On 18^th 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.”