General
From Vision to Action: Five JNLC–UNDP Alumni Innovations Win Seed Funding
On 18th November 2025, young leaders gathered at Makerere University for Day Two of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Alumni Follow-Up Workshop. The second day built on the energy and insights generated during the opening sessions at Fairway Hotel the previous day, offering a vibrant space for learning, collaboration, and celebration of youth-driven community impact.
Featuring panel discussions, leadership reflections, and innovation showcases, the day reaffirmed the power of young leaders who continue to translate their training into concrete change across Uganda.
Celebrating Excellence: Five Community-Based Initiatives Awarded Seed Funding
The highlight of the day was the highly anticipated award ceremony. Following an intense and competitive pitching process, the top five community-based innovations were announced amidst enthusiastic applause.
From a pool of ten alumni who presented their projects on 17 November to a panel of adjudicators, the following five emerged as winners of UNDP seed funding:
- Ms. Joan Itungo – Gender and Economic Empowerment: Value addition to milk (Kazo)
- Mr. Moro Boniface – Climate Justice Initiative (Gulu)
- Ms. Auma Oliva – Innovative Urban Farming
- Ms. Nadongo Mary – Youth Skilling Initiative (Kampala)
- Mr. Simoni Ichumar Peter – Community Engagement: Poultry and Tree Planting
These awards honored the creativity, resilience, and determination of alumni who are demonstrating that leadership is not just about ideas—it is about measurable and meaningful impact.
JNLC Reaffirms Commitment to Nurturing Young Leaders
In her remarks, Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, Executive Director of JNLC, commended the ten alumni for the impressive work they are doing in their communities. “You have worked tirelessly to reach this point,” she emphasized, noting that each participant had already demonstrated tangible impact through their initiatives.
Dr. Muwanga reminded the alumni that leadership is not defined by accolades but by action. She celebrated the growing number of JNLC alumni taking up leadership roles—including elective political positions—and using their training to influence real change.
She acknowledged the dedication of facilitators, board members, and partners whose mentorship and engagement helped alumni refine their ideas and strengthen their initiatives.
UNDP Applauds Alumni Innovation and Impact
Representing UNDP, Ms. Annet Mpabulungi Wakabi, Team Leader for Governance and Peace, praised the alumni for their clarity, depth, and confidence during presentations. “You demonstrated what servant leadership truly looks like—empathy, mobilization, and action,” she noted.
Ms. Mpabulungi Wakabi highlighted remarkable achievements among alumni, including climate action programs, youth skilling projects, and civic engagement campaigns—some even running for political office. She emphasized that leadership is ultimately defined by community impact.
Calling all participants “winners,” she noted that their stories have been documented to inspire youth across Uganda. She encouraged them to continue building their brands, leveraging social capital, and taking ideas from concept to action.
UNDP, she reaffirmed, remains committed to mentorship, follow-up, and expanding leadership programs that support sustainable transformation.
Strengthening Networks for Community Transformation
A session on community networks featured two dynamic speakers whose insights resonated deeply with the alumni.
Mr. Andrew Tumusiime – JNLC Board Member, emphasized the power of social capital.
“Leadership is not built on financial resources alone—it rests on relationships,” he explained.
Drawing from the example of Julius Nyerere’s disciplined leadership during the Mozambique struggle, he underscored integrity, focus, and humility as pillars of effective leadership.
He encouraged alumni to collaborate with religious leaders, local government officials, and community influencers to establish credibility and gain support. He also urged them to adapt strategies to local contexts and avoid one-size-fits-all approaches.
Ms. Anna Nabulya-Deputy Director at Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDL), challenged young leaders to rethink how they build networks and nurture sustainable community projects.
Opening with Steve Jobs’ reminder that “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower,” she urged alumni to embrace collaboration over individualism. She highlighted the importance of:
- Branding and visibility
- Documentation and storytelling
- Strategic alignment with national frameworks
- The Four Cs of civil society engagement: Communication, Collaboration, Cooperation, Coordination
Ms. Nabulya emphasized that sustainability grows from community ownership, not isolated efforts.
Reflections on the Future of Alumni-Led Change
In a special panel session, alumni reflected on their work and their future vision. They emphasized choosing projects based on local needs, sustainability, and practical impact—demonstrating how initiatives such as urban farming address food security, climate resilience, and livelihoods simultaneously.
They also highlighted:
- The importance of resource mobilization through partnerships
- The role of personal branding in building credibility
- The power of trust and collaboration in amplifying community change
Their reflections illustrated that even modest projects, when backed by commitment and networks, can create lasting transformation.
Election of UNDP Alumni Leaders
A key milestone of the workshop was the election of new JNLC / UNDP Alumni Leaders. Nine candidates stood for leadership in an open and transparent process that embodied the program’s values of accountability and inclusion.
The elected leaders are:
- Lead Coordinator – Mr. Asiimwe Ronald William
- Deputy Coordinator – Mr. Emmanuel Edonu
- Mobilizers – The remaining seven candidates
These leaders will champion alumni engagement, strengthen collaboration, and drive community-based initiatives across the country ensuring that the lessons, vision, and impact of the UNDP–JNLC programs continue to resonate across communities.
A Reflection on Connection and Shared Purpose
To close the workshop, Dr. Gardner Herbert Rwakiseta, JNLC Programme Coordinator, offered powerful reflections using two vivid metaphors. He compared leadership awareness to car mirrors, reminding alumni that while leaders must focus ahead, they must occasionally look back to appreciate their journey.
He then invoked the Quaking Aspen tree, whose vast underground root system sustains entire colonies. “What we see above the ground is only a fraction of what truly holds everything together,” he said. “Our strength lies in the relationships we build, the support we share, and the networks that nourish us.”
General
A Legacy That Still Speaks: Announcing the 2025 Emmanuel Tumusime Mutebile Annual Public Lecture
Makerere University in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda and UNFPA in Uganda hosted the “Strides for Change” Activism walk and official unveiling of the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism campaign on Monday 24th November, 2025.
The event was graced by Heads of Diplomatic Missions from Sweden, Australia, Ireland and Germany alongside representatives from UNFPA and UN Women. The dignitaries were received on behalf of Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli together with the Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine.
“Makerere University remains dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive environment and promoting gender equality. Each of us has a role in building a society free from violence,” read the Vice Chancellor’s message.
Present to ensure that the students’ voice was heard loud and clear were members of the 91st Students Guild led by their President H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu. The “Strides for Change” walk that commenced at the CCE roundabout was led by the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and members of Management was at Mary Stuart Hall handed over to the Student leaders who carried the banner all the way to the Impis Rugby Grounds for the rest of the activities.
Of significant importance was the announcement of Makerere University‘s Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine among sixteen (16) male changes chosen to champion the fight against gender-based violence.
General
Strengthening South-South Academic Partnerships: Makerere University and Binary University Chart a Strategic Path for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Women’s Leadership
A New Chapter in Uganda–Malaysia Higher Education Collaboration
Makerere University has started preliminary discussions with Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship (Malaysia) to deepen its global partnerships through high-level engagements, aimed at fostering innovation-driven education, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership. Chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting explored a structured framework for collaboration that responds to Uganda’s urgent need for skills development, job creation, and industry-aligned learning.
This emerging partnership reflects a shared vision: to move beyond traditional academic models towards a practical, industry-integrated, and entrepreneurship-focused education system that equips graduates with real-world skills and global competitiveness.
Responding to Uganda’s Employment Challenge Through Entrepreneurship
“While chairing the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali noted that Makerere University and other Universities, together, currently graduate over 35,000 students annually, yet the private sector creates only about 700 new jobs per year. With an expanding population and intense job competition, where a single vacancy can attract over 4,000 applicants, the urgency for alternative employment pathways is clear.
Makerere’s Innovation Hub and Centre for Entrepreneurship have become critical pillars in addressing this challenge. Through platforms such as the Innovation Expo, now in its third edition and featuring over 600 student exhibitions, the university continues to nurture problem-solvers, innovators, and job creators. This ecosystem aligns strongly with Binary University’s entrepreneurial philosophy, making the Centre for Entrepreneurship a natural anchor point for collaboration.
Binary University’s Industry Specialist Professional (ISP) Model
Binary University brings a unique global model that directly integrates industry practitioners into the classroom. Its Industry Specialist Professional (ISP) programme, operational since 1999, ensures students graduate with skills tailored to specific industry needs. Industry experts with decades of practical experience teach across disciplines such as: Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, Engineering, Film and Media Production to mention but a few.
“ With over 10,500 practising entrepreneurs in its ecosystem in Malaysia, Binary offers students direct mentorship and exposure to active business environments, ensuring graduates are not only employable but also entrepreneurial.” Tan Sri Dato Professor Joseph Adaikalam, the Executive Chairman and Founder, Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship, noted.
Key Areas of Proposed Collaboration
The discussions outlined a structured and scalable partnership model anchored on the following areas:
1. Dual and Joint Degree Programmes
- 2+2 Joint Bachelor’s Degrees in specialised fields through an International Department structure.
- 1+1 Joint Master’s Programmes including: MBA for Engineers, Renewable Energy MBA and Semiconductor MBA
- Dual award systems to ensure international recognition and student mobility.
2. PhD and Staff Development Programmes
- Winter/Summer PhD models in Renewable Energy and Waste Management
- Nominated students to benefit from 50% tuition waivers
- PhD pathways tailored for academic staff development
3. Executive Development Programmes (EDPs)
High-impact, short-term programmes targeting senior leaders, featuring joint certification with a focus on AI for CEOs, Global Issues & Entrepreneurship. These EDPs are designed to empower leaders with strategic insight into global trends, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Placing Women’s Leadership at the Centre
A key pillar of the proposed collaboration is engagement with Malaysia’s Centre for Women’s Leadership (CWL), which focuses on empowering women through entrepreneurship and gender compliance mechanisms.
Puan Sri Datin, Prof. Dr. Rohini Devi, the co-founder and Vice Chairman, Binary University, highlighted the unique opportunities this partnership presents for a Joint women’s leadership training initiative, feminist academic exchanges, gender-responsive entrepreneurship models and an initiative to strengthen Makerere’s Institute of Gender Studies as a regional hub.
This aligns with Malaysia’s progressive gender compliance policies for public funding and women’s leadership development, a model that holds strong relevance for African institutions.
Learning from Regional and Global Best Practices
The meeting underscored valuable lessons from global contexts, including Nigeria’s model, where every graduate leaves with a practical vocational skill, Zambia’s Winter-Summer academic model with tuition waivers, Malaysia’s government investment in higher education and entrepreneurship
These case studies reinforce the need for practical skills as survival tools while graduates transition into formal employment or entrepreneurship.
A Win-Win Partnership for the Future
This collaboration is envisioned as a mutually beneficial model that complements Makerere’s academic strengths while leveraging Binary’s industry-driven approach. It will enhance student mobility, staff exchange, joint research, innovation transfer, and entrepreneurship development, all while maintaining strong quality assurance mechanisms.
As Makerere University continues to reimagine higher education in a rapidly changing world, this partnership signals a transformative shift towards globally competitive, innovation-led, and socially responsive learning systems.
With optimism and strategic intent, both institutions commit to open dialogue, structured implementation, and long-term impact. The Makerere-Binary partnership stands as a powerful example of how South-South collaboration can redefine education, accelerate entrepreneurship, and empower future leaders, especially women, for Africa’s development trajectory.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
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