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.”
Today, Monday 18th May 2026, most students will begin their End of Semester Two Examinations, and they have been encouraged to remain confident and calm during the examination season.
Data from the University Counselling and Guidance Centre shows that even the best-prepared students experience anxiety, pressure, fear of failure, sleep difficulties and emotional exhaustion during examinations.
Addressing students during a pre-examination mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University on 15th May 2026, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Academic Registrar, reminded students that their mental health is far more important than any grade.
“This workshop comes at the right time. I encourage all students to understand that your worth is not defined by a single examination or grade. Examinations are only one part of your educational journey. What matters equally is your ability to remain healthy, focused, ethical and hopeful throughout the process,” Prof Buyinza, said.
Prof. Buyinza shared practical tips to help students avoid fatigue and excessive stress during this period.
“Prepare a realistic reading timetable and avoid last-minute cramming. Take short breaks while studying to allow your mind to recover and improve concentration. Get adequate sleep and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and energy drinks,” he noted.
During the session, he also encouraged students to engage in light physical activity, stretching or short walks to refresh their minds and reduce tension.
“Maintain a positive mindset and avoid comparing yourself excessively with others. Stay connected with supportive friends, family members, mentors or counsellors whenever you feel overwhelmed,” Prof. Buyinza advised.
He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting students not only academically, but also in their mental and psychosocial wellbeing, encouraging learners to seek help from counsellors, lecturers, mentors, peers, family members and available support systems whenever necessary.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Prossy Nakayiki, the Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Examinations and Transcripts warned students against examination malpractice and urged them to uphold academic integrity.
“Anxiety should never push anyone into examination malpractice, do not enter an examination room with a smart watch, phone or any hidden paper commonly known as bullets. Preparation, honesty, rest and self-belief remain the best approaches to success,” Ms. Nakayiki, said.
She also advised students who had not yet printed their examination cards to do so early, noting that delays at the last minute could cause unnecessary panic and disorganisation.
In her presentation about the reality of examination stress and coping strategies, Connie Evelyn Kharono, a Counselling Psychologist at the Counselling and Guidance Center, called upon students to adopt the 5, 4,3,2,1 Ground technique before an exam or intense study session.
The 5, 4,3,2,1 ground technique, is one of the easiest mindfulness strategies designed for managing stress and anxiety, as it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. You name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste.
She advised students to focus on what they can control.
“You can control your study schedule, your sleep and how kindly you speak yourself. You cannot control the exact questions that will be on the paper, so channel your energy only into the preparations you can influence,” Ms Kharono, said.
Ms Kharono encouraged students to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure that they are eating balanced meals and staying hydrated.
Ms Christine Nimusiima, a senior Psycho-Social Officer at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, called upon the students to practise positive self-talk and maintain a healthy mindset.
“During this examination season, avoid comparing your revision progress or predicted grades with your peers. Your only competition is who you were yesterday. Take a deep breath, trust in the work you have done and remember that you have the resilience to succeed. Best of luck with your preparations,” Ms. Nimusiima said.
By Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi
The Alliance for African Partnership, Africa Office, today received a delegation from the University of Bergen (UiB)’s Division of Research and Innovation. The visiting team comprised Kristin Svartveit, Vivil Valvik Haraldsen, and Emmanuel Ovon Babatunde.
The delegation was officially introduced by Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Head, Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), together with Dr. Ronald Semyalo (Makerere University coordinator for UiB)
The visit aimed to strengthen institutional collaboration and promote research excellence through international partnerships. The key objectives of the meeting included:
- UiB team sharing information and experiences on enhancing success in EU grant acquisition and management.
- UiB application support process for Postdoc fellowships at Bergen up to a period of 2 years
- AAP Africa Office providing insights into the AAP consortium programs and activities in order to foster collaboration between the AAP consortium and UiB.
The engagement provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and exploring opportunities for future collaborative research initiatives between Makerere University, the AAP consortium, and the University of Bergen.
The Author is the Director of the AAP Africa Office
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