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Youth Empowerment Takes Center Stage at Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025

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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.

Dr. Nansozi Suzie Muwanga. Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025 held under the theme, "Our Heritage, Our Voices: Culture, Innovation, and Servant Leadership," 15th-16th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Nansozi Suzie Muwanga.

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.

H.E. Maj. Gen. Paul Simuli Kisesa. Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025 held under the theme, "Our Heritage, Our Voices: Culture, Innovation, and Servant Leadership," 15th-16th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
H.E. Maj. Gen. Paul Simuli Kisesa.

“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.”

Dr. Julius Kikooma. Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025 held under the theme, "Our Heritage, Our Voices: Culture, Innovation, and Servant Leadership," 15th-16th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Julius Kikooma.

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.”

Mr. Andrew Tumusiime. Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025 held under the theme, "Our Heritage, Our Voices: Culture, Innovation, and Servant Leadership," 15th-16th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Andrew Tumusiime.

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.”

Keynote Speaker, Eva Mulema Matsiko. Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025 held under the theme, "Our Heritage, Our Voices: Culture, Innovation, and Servant Leadership," 15th-16th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Keynote Speaker, Eva Mulema Matsiko.

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.

Panel discussion featuring Sign language interpreter (Kizito Anguzu), Moderator- Marion Kirabo, and Panelists: Kenny Ronnie Rubanga, Gracious Kadondi and Josephine Aanyu. Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025 held under the theme, "Our Heritage, Our Voices: Culture, Innovation, and Servant Leadership," 15th-16th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Panel discussion featuring Sign language interpreter (Kizito Anguzu), Moderator- Marion Kirabo, and Panelists: Kenny Ronnie Rubanga, Gracious Kadondi and Josephine Aanyu.

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.

Panel discussion featuring Rose Nabwire, Robert Maseruka, Charity Nduhura and Moderator- Gardner Rwakiseta Herbert. Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025 held under the theme, "Our Heritage, Our Voices: Culture, Innovation, and Servant Leadership," 15th-16th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Panel discussion featuring Rose Nabwire, Robert Maseruka, Charity Nduhura and Moderator- Gardner Rwakiseta Herbert.

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.

Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025 held under the theme, "Our Heritage, Our Voices: Culture, Innovation, and Servant Leadership," 15th-16th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Performers on stage entertain guests.

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.

Performers entertain guests at the Yusuf Lule Auditorium Entrance. Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025 held under the theme, "Our Heritage, Our Voices: Culture, Innovation, and Servant Leadership," 15th-16th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Performers entertain guests at the Yusuf Lule Auditorium Entrance.

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PIM CoE equips Public Officers to Make Better Public Investment Decisions

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PIM CoE equips Public Officers to Make Better Public Investment Decisions

The two-week training programme aims to equip government officers with practical skills to assess project viability, manage investment risks and ensure public resources deliver value for money.

The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) is strengthening the capacity of government officers to undertake financial appraisal and risk analysis of public investment projects through a two-week training programme designed to improve the quality of project preparation, appraisal and decision-making in Uganda.

The training, which started in Fort Portal on October 19, 2026, brought together participants from various government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), alongside facilitators from Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Cambridge Resources International (CRI), the National Planning Authority and the Uganda Development Bank.

Officially opening the training on behalf of the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Ms Esther Ayebare, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, emphasised the importance of rigorous project appraisal in strengthening Uganda’s public investment management system.

She noted that projects admitted into the public investment plan must be aligned with national priorities, technically sound, financially viable and capable of delivering value for money.

“Government must be able to compare investment alternatives and ensure that only viable projects proceed through the public investment process,” she emphasised.

Ms Esther Ayebare, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development

Ms Ayebare explained that sound appraisal enables government to make informed investment decisions, maximise returns on public expenditure and ensure that limited public resources are directed towards projects with the greatest potential to deliver development outcomes.

Building practical skills for better investment decisions

The training builds on the Public Investment Management course conducted in June, which introduced participants to Uganda’s public investment management framework, including project conceptualisation, stakeholder analysis, project costing, implementation action plans, the Integrated Bank of Projects, and monitoring and evaluation of public investment reforms.

The current programme advances this foundation by equipping participants with technical competencies in financial appraisal, financial modelling and risk analysis.

Participants will explore integrated investment appraisal, alternative investment criteria, cash-flow statements, inflation and exchange-rate movements, asset valuation, project financing, project scale and timing, risk-sharing arrangements and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Through practical exercises and case studies, participants will apply these concepts to investment scenarios in sectors such as roads, health, education and water. The programme will also examine how climate change, social considerations and other risks can be integrated into project preparation and appraisal.

Ms Ayebare encouraged participants to engage actively with the facilitators, question the practical application of the tools and consider how the skills acquired could improve investment decisions within their respective institutions.

She also reminded participants that the programme includes an examination and that certification requires more than attendance. Participants are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and acquire practical skills that they can apply in their work.

Reducing dependence on externally prepared studies

A key objective of the training is to strengthen the ability of government institutions to undertake high-quality project appraisal studies using their own technical teams.

Public officers gather for a specialized training session at the Public Investment Management Center of Excellence (PIM COE) to enhance their skills in making sound and strategic public investment decisions.
Public officers gather for a specialized training session at the Public Investment Management Center of Excellence (PIM COE) to enhance their skills in making sound and strategic public investment decisions.

Ms Ayebare observed that many studies submitted to the Development Committee have traditionally been prepared by external consultants, often at considerable cost. Building the capacity of public officers to conduct these studies independently can help institutions strengthen their technical expertise and improve the quality of project proposals presented for consideration.

She urged participants to take full advantage of the facilitators’ expertise and return to their institutions equipped to undertake sound financial appraisals and provide evidence-based advice to decision-makers.

She further emphasised that project approval requires thorough preparation, analysis and justification, rather than simply identifying available funding and proposing a project to utilise it.

Strengthening public investment management through capacity development

In his remarks, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the PIM CoE, thanked the Ministry of Finance for its financial support and for identifying participants from government institutions. He also recognised the contributions of the facilitators and partner institutions in delivering the programme.

Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the PIM CoE

Prof. Bbaale noted that the Centre’s work extends beyond training to include research and advisory services aimed at improving public investment management practices. He encouraged continued collaboration with government institutions and other partners to advance research, knowledge sharing and capacity development.

Speaking during the training, Dr John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, highlighted the importance of commitment, active participation and punctuality throughout the programme. He encouraged participants to engage with the facilitators, ask questions and apply the knowledge gained to the projects they support.

Dr Sseruyange also acknowledged the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, for financing the training, and appreciated Cambridge Resources International for its continued support towards improving public investment preparation and analysis in Uganda.

The training reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management system by equipping public officers with the knowledge and practical competencies needed to assess projects rigorously, identify potential risks and make informed investment decisions.

By developing in-house expertise across government institutions, the programme seeks to contribute to better-prepared projects, more efficient use of public resources and improved delivery of Uganda’s development priorities.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Complete Nyerere Historical Tasks of Uniting and Prospering Africa – President Museveni

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L-R: Dr. Nansozi Muwanga, Chief Guest- Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, and Prof. Saturninus Kasozi Mulindwa at the Nyerere Annual Symposium 2026: Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue on 14th October.

President Yoweri K. Museveni while officiating as Chief Guest at the Julius Nyerere Annual Symposium 2026: Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue at Makerere University called upon the audience not to merely hold Nyerere’s Legacy as a historical footprint but as a masterplan for the future that remains unfinished. Organised by the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), the symposium was a two day event that started with “ekyooto” on 13th October at the JNLC gardens and climaxed on 14th October in Freedom Square. The second day hinged on the theme: Borrowing from the Past, Building the Future.

In the President’s message delivered by Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, the president spotlighted, “Mwalimu Nyerere as the greatest African that ever lived in terms of contribution to the African people’s efforts for freedom, human rights, and dignity.”

This greatness, he notes, spilled not just to political ideals but also to economics and security. The President agreed with him and warned that “freedom without economic transformation and economic prosperity, without a robust strategic security, remains incomplete.”

Reaching out to the younger generation of scholars and leaders, the President issued a strong warning to move beyond simply remembering Nyerere to action. He said, “you must carry forward the torch of pan-Africanism, reject sectarianism and tribalism, build our regional markets, and champion the total political integration of our motherland.”

Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga delivering the President's message at the Symposium.
Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga delivering the President’s message at the Symposium.

He appreciated Mwalimu for his; unwavering support for the struggle of the East African Federation, courageous backing of the armed anti-colonial struggles in the southern half of Africa, principled and decisive support for the anti-Idi Amin struggle, pro-people and pro-unity policies that kept Tanzania peaceful for decades, and ensuring that Tanzania remained a strategic rear base for the entire African resistance.

As a believer in Nyerere’s ideals, the President urged the audience to honor Mwalimu “not merely through commemorative speeches, but through completing the historical task of uniting, defending, and prospering our motherland,” for the motive is to ensure that the independence wars won by our predecessors were not in vain.

To this note, he reiterated  the case for Uganda, saying “we shall never forget his profound contribution” to Africa.

Professor Nyamsenda’s Keynote Unparked Pan-Africanism

During the Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue symposium at Makerere University, Professor Sabatho Nyamsenda, a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam delivered the Keynote Address titled “The Unfinished African Project: From Liberation Legacies to a New Generation of Transformation” during the symposium”.

He started on a lighter noticing “Nyerere is being Ugandanised.” This he said looking at the annual Public Lectures dedicated to his name and felt like challenging his home institutions to follow suit.

At the calm of the room, he presented a critique of the current state of Pan-Africanism, arguing that it has been grabbed by the ruling elites, a challenge Professor Nyamsenda identifies to have started in the period of 1960 -1980.

Professor Sabatho Nyamsenda delivering the Keynote Address.
Professor Sabatho Nyamsenda delivering the Keynote Address.

He explained that it was around this time period that Pan-Africanism was snatched away from the masses and it became a state project. Currently, he said the ideology exists in two forms: Boardroom and Street Pan-Africanism.

Professor, characterised Boardroom Pan-Africanism as a State Project. He said “boardroom Pan-Africanism sits comfortably with imperialism and elite-centered accumulation.” While Street Pan-Africanism to which Professor advocates, he emphasised that historically, this approach “united the African liberation movement and liberated the African continent from the most barbaric colonial powers.”

As he concluded, Professor Nyamsenda joined Mwalimu and the President of Uganda in urging youth to consider joining and leading the struggle for a better Africa.

Role of JNLC in Realising Nyerere’s Ideas

Professor Saturninus Kasozi Mulindwa, the JNLC Board Chair highlighted the primary objective of the center as “imparting knowledge and sharing experiences from the old generations to the new generations.” Therefore, JNLC contributes to the actualisation of Nyerere’s ideas by focusing on the development of the next generation of African leaders.

To supplement this, Dr. Nansozi K. Mwanga the Executive Director at JNLC said that the center is committed to “nurturing ethical, conscious, and transformative leaders inspired by Mwalimu’s ideas of service, human dignity, self-reliance, and Pan-African solidarity.”

She explained their focus is on several key areas with training as core. They have “trained over 1,500 young people and young leaders from across Uganda.”, and developed leadership programs “grounded in ethical decision-making, civic responsibility, public service, and action.”

Dr. Nansozi K. Mwanga
Dr. Nansozi K. Mwanga

In her remarks, it was observed that training alone is not enough; they are also doing mentorship, to provide opportunities for networking and learning from experienced leaders. There are already testimonies when you visit the Centre wall of fame. To which Dr. Nansozi revealed “leadership development matters when learning becomes service and meaningful action.” 

The Centre remains proud of those they have touched and are eager to support as many cohorts.

Julius Nyerere Family Pour their Heart out

Mama Maria Nyerere, addressed the Symposium virtually and commended the Centre for keeping Mwalimu’s values alive.

As a memory of her husband, she reminded the audience that his greatest legacy was anchored on the values by which he lived: service, humility, integrity, unity and love for Africa and its people. She also urged the young people to take up leadership responsibilities and lead with humility, integrity and always remember the people they serve.

Mama Nyerere also advised the youth to learn from those who came before them like her husband with courage to build a better Africa for their generation and those who will come after them.

Joining Mama Nyerere, on behalf of the Nyerere family was Ms. Julia Nyerere, a granddaughter, who attended physically and thanked H.E. Kaguta Museveni for supporting the establishment of the Julius Nyerere Centre at Makerere University and also commended the Keynote Speaker Professor Nyamsenda for Critiquing Nyerere’s ideas.

Julia further shared an understanding of her grand-father’s interest in preserving humanity as a moral. 

As a family they are happy that his (Nyerere) values and legacies continue to inspire Africa and beyond.

Ms. Julia Nyerere
Ms. Julia Nyerere.

Appreciation for All who Made the Symposium Possible

Addressing the symposium, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by Professor Henry Alinaitwe the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Finance and Administration expressed the University’s appreciation and commitment. 

He thanked “the government of Uganda for the support they are giving to the Julius Nyerere Leadership Center,” and requested Dr. Kiyonga to “convey the message to the fountain of honour for this initiative that Makerere University is happy for, and is going on well.”

To the leadership of the Center, he specifically thanked the Director Dr. Nansozi for her focused leadership. He stated, “I commend my friend, Dr. Nansozi, for the work that you are doing.” 

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe

Professor Alinaitwe also emphasized “we” value these symposiums, saying, “as a university, we acknowledge that such activities create great visibility.”

Dr. Kiyonga was also thanked for delivering the President’s message, together with veterans like Professor Kabwegyere, among other distinguished guests and partners that attended.

Professor Tarsis Bazana Kabwegyere as well appreciated all and emphasised the collective duty of the youth in building the next generation.

He advised “your responsibility is to identify and build Africa forward, building on the legacies and foundations of our forefathers,”.

The Professor also argued that “being young on its own is not a virtue. It is what you are when you are young.” He challenges the audience to avoid being ignorant and claim that you are young.

Background of the Nyerere Symposium

The Julius Nyerere Annual Symposium is an intergenerational gathering hosted at Makerere University. For more than six years now, it has been connecting past leadership legacies of Nyerere and other revolutionaries with current regional and continental priorities under the (JNLC) centre.

The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) serves as a training ground and research hub designed to mentor the next generation of African leaders. Co-hosted by Makerere University and the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), the Centre bridges the gap between older statesmen and youth by focusing on Pan-African ideals, ethical governance, and social transformation.

Click to view picture gallery of the symposium on Flickr.

Elvis Lubanga, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Elvis Lubanga

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Applications Open: Short Course in Decision Modelling for Economic Evaluation

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Applications Open for a two-week online short course on Introduction to Decision Modelling for Economic Evaluation by the Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University School of Public Health, through the Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, is accepting applications for a two-week online short course on Introduction to Decision Modelling for Economic Evaluation.

The course will introduce participants to the principles and practical application of decision modelling in economic evaluation, covering Markov modelling, evidence synthesis, model development, validation, sensitivity analysis and interpretation of results to inform policy and resource allocation.

Convened by Dr. Elizabeth Ekirapa, Associate Professor of Health Economics at MakSPH, the course will feature Dr. Joseph Babigumira, Managing Consultant at GHE Consulting, as Guest Lecturer.

The training targets health professionals, researchers, policymakers, students and other individuals interested in applying decision modelling to economic evaluation.

Dates: 9–20 November 2026
Time: 3:00–6:00 PM EAT
Mode: Online via Zoom
Fees: UGX 800,000 (Ugandans) | USD 270 (non-Ugandans)
Application Deadline: 1 November 2026

Apply now: https://t.ly/sKdts

For inquiries:
Ms. Edith Namuleme, Short Course Coordinator
Email: carvell.andy@gmail.com
Tel: +256 759 761 161

John Okeya

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