural and distant universities in future panel discussions. “We must ensure every voice is heard, especially those from areas often left behind,” she said.
Addressing a persistent societal stereotype, Ms. Nduhura advised women not to be discouraged by those who claim that empowered women intimidate potential partners. “Class attracts class,” she affirmed. “Those who value greatness will always find their way to it.”
Reflections from Butiama: Learning from Mwalimu’s Roots
A moving storytelling session, moderated by Mr. Lawrence Alionzi, the 88th Guild President of Makerere University, brought the spirit of Mwalimu Nyerere closer to home.
Mr. Bruce Mwebaze, a student at Makerere University and a beneficiary of the JNLC’s Butiama learning visit, shared his reflections from the birthplace of Mwalimu Nyerere. He spoke of Nyerere’s deep belief in the power and promise of young people, his humility, and his devotion to servant leadership. Mwebaze recounted how leaders from across Africa would visit Tanzania to learn from Nyerere’s model of transformation—a testament to his enduring influence.
Another visitor to Butiama, Ms. Constance Ichumar, spoke of how the trip provoked deep introspection. “If I died today, what would I be remembered for?” she asked. She praised Nyerere’s vision for a united Africa and his historic efforts to unite Tanzanians under one language—Kiswahili. In his honor, she called upon Ugandans to embrace and learn Kiswahili as a step toward deeper African unity.
Cultural Expression and the Power of Art
As the sun set, participants were treated to an evening of traditional music and dance performances celebrating African heritage—a fitting tribute to Mwalimu Nyerere, who held African culture in high esteem.
The celebrations reached a heartfelt crescendo with “Voices in the Night”, an evocative social event featuring poetry and spoken word inspired by Mwalimu Nyerere’s teachings. Distinguished voices including Dr. Susan Kiguli, Associate Professor at Makerere University, renowned poet Kagayi Ngobi, and creative writing students, performed poems that celebrated African unity, Pan-Africanism, and servant leadership.
Through rhythm, verse, and song, the evening became a living testament to Nyerere’s spirit—a reminder that leadership is not confined to political office, but is lived daily through action, voice, and legacy.
A Festival of Reflection, Action, and Hope
Day One of the Ignite Youth Voices 2025 Festival did more than commemorate the birth of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere. It sparked renewed dialogue, inspired bold ideas, and summoned a new generation to action. In every voice that spoke, every story shared, and every dance performed, Nyerere’s vision lived on.
As the youth continue to carry the torch of servant leadership, African unity, and ethical transformation, one message rang clear: the future is not something to wait for—it is something to shape, starting now.
Dr. James Magara, a futurist and Chairman of Yobel Biashara Initiative stood before an audience at Makerere University on September 30, 2026, and projected a map of the world. It was upside down.
He asked the room if anything was wrong, and as the audience hesitated, he revealed that “in 1569, the Flemish cartographer and geographer whose name was Gerardus Mercator, developed a map now known as the Mercator projection. It represented the curved shape of the Earth on a flat map.” He simplified it saying, the Mercator map accurately shows direction and local shape, but it distorts the size of places, especially those that are located near the poles. He pointed out that the map distorts the size of continents, making Greenland appear as large as Africa, when in reality, Africa is 14 times larger.
Fixing the map was easy and free, it took one vote, Dr Magara said, referencing the recent United Nations resolution that encouraged accurate area projections. Indeed fixing the map was easy but the actual material weight of this continent and its institutions that run within the world economy is why dialogues like this exist. “Until we (Africa) fund our own institutions ourselves, the continental agenda will keep belonging to whoever writes the check.”
This and more were part of Dr. Magara’s opening remarks while delivering a keynote at the YOBEL Biashara Conference 2026 hosted at Makerere University School of Public Health Auditorium.
The event, was co-hosted by the CASTLE Think Tank, YOBEL Biashara, and Makerere University under the theme: “Africa’s Agency in an Era of Geopolitical Change: Trade, Investment and Economic Transformation,” brought together a diverse assembly of policymakers, academics, and private sector leaders.
Representing Dr. Adam Mugume the Chief Guest who could not make it due to unavoidable circumstances, Ms. Doreen Katangaza, a researcher and economist at the Bank of Uganda (BoU) delivered his remarks while reflecting on Dr. Magara’s keynote.
She explained “what agency means in economic policy, is not isolation, it’s not withdrawal, but the capacity to choose, to negotiate, and to act.”
She emphasized that relying on external factors or rhetoric is insufficient for long-term transformation. Instead, she suggests that agency is defined by internal strength and the ability to act independently. As she states, “Africa’s agency will not only be secured by rhetoric. It will be built through capabilities. The capability to produce, the capability to finance development, capability to manage shocks and above all, capability to make choices based on our own long-term interests and people’s priorities.”
Ultimately, Ms. Katangaza aligned with all speakers mobilising for a holistic approach involving government, the private sector, and academia to build these foundations. She noted that the Bank of Uganda is committed to harmonising policies and payment systems to support this, but success depends on whether these ideas translate into tangible outcomes, such as stronger institutions and resilient economies, when stakeholders reconvene in the future.
She concluded by congratulating the YOBEL Biashara Initiative, CASTLE Think Tank, and Makerere University for organizing the forum “a platform for thoughtful discussion about Africa’s economic future.” She thanked all the speakers, all panelists, and participants for their valuable contribution and attention during her communication and entire event.
Cost of Institutional Dependence to the Continent
Dr. Magara’s address was his critique of the continent’s institutional funding. He pointed out that member states currently fund only 24% of the African Union’s own program budget. Charity begins at home, he stated. With 76% out of every dollar the African Union spends coming from partners outside the continent. He argued that this dependency is self-inflicted and fixable.
He advised that if we genuinely want a technology-creating continent, the work has to start in the primary school classroom, not in the university innovation hub. He added, while also highlighting that Africa’s research and development spending sits at 0.4 percent of GDP, far below the world average.
Dr. Magara also addressed the implementation gap that has affected the continent for decades. He suggested that the failure to execute on well-crafted strategies is not just a capacity problem, but a result of selfish interests within. Some people are benefiting from the way things are, he explained. So, if they change, they will lose the benefit.
As a futurist and leadership strategist, Dr. Magara used his keynote address to also dismantle some of the comfortable narratives often repeated in policy circles. He challenged the audience to reconsider the concept of agency, arguing that choice only becomes agency when backed by the capacity to act. He pushed back against the common narrative that Africa’s youth population is automatically a demographic dividend.
A youth bulge without a falling birth rate, without matching job creation is not a dividend, he warned. It is a dependency burden wearing dividends lobbying.
Dr. Magara said, “if you ask any panel anywhere on this continent why Africa has not industrialised, you will get the same three answers almost every single time. Not enough skills, not enough infrastructure, not enough finance. And all of this is true. All of it is real. None of it should be dismissed.” But none of those three answers explains a much stranger fact sitting right in front of us, “why have we been writing almost identical strategy documents, making almost identical recommendations for 30 years plus.”
He urged the room to be honest about the reality of the labor market, noting that every year, between 10 and 12 million Africans enter the labor market, while economies create roughly three million formal jobs. That gap cannot close itself, he stated. And it does not close by wishing it away in a policy document.
Engagement with Dr. Magara’s Keynote
The keynote featured significant engagement, primarily from Professor Pamela Mbabazi, Ms. Allen-Sophia Asiimwe, and Dr. Fred NK Muhumuza, who offered diverse perspectives that somewhat aligned with, and at certain points challenged his arguments.
Professor Pamela Mbabazi, Executive Chairperson of the National Planning Authority (NPA), offered a government perspective on the issues raised. She acknowledged the disconnect between some policy and deep thinking. Siding with Dr. Magara, there is a visible rush into making decisions without having deep thinking and engaging with amazing think tanks like YOBEL, CASTLE, she admitted.
She called for a more intentional approach to policymaking, urging think tanks to collaborate more closely with government bodies like the NPA. She explained that countries like China did not get to where they are by accident, they were intentional to include their think tanks into policy making and no decisions were made haphazardly.
Professor Mbabazi suggested that as a country and continent we can have our think tanks drive policy if we want to build a five-hundred-billion-dollar economy by 2040.
She concluded her submission joining Dr Magara in questioning whether Africa could credibly speak of strategic agency when the institutions through which agency is exercised remain substantially dependent on financing from elsewhere.
Allen Sophia Asiimwe the Deputy CEO/Chief of Programme at trademark Africa addressed the conference via zoom, and expressed she was happy “when Dr. Magara started off with a question on the size of Africa on the map and in reality, it matters.”
However, she challenged some of his assertions on financing. She requested to push back on this very strongly saying “If you look at how Africa is made up, a lot of our countries are still very poor,” arguing that the continent’s economic reality as of now requires external support.
With that said, she shifted the focus from external funding to internal inefficiencies, agreeing that Africa is sabotaging its own growth through non-tariff barriers, noting, “we are self-sabotaging. If we opened up for trade, if we allowed goods to cross the borders, we may actually make a big difference,” Ms. Asiimwe discussed.
Dr. Fred Muhumuza a prominent Ugandan development economist, senior lecturer, and policy advisor also engaged with the views on economic planning and indicators.
He agreed that think tanks are an issue, and that they must be embraced for the better. We must think about our problems, talk about them, and see what sense we make to ourselves.
Dr. Muhumuza questioned the premise that the source of financing is the primary issue, suggesting that the quality of the plan being financed is more critical.
Major General Gregory Mugisha Muntuyera, added his voice to Dr Magara’s arguing that beyond map size, Africa’s development is hindered not by a lack of potential, but by a mindset of dependency. Drawing a contrast to the conditioning of elephants in India mastered by small humans.
The General stated, “we have got the knowledge, we have got the qualifications, but we have been conditioned.”
He emphasized that true progress requires discipline for ” without this nothing is going to happen” regardless of how many conferences are held.
The Cost of a Broken System
Ms. Eseza Mulyagonja, a member of the YOBEL Biashara board, as one of the opening speakers, issued a strong reminder of the urgency required in addressing the continent’s challenges.
Ms. Mulyagonja shared a story so dear to her, of a young boy in a village who died after being bitten by a snake because he was not in school, for his fees were unpaid. She used this to illustrate the human cost of broken systems and advised that we do not have to wait for calamity to strike, since this is a story that is so common.
She said as a continent, we have got to confront these things saying if we do not bring these stories close to home, we will not be propelled to change the direction for the better.
MAKERERE-CASTLE-YOBEL A PARTNERSHIP FOR AFRICA’S TRANSFORMATION
Representing Professor Sarah Ssali, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Professor Edward Bbaale the Principal College of Business and Management Sciences, emphasised the institution’s commitment to being an active partner in national and continental transformation acknowledging the global economic order is undergoing profound change, characterised by geopolitical realignment and an accelerating energy transition.
“These questions cannot be settled in just one conference. These are conversations that we’re going to have to continue even after here. So once again, I thank our chief guest, our keynote speaker, our discussants, our partners, the organizers, and every one of you who have made this time a meaningful time spent and made meaningful contributions to Africa’s future.
“The important question, therefore, is not simply how Africa will be affected by these changes, but how Africa will shape them”, Professor Bbaale remarked.
Crowning the remarks from the host institution, Makere University Chairperson of Council Dr. Lorna Magara appreciated everyone that was present for this noble conversation.
She said, “I trust that each of us leaves today with at least one idea that we are going to execute for the good of our continent.”
She proposed that the first item on the agenda of the YOBEL Biashara 2027 conference should be looking at the scorecard of what has been done to see that Africa increasingly moves from being a passive recipient of global economic decisions to becoming an active participant in shaping the rules, institutions, and partnerships that determine its development direction.
View Pictorial: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD6mhp
Event Livestream
-
General2 weeks agoCall for Applications: RLRH Graduate Traineeship Programme
-
General3 days agoStatement on Concerns Circulating Regarding a Member of Academic Staff
-
Natural Sciences2 weeks agoFrom World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Makerere Researchers Turn Water Hyacinth into Valuable Products
-
Research1 week agoCall for Makerere Staff PhD Completion Grant Applications, 2026-27
-
Engineering, Art & Tech2 weeks agoPublic Art Talk Sparks Dialogue on Contemporary Art Practices at MTSIFA