General
From Knowledge to Impact: Empowering Youth Leaders and Young Women with Transformative Leadership Skills
By JNLC Team
On 4th December 2025, more than 70 participants gathered at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) in Fort Portal for a three-day comprehensive leadership training targeting youth, young women, and local council leaders.
Organised by the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the training aimed to strengthen practical leadership skills and nurture a new generation of community-centered, ethical, and solution-oriented leaders.
The first day introduced participants to foundational themes such as servant leadership, the meaning of power in leadership, self-leadership, emotional intelligence, mental well-being, and effective communication. Through these sessions, participants gained practical tools to engage and influence communities responsibly, mobilize resources, and contribute effectively to sustainable development.
Honouring Nyerere’s Legacy of Transformative Leadership
In her remarks, Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, Executive Director of JNLC, urged young leaders from higher education institutions across Uganda to embrace their central role in shaping the country’s future. She stressed that Uganda’s developmental trajectory—and that of the wider East African region—will be determined by empowered, ethical, and visionary youth.
Dr. Muwanga reminded participants that the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre draws inspiration from the leadership values of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, who championed youth as drivers of Africa’s development. Established in 2018 by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as a Presidential Initiative hosted by Makerere University and the Uganda Management Institute, JNLC continues this legacy by equipping young Africans with the intellectual, moral, and practical leadership skills required in a fast-changing world.
Expanding Impact Through the JNLC–UNDP Youth Leadership Programme
Dr. Muwanga highlighted that since 2021, the JNLC–UNDP Leadership Training Programme has empowered more than 700 youth leaders from Uganda and beyond. The programme cultivates a growing network of community-centered changemakers capable of influencing governance and driving sustainable development.
To address challenges faced by alumni—such as limited visibility, resource constraints, and weak mentorship—JNLC launched the Alumni Impact Activation Strategy. The initiative supports alumni-led projects aligned with UNDP’s G4D priorities through mentorship, empowerment, and visibility. This approach amplifies our investment in Uganda’s youth and ensures that leadership development translates into sustainable solutions in climate resilience, women’s economic empowerment, and digital innovation,” she noted.
Youth at the Heart of Africa’s Development
Reflecting on Africa’s demographic landscape, Dr. Muwanga noted that a youthful population presents both immense opportunity and profound responsibility. Realising this potential requires intentional nurturing of leaders who value justice, unity, ethical conduct, and collaborative governance.
“This is the aspiration that guides our work at JNLC,” she affirmed. “We aim to equip young people with the skills to think critically, lead responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s development and Africa’s broader ambitions.”
“You Are Today’s Leaders” — Message from Mountains of the Moon University
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Pius Coxwell Achanga, Mrs. Roselyne Ssali—the Dean of Students—affirmed the university’s strong commitment to cultivating ethical, capable, and community-oriented leaders.
She emphasized the value of inter-institutional collaboration, noting that leadership thrives on shared learning and collective growth. She encouraged participants to engage actively, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
Addressing the youth directly, Mrs. Ssali underscored that leadership is not a distant possibility but a present responsibility.
“You are not here by mistake,” she said. “The saying that you are ‘tomorrow’s leaders’ does not apply. You are today’s leaders, and that is something we cannot take for granted.”
She commended the JNLC–UNDP collaboration for expanding leadership opportunities and equipping young people with practical, real-world skills.
Leadership, Intellect, Capacity, Health, and Safety — Insights from the RCC
Officially opening the training, Ms. Asuman Nasike, Resident City Commissioner of Fort Portal City, shared her inspiring journey from Youth Councillor to RCC. She encouraged participants to treat every leadership role as a “nursery bed” for growth and reminded them that leadership is driven by intellect and capacity—not age or physical size.
“In your roles as local, youth, and women leaders, remember that leadership is defined by capacity, not size. It is about the mind, not the stature. I may be small in size, yet I lead this city. Let my example prove to you that young people can lead and make a difference,” she said.
She highlighted essential leadership qualities: integrity to earn trust, effective communication through feedback, leading by example, decisiveness in difficult moments, and resilience in the face of setbacks. She also emphasized personal well-being, responsible health practices, and surrounding oneself with mentors and peers who inspire growth.
Learning from Nyerere’s Leadership Ideals
Drawing from the life and leadership of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Mr. Ivan Ssegawa Sebastian, former EAC Youth Ambassador to Uganda, outlined enduring values that shaped Nyerere’s leadership: human dignity, collective responsibility, unity and cultural identity, and service above self.
These ideals, he noted, remain essential foundations for ethical and people-centered leadership today.
Principles of Servant Leadership
Leadership trainer and clinical psychologist Mr. Ronald Ssaazi guided participants through the principles of servant leadership, drawing insights from leaders like Nyerere, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Gamal Abdel Nasser.
He emphasized that leadership begins with self-leadership—self-reflection, self-regulation, and deliberate goal-setting. Quoting John Maxwell’s famous line, “Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less,” he reminded participants that they must influence themselves before they can influence others. “You cannot claim to be a leader if no one wants to follow you. Leadership begins when you influence people through your direction, ideas, and example—and that influence must start with self-leadership,” he stressed.
Mr. Ssaazi highlighted that servant leadership is rooted in service—lifting others, meeting them where they are, and helping them grow. He underscored the importance of character, emotional intelligence, meaningful relationships, and consistent action.
He also shared the “Three R’s” framework—Requirements, Returns, and Rewards—encouraging participants to focus on high-impact actions and remain motivated as they pursue purposeful leadership.
Emotional Intelligence & Mental Wellness for Effective Leadership
Dr. Gardner Herbert Rwakiseta, Programme Coordinator at JNLC, underscored that effective leadership is impossible without mental and emotional balance. He explained that clarity, creativity, and inner peace form the foundation of impactful leadership.
Using a powerful analogy, he noted:
“A smartphone may look perfect on the outside, but without a functioning battery, it cannot operate.” He likened mental health to a leader’s battery—indispensable to performance. Dr. Gardner explained that mental wellness is more than the absence of illness; it determines how leaders think, relate, and make decisions. He outlined common mental health challenges and their symptoms and provided practical tools for maintaining emotional balance, including exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy relationships, journaling, and setting digital boundaries.
On digital discipline he advised:
“The small screens were not designed to control you. Manage distractions by limiting unnecessary notifications and practicing intentional use of technology.”
The Power of Effective Communication
Mr. Henry Kasacca, Director of Dialogue and Democracy, emphasized that communication is at the heart of leadership. His session equipped participants with public-speaking skills, active listening, strategies for giving and receiving feedback, and tips for crafting impactful elevator pitches.
He reminded participants that public speaking is not merely addressing a crowd—it is connecting with people, informing them, and motivating them to act. “Preparation, positive non-verbal communication, and confidence are key. Knowing your audience, understanding the purpose of your speech, and structuring your message ensure that it resonates,” he explained.
He noted that leaders often have only a minute to capture attention, stressing the importance of clarity, relatability, and confidence. He also emphasized constructive feedback as an essential tool for growth.
The Meaning of Power in Leadership
Mr. David Nyaribi, Leadership and Governance Specialist at ActionAid International, emphasized that leadership is not defined by position but by the ability to influence, mobilize, and transform communities.
He distinguished authority from power, noting that while authority is granted, power—knowledge, confidence, action—is accessible to everyone.
He outlined four essential types of power:
- Power Over – traditional authority
- Power To – capacity to act and implement
- Power Within – inner confidence and resilience
- Power With – collective strength through collaboration
Mr. Nyaribi urged participants to use power responsibly and be mindful of who they grant influence over them. He also explained the different spaces, levels, and sources of power, from households to global diplomacy, and highlighted the difference between mobilizing (short-term energy) and organizing (long-term structure). “Mobilizing gets people to the table; organizing makes the table productive,” he noted.
Youth Voices: Picking Up the Droplets of Leadership
Bringing a youth perspective, Mr. Ivan Hurira, Speaker of the Regional Youth Parliament, shared the story of a brave hummingbird dropping water on a burning forest, insisting, “I am doing the little I can.” He likened this to the role of young Ugandans—small but consistent actions can spark meaningful change.
“When the forest of Uganda is burning, we, the young people, can do the little we can,” he said.
He encouraged participants to treat the knowledge and skills gained during the training as droplets of leadership—resources they should carry back to their communities to contribute to transformation.
The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University Professor Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management on September 28, 2026 welcomed H.E. Ambassador TAKAHASHI Misako and her delegation in the Council Room at Main Building to discuss ways of deepening their academic and technical collaboration.
H.E. TAKASHASHI is the Director-General/Assistant Minister for African Affairs, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
In the session, VC acknowledged and appreciated the long-standing partnership between the University and Japanese institutions; both private and government.
“The university has had good relations with the Embassy of Japan, with JICA, and with several other Japanese institutions… When we returned to normalcy after turbulent political years, the Government of Japan was among the first ones to come to revive our excellence… so Uganda has had a very long and friendly relationship with Japan” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
He further emphasized the historical impact of this support saying “I want to claim that it could have been because of the support that was given to the Department of Geology at that time, that the discovery of oil became possible in Uganda.”
Contributing to the discussions, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Professor Sarah Ssali shared areas such as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as well as Neurosurgery, where Makerere could benefit from Japanese expertise. She added that the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) currently enjoys a collaboration with the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.
Adding on the outstanding partnership, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVCF&A) Professor Henry Alinaitwe highlighted traffic management as one of the key areas supported, he said “Japan has helped Uganda in the management of traffic…”
Expounding on this, HE. TAKASHASHI said “I just visited the control center for traffic in Uganda. It was built by a Japanese aid… as of today, they are controlling 31 junctions of traffic signals in Kampala City. They are supposed to boost up their activities to cover the entire Kampala city’s traffic systems” a project, she said, the Japanese Government remains committed to.
Continuing, Professor Alinaitwe highlighted Japan’s resilient and strong structures that can withstand earthquakes. He shared that “Japanese are helping us in developing the standards for earthquake design and management.”
Picking it up from here, H.E. TAKAHASHI acknowledged Japan’s proneness to earthquakes, which has led the country to develop leading global expertise in their management. Although Uganda is not comparatively prone to earthquakes, she reaffirmed that “Japan is deliberately thinking about the sustainable development of Uganda”, as a symbol of their friendship with institutions and the young people of Uganda.
She said the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) where “President Museveni is a long-standing participant” is a vital platform for addressing Japan’s various interests in Africa. She also talked about the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FIOP) Principle, and Japan’s three pillars for Africa.
“The three pillars of Japanese foreign policy towards Africa include; realising a continent of peace in Africa, creating a virtuous cycle of growth between Japan and Africa, and finally realising a society where everyone can feel genuine prosperity through empowering young generation for co-creation,” H.E TAKAHASHI noted.
Professor Julius Kikooma the Director for Graduate Training, expressed a need to leverage the partnership further in graduate student supervision, “our biggest area for collaboration should be capacity strengthening through trainings and working together to boost co-supervision of doctoral programs.”
Agreeing with Professor Kikooma, the Principal College of Veterinary and Animal Resources, Biosecurity Professor Clovice Kankya appreciated the support from Japan, particularly in the training of staff.
“A number of our staff have moved to universities in Japan for staff exchange for competence-based kind of training, but also to mention our Japanese counterparts have given a lot of technical support, not only to Makerere College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, but also to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. This kind of collaboration has resulted to advancing some of the veterinary reference laboratories” Prof Kankya elaborated.
Appreciating H.E. TAKAHASHI’s visit, Prof. Nawangwe expressed gladness that the brief session had brought forth a number important issues for discussion, which will enhance collaborations between Makerere University, the Embassy of Japan, and the people of Japan in general.
Some of the key areas with existing collaborations include;
- Engineering and Infrastructure
- Traffic Management
- Health and Veterinary Sciences
- Students and staff exchange
- Space science
- Disaster prevention
- Capacity building and volunteers
- Library and cultural resources
Makerere currently partners with a number of Japanese Universities including; University of Kobe, University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tottori University, among others.
The University Management appreciates the government of Japan for an impactful collaboration over the years as “We Build for the Future.”
Photos by Benite Uwase, Public Relations Office, Makerere University
Kampala – Braving the morning downpour, participants started gathering as early as 5:00 AM. University roads were awash with green and gold kits clad by thousands of runners who gathered at the Hill to participate in the 6th edition of the Makerere Marathon that took place on September 27 2026.
Attendance was representative, with students, alumni, corporate teams and distinguished guests present to run under the featured race categories including the 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km, alongside a 3km wheelchair race. These options gave persons of different abilities and fitness levels the opportunity to take part.
All races were officially flagged off at the Makerere Main Building parking lot by various dignitaries from Makerere, and partnering institutions led by the Chief Runner, the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth. He was joined by the Chancellor of Makerere University and Second Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga.
The other dignitaries that accompanied the Speaker included; Dr Lorna Magara the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Mr. Mark Anthony Muyobo CEO NCBA Bank Uganda, Mr. Phrase Lubega Managing Director of MTN Mobile Money (U) Limited, and Dr Maggie Kigozi, the Board Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF). Representatives from partner institutions and sponsors for this year’s Marathon were also present to witness the lively flag-off ceremony.
Welcoming the dignitaries who convened in the Vice Chancellor (VC)’s Boardroom, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe echoed Makerere University‘s commitment and deep appreciation for the high-level government and private sector support received during the Marathon.
He reiterated that the institution feels privileged to host the Speaker of Parliament and the Chancellor, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, thanking them for their dedication to flagging off the runners despite the heavy downpour.
The same dedication was on full display throughout all race categories up to the finish line. Large crowds lined the university road sides, cheering wildly, blowing trumpets, and waving flags as the runners made their final sprint. Tired but smiling runners crossed the finish line one after the other, raising their hands in victory.
Impact of the Mak Marathon on Disability Support Centre
The Marathon serves as more than just a sports activity, it comes in as a conduit for institutional progress and student empowerment.
During the Speaker Rt. Hon. Oboth’s guided tour of the Disability Support Centre, the Manager, Ms. Elizabeth Rwabu acknowledged that so far, proceeds from the Marathon have directly transformed their services.
She elaborated, “the Makerere Marathon has been the primary driver of our growth as a centre, allowing us to support approximately one hundred and fifty-five students who rely on our services.”
The highlight of the delegation of distinguished guests and runners visit was a guided tour of the Center’s facilities, where technologies so far secured were displayed and existing as well as future needs were put forth.
She pointed out an all-in-one printer, explaining, “this printer is special because it has regular print. We also use it for large print… and scanning.”
She highlighted the machine used for tactile learning, saying, “we have an embosser here. And when students have their soft copy and hard copy notes, they bring them to the center, and we transcribe them to braille format.”
She also described the emergency solution for mobility, stating, “we also procured electric wheelchairs, which students with disabilities can actually borrow and use.”
Among students who added their voice to Ms. Rwabu’s was Ms. Catherine Nakibuuka, Chairperson of the Makerere University Disability Students Association. She is a student with visual impairment pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) who volunteered to explain to the Speaker how important some of the machines current in use are;
1. Eye Magnifier – This is a complex machine used to magnify small prints. It assists students who have visual impairments and rely on large print to read.
2. Focus Blue 40 – This is a modern device used for taking notes. It replaces older, large, and noisy Braille machines. It is portable enough to fit in a bag, making it suitable for use in meetings or courtrooms. Additionally, it can connect to a computer to display the Braille information on a screen, allowing sighted individuals to see what the user is reading.
Ms. Nakibuuka expressed deep gratitude for the support received through the Endowment Fund, Makerere University, and the organizers of the Marathon.
She stated, “We love these things,” noting that the Makerere Marathon’s goal to support the center makes education more inclusive.
The sharing by staff and students at the centre moved Dr Maggie Kigozi, who in turn appreciated them noting that “I’m glad to hear we are being useful as the Makerere Endowment Fund” and pledged that the Fund “will continue to work with the centre until they achieve more.”
Institutional Vision
The Chairperson of the Makerere University Council Dr. Lorna Magara acknowledged that the current Student with Disability Support Centre space may not be enough for the entire university.
In the spirit of remedying this, she shared that, “one of our goals is to have these centers in every other department of the university.”
“If we can have four or five or even maybe in every Hall of Residence, a smaller unit like this, then students with disabilities don’t have to walk long distances, that’s our target,” Dr. Magara explained.
Rt. Hon. Oboth Commends Makerere for the Marathon and Inclusivity
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth thanked the leadership for the Marathon, stating, “we want to thank the leadership of this university for innovative leadership that has brought the sixth Makerere Marathon to fruition.” He added that it is “gaining traction and momentum” and is “going a long way in creating awareness for persons with disability and its other yearly themes.”
While touring the Disability Centre at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Rt. Hon. Oboth addressed the students with disabilities, and emphasised a distinction between sympathy and compassion, noting, “what the students with disability need is not our sympathy. you need our compassion. You need the support. Sympathy will not help because it varies, but compassion remains.”
Regarding Parliamentary support, the Speaker made an individual contribution and also pledged, “as Parliament of Uganda, we are here to support the cause.”
He specifically invited the University to partner with Parliament for future events, saying, “we want to further pledge that for the next Marathon, please work with us through the Clerk of Parliament, so that we can take center stage.”
On a lighter note, he encouraged the students with disability to persevere, remarking, “after all, Makerere University is built on a hill, so every day you climb the hill, you are breaking a barrier. So take those barriers as a hill you are breaking.”
Makerere Marathon from a Student with Disability’s Perspective
Nalumansi Sharon, a student with disability in her third-year pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Psychology secured first place in the 3-kilometer wheelchair race. Beyond her athletic success, Sharon is a passionate advocate for fellow students with disabilities.
In an interview with Makerere Public Relations team, Sharon confessed that her personal motivation to participate in this event was the appreciation of challenges faced by persons with disabilities and desire to contribute to causes that support her peers.
“It feels good to be part of this mobilisation because I also have a disability, and I feel good if I do something that will help my other colleagues,” Sharon confessed.
She added that Makerere University‘s hilly terrain makes mobility difficult but with resilience, students with disability can overcome. She urged donors to contribute toward electric wheelchairs, which would significantly improve students’ ability to study and navigate campus.
Sharon therefore appreciated the Makerere University Endowment Fund for bringing together sponsors and the general public to raise funds for the betterment lives of students with disability at Makerere.
As the conversation deepened, Sharon praised the Makerere Disability Support Center for providing an environment where students with disability can complete coursework, receive guidance, and access printing services, allowing them to focus on their studies without unnecessary distractions.
She concluded by praying that God blesses all who pool their resources for the good of Persons with Disability.
Sponsors’ Inspiration to partner and support Mak Students with Disability
Speaking at the launch on July 1, 2026, Mr. Mark Muyobo, the Chief Executive Officer of NCBA, the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere Marathon, highlighted that the partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of education to shape the future.
He said “our partnership with Makerere University is founded on a shared conviction that education remains one of the greatest investments any nation can make. For generations, Makerere has produced leaders, innovators and professionals who continue to shape Uganda and Africa. Supporting its future is an investment in our country’s future.”
In an interview, the Managing Director Mr. Phrase Ronald Lubega emphasized that MTN Mobile Money is driven by the belief that every Ugandan deserves the benefit of a modern quality of life.
He stated that MTN aims to positively impact communities within Uganda, ensuring they are healthy, supported, and progressing. By focusing on these areas, the company believes they help communities serve the country more effectively.
Beyond their core mobile money services, Lubega highlights the importance of connecting people through initiatives like sports, which help individuals integrate and network. He explained that these connections are essential for innovation and moving forward.
Organised through the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) together with partners, this 6th edition will equip Makerere University’s Disability Support Centre and provide students with disabilities with assistive equipment that enables them to read, type, and hear university assignments and participate more fully in academic life.
This initiative reflects Makerere’s commitment to ensuring that disability does not become a barrier to accessing quality university education.
Photography by Benite Uwase, Public Relations Office, Makerere University
View Flickr Album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD68fW
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