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.
General
Makerere Marks 2026 International Day of Persons with Disability – Lord Mayor Balimwezo Delivers Keynote
Makerere University celebrated the 2026 International Day of Persons with Disability, with a message mobilising stakeholders to transition from policy formulation to implementation under the theme, “From Legislation to Action: Strengthening Disability Inclusion through Effective Policy Implementation in Higher Education.”
Held on November 05 2026 at Makerere University – Main Hall, the event evaluated current legal frameworks on inclusivity, identified persistent enforcement gaps, and accelerated concrete measures that can safeguard the rights and accessibility of persons with disability across Uganda.
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli the Dean of Students at Makerere University explained the reason for the event is to create increased awareness about the rights and needs of both students and staff with disabilities on campus.
She expressed that Makerere is intentional and decisive to the implementation of inclusive policies and practices.
“We have established a disability support center. This is a one-stop center for resources and services for both students and staff with disabilities, equipped with state-of-the-art assistive devices, to assist our students and staff with disability to integrate ably into the academic and social environment.”
She also noted that the University has provided caretakers, helpers, and sign language interpreters to students with disability. These are paid a salary, accommodated, and fed, and as well access university health services.
This shows effort that Makerere University is building for all abilities.
Lord Mayor Balimwezo’s Keynote Address
Delivering the keynote, His Worship Eng. Hon. Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo, the Lord Mayor for Kampala Capital City Authority started with a personal encounter of an accident that left him disabled. He appealed to fellow persons with disability, particularly the young people gathered at the event, to never consider themselves a burden to society. He added, “you are not a charity case. You are not less valuable because of your physical appearance. You are leaders, engineers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, artists, and public servants in the making.”
He encouraged them never to allow circumstances of birth or challenges encountered during life to determine the boundaries of their dreams. Confessing from his own situation he has had the privilege of standing on different platforms in Uganda and beyond, and his message has consistently been that persons with disability are equal, and capable of contributing to society.
To the University, Lord Mayor advised that every new building should be designed with universal accessibility in mind from the initial architectural drawings. He insisted that accessibility should never be an afterthought, requiring expensive modification.
Eng. Hon. Balimwezo encouraged management to continue strengthening partnership with development organisations and institutions committed to inclusive education. He commended partners like UNESCO, MasterCard Foundation and other partners and sincerely appreciated their contribution towards advancing inclusive education and expanding opportunities for young people with disabilities.
The Lord Mayor concluded by applauding all those that have benefited a person with a disability for he believes legacy is not how much money you have but rather how many lives you have changed. He made a call to action to each and everyone to make sure that we leave a legacy.
Chairperson of Makerere University Council represented by Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, observed that the commemoration of this day by all persons present resonates well with Makerere’s enduring motto, ‘We build for the future.’
Building for the future means creating an inclusive university where everyone, regardless of disability, has equal opportunity to access education, participate and realise their full potential. He said we cannot genuinely claim to build for the future if members of our university community continue to encounter barriers to their full participation and learning ability.
He shared that as a globally recognised institution, Makerere will remain aligned with international commitments, particularly the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4 which emphasises quality of education, SDG 10 which emphasises reduction in inequalities and SDG 16 inclusive and accountability institutions.
Hon. Kidega, appreciated university management for its continued support and the commitment to advancing disability inclusion at this great University.
Checking National Progress with Inclusion
Prof. Zahara Nampewo, Deputy Dean School of Law moderated discussions on the theme. She highlighted Uganda’s efforts in legislating for persons with Disability, she said in 2008, we took a step by ratifying the UN Convention on Persons with Disabilities. That was 18 years ago. And Uganda had also earlier, two years before in 2006, enacted a law, a statute on persons with disabilities. That says a lot about us as a country, that we are committed to inclusion.
Hon. Laura Kanushu, a legislator, representing persons with disabilities in the parliament of Uganda commented that as a country, if we were to rate where we are in terms of inclusion of persons with disability, we might be at 15%, and that’s because we have not fully implemented those laws and policies.
She held tight on this opinion saying Uganda is one of those countries that is very quick to ratify international treaties and later domesticate them. Hon. Kanushu clarified that domestication requires, domesticating in the laws, domestication in terms of policies and also representation at all levels. “However, as a country, we do ratify very fast, but we never plan for implementation.”
Choose and Spread Inclusion not Sympathy
Mr. Daniel Elaju, a master’s student, shared his perspective on what true inclusion requires, emphasising that the foundation of progress lies in shared experience. He stated that, “lessons come from living with a disability, but not just living with people with disability. Because once you live with a disability, even when you are not disabled, you can be able to understand what state of life we people with disability are in.”
Daniel challenged the audience to look beyond the basics of entry because access alone is not enough they are also looking at participation. He said, “you have given me access, am I able to participate?” He questioned the adequacy of current support, asking, “Even when you have given me access to participate, is there reasonable accommodation for me to do whatever I have been given as a role.
In agreement, Ryan Hopper, Head of Physiotherapy at Hope Speaks, said when it comes to disability inclusion, especially in higher education, it is more than just putting a ramp here and making a change there. It’s more than that. It’s a change in mindset that starts with everyone.”
“So instead of being reactive to these students that are coming in and they have a disability that is calling for extra support, let us become proactive.” For someone with a disability is still deserving of love and still a human being that needs to be cared for.
Hon. Shakirah Akello, the Minister of Students with Disabilities in the Student Guild alluded to a story of the late Mr. Kapere to challenge the audience’s perception of disability and inclusion. She said, “recently, we lost a prominent comedian, Mr. Kapere.”
Kapere (real name Yokana Mbuuse) was a prominent Ugandan Comedian and Actor, born with distinctive facial features and a hearing impairment.
Hon. Akello highlighted his ability to live a full, integrated life, stating, “this gentleman got married,” and adding that he was “able to be so friendly, social, and interacted with lots of people.”
She concluded the story by emphasising his legacy: “Late Kapere was a man that was known, married with three children, and yet he had disability.” This served as a prompt for the audience to consider the broader question, “do you think without us including and supporting persons with disabilities, there can be development?” The question remains.
Makerere’s Commitment to Creating a Safer Environment for Persons with Disability
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali revealed this day provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements and contributions of persons with disability, but also to reflect on institutional responsibilities.
She shared a commitment on behalf of University management to support the shift from sympathy to structured transformation, and from charity to active agents in the life of persons with Disability. Dissecting the theme, Prof. Ssali encouraged us all to move beyond the mere existence of policies and legislation and demonstrate action that transforms the experiences of persons with disabilities at Makerere University, and beyond, as we have heard from the panel discussions.
Prof. Ssali concretised the Vice Chancellor’s message by highlighting that the call to make institutions and systems to work is not a call for persons with disabilities. It is a call for all of us. “As a University we reflect inclusion in the way, we teach, in the way we learn, conduct research, provide services, allocate resources, and govern the university.”
“Makerere University , remains dedicated to building an institution where excellence and inclusion reinforce each other on campus and also ensuring whatever – positive has happened in Makerere University happens in the world outside for inclusive settings,” Vice Chancellor pledged.
The commemoration ended with awards to stakeholders who have sacrificed to make a contribution to the welcome stay for persons with Disability at Makerere University and beyond.
General
Institutionalizing ORCID at Makerere University: Strengthening Researcher Identification, Visibility and Research Output Tracking
The Unit-Based ORCID Sensitization and System Capture of Researcher Identification Workshop was held on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, commencing at 9:00 a.m. at the Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University. The workshop was facilitated by the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU).
The workshop was opened by Prof. Robert Wamala – Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP). In his remarks, Prof. Wamala emphasised the importance of ORCID in strengthening researcher identification, improving the visibility and discoverability of Makerere University‘s research outputs, and ensuring accurate attribution of scholarly contributions.
Prof. Wamala highlighted the need to move beyond individual ORCID registration towards systematic institutional adoption, including the accurate capture and validation of researchers’ ORCID identifiers in relevant University information systems. He underscored the importance of coordinated implementation at unit level, recognising the critical roles of College Librarians, Library staff and the Directorate of Graduate Training in supporting ORCID adoption among academic staff, researchers and graduate students.
Prof. Wamala appreciated RENU for facilitating the engagement and encouraged participants to translate the knowledge gained into practical action within their respective units. The workshop marked an important step in Makerere University‘s efforts to strengthen researcher identification, improve research visibility and enhance the institutional management and tracking of scholarly outputs.
The opening session also featured remarks from the University Librarian Prof. Ruth Nalumaga and Dr. Cyprian Misinde, the Director of Quality Assurance, who underscored the importance of ORCID in strengthening research visibility, scholarly communication and institutional research information management. Their contributions highlighted the need for collaboration across the Library, Quality Assurance, Graduate Training and DRIP to support effective ORCID adoption and integration into University processes.
The workshop provided an opportunity to sensitise participants on ORCID and strengthen their capacity to support its adoption and system capture within their respective units. The participation of College Librarians, Library staff and the Directorate of Graduate Training was particularly strategic in supporting researchers and graduate students to establish and maintain their ORCID profiles.
The workshop was attended by College Librarians and Library Staff; Representatives from the Directorate of Graduate Training; Directorate of Quality Assurance and the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships. Their participation was intended to strengthen awareness, institutional coordination and practical support for ORCID adoption across the University.
The engagement, marked a collaborative step towards institutionalizing ORCID at Makerere University and strengthening the University’s capacity to identify, track and showcase its research contributions globally.
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