General
JNLC-JICA Symposium advocates for Inclusive Governance: Amplifies debate on revisiting African-style Governance
During the Julius Nyerere Leadership Training Centre (JNLC) in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) symposium held on 9th December 2025 at Makerere University, a strong voice emerged, as over 70 participants, advocated for inclusive governance. “No one should be left behind. For inclusive governance to take shape, everyone should be involved. Women and youth should be included and empowered to participate in, every stage of the governance cycle.”
Focusing on the theme, Revisiting African-style Governance: Fostering an Inclusive Society where Women and Youth can Thrive, the JNLC-JICA symposium provided a platform to the participants to discuss and critique western democracy, colonialism, patriarchy, cultural ideologies and practice, as well as, African-style democracy, through the following topics:
- Driving sustainable peace and growth in Africa: Realizing a society where women and youth can thrive
- The values and institutions of Inclusive African governance: From the perspectives of gender, generation and regionality
- The potential of African-style democracy and peace-building unleashed by women and youth.
The symposium presented to the participants an inter and cross generational flow of ideas from JICA experts and researchers, the Nomura Foundation, the JNLC leadership and experienced instructors, scholars from Makerere University Department of Political Science and Public Administration, young leaders, women, students and JNLC alumni.
The highly interactive symposium featured five sessions including the plenary, four sessions tackling to carefully selected topics aligned with the theme, and closing remarks, which provided a reflection and wrap-up. With each session having a chairperson, presenters, a discussant, and a question and answer segment, the participants listened, learned, discussed and exchanged ideas on inclusive governance.
To set the pace for the day’s engagement, the symposium kicked off, with a plenary session. Chaired by Dr. Julius Kiiza, an Associate Professor at Makerere University Department of Political Science and Public Administration, the powerful and informative session brought on board Mr. Yoichi Inoue-the JICA Uganda Chief Representative who delivered the opening remarks, two key note speakers namely Dr. Adem Seifudein and Ms. Jackline Nasiwa, and the discussant – Dr. Suzie Nansozi K. Muwanga-the Executive Director of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre
Japan and Uganda: A Partnership for Shared Progress
Opening the symposium, Mr. Inoue Yoichi, Chief Representative of JICA Uganda, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, describing the partnership as a bridge between academic excellence and practical development. He highlighted Uganda’s governance, resilience, and education experiences as lessons for cross-regional learning with Japan and beyond.
“Uganda has long been a treasured development partner. JICA’s cooperation in Uganda spans many decades and covers a wide range of sectors. Together with our Ugandan counterparts, we have worked to build vital infrastructure, from roads that connect communities to electricity networks that power growth,” Mr. Yoichi said.
He emphasized the importance of youth engagement, noting their creativity and energy as critical to sustaining the symposium’s ideas.
“By including students and young professionals in our conversation, we ensure that this dialogue remains forward-looking, amplifies the voices of the next generation, and sustains the impact of the ideas shared at the symposium,” he stated.
Africa’s Youth and Women: Driving Change
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Adem Seifudein, Research Fellow at the JICA Ogata-Sadako Research Institute, focused on Numericalism as well as Female and Youth Empowerment in Africa. He highlighted that Africa’s youthful population—70% under the age of 30—is both a demographic majority and a global force yet to fully convert into political and developmental power.
“Destiny does not automatically translate into dividends. Empowerment must be deliberate, especially for women and the youth,” he guided, urging transformation that respects historical and cultural realities.
Dr. Adem emphasized youth roles in reimagining leadership, digital activism, and peacebuilding. “You are the ones who will advance the peace of tomorrow. The future of Africa- its governments, justice and peace, rests not in distant institutions, but in your hands, in your imagination, and in your actions. You are the peacebuilders,” he said.
African Women at the Forefront
Ms. Jackline Nasiwa, Executive Director of the Center for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice in South Sudan, highlighted the role of women and youth in governance, describing Africa’s youthful population as a source of innovation and civic engagement. She reaffirmed women’s contributions across peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, and leadership, citing pioneers such as Dr. Specioza Wandera Kazibwe – the first female Vice President in Africa, Dr. Wangari Maathai – First African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – Africa’s first elected female head of state, Joyce Banda – Malawi’s first female president, and Ameenah Gurib-Fakim – Mauritius’ first female president.
“We need to celebrate our African women leaders because when women rise, nations rise,” Ms. Nasiwa declared.
She outlined reforms for inclusive governance: gender-sensitive systems, investment in education, economic empowerment, and leadership development for women and youth.
“The future of African governance and development depends on the empowerment of women and youth in every nation and community. When both are included, society becomes stronger, more united and resilient,” she said.
Unpacking Structural Barriers to Inclusion
Addressing the participants, Dr. Nansozi Muwanga pointed out some of the entrenched obstacles that sustain exclusion including limited access to decision-making spaces, the persistence of patronage politics, and social norms reinforcing gendered and generational hierarchies. She added that economic exclusion remains a critical, yet often an ignored constraint. With reference to Uganda’s political landscape, she stated that the high cost of contesting for leadership places meaningful participation beyond the reach of most of the young aspirants.
“In today’s Uganda, running for a political position requires enormous financial resources—often running into billions of shillings for posters, facilitation, and other campaign costs. Realistically, how many young people can raise that kind of money just to secure a chance at leadership?
Women at the Heart of Africa’s Governance Future
Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga noted that although Africa’s population is both young and predominantly female, women remain underrepresented in governance. She highlighted the longstanding contributions of Ugandan women—from national speakers to cabinet leaders—and emphasized that the challenge has never been a lack of capable women, but rather their limited inclusion in governance structures in meaningful ways. She argued that excluding women and youth fundamentally undermines peacebuilding, economic transformation, and social cohesion.
Rethinking Governance through African Wisdom
Drawing from traditional African governance models, Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga underscored the relevance of consensus-building and distributed leadership. She noted that African societies historically valued collective decision-making, involving elders, clans, women, and youth. She suggested that these indigenous principles offer lessons for modern leadership, particularly in designing systems that reflect demographic realities rather than sidelining them.
“Consensus-building which is collective decision-making is part and parcel of African traditional governance systems. The second is distributed leadership. By this we mean leadership is not vested in one person but in a network of elders, clans, women leaders, youth, and age-set structures spread across society and able to provide the guidance needed for governance,” she said.
Charting Pathways to Inclusive Governance
Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga proposed pathways for building inclusive societies, including gender-responsive budgeting, genuine youth representation, strengthened decentralization, and transforming social norms through cultural and religious engagement. She emphasized cross-generational dialogue and economic empowerment; providing access to finance, market-linked skills, and support for youth-led enterprises—as essential for meaningful participation.
“Economic empowerment means supporting young entrepreneurs, skilling them in ways linked to labor markets rather than random training, and giving them access to finance—not only for supposedly important sectors but also for innovative ideas, for both young women and young men,” she remarked.
Dr. Muwanga argued that the path forward lies in reconnecting power to the very people it is intended to serve; young women and young men who make up the overwhelming majority of Africa’s population. For governance to be credible and sustainable, she noted, it must reflect the continent’s demographic and social realities.
Symposium Sessions
The symposium convened scholars, young leaders, civil society actors, and practitioners from Uganda, Japan, and beyond for three dialogue sessions that blended global perspectives with African realities, providing a platform to examine the structures, opportunities, and challenges shaping Africa’s peace and governance.
Session 1: Driving Sustainable Peace and Growth in Africa
Chaired by Associate Professor Paul Omach-Head of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Makerere University, the panel consisted of Ms. Hope Namulindwa, Ms. Dorothy Nakamya Namigadde, Mr. Denis Olupot, Dr. Anna Ninsiima, Dr. Hiroki Nakamura and Mr. Charles Tweheyo as the discussant.
The discussion examined how Africa can create a society where women and youth fully participate and thrive as equal partners in development. Speakers addressed the structural and economic pressures young people face especially unemployment and how these challenges influence political engagement, social stability, and innovation. Reflections also highlighted the increasing empowerment of young women in Uganda, linking their progress to the long-standing role of African women in peacebuilding and economic development. Overall, the session underscored women as historic and contemporary frontline actors, with today’s young women positioned as heirs to that legacy.
Session 2: The Values and Institutions of Inclusive African Governance
Chaired by Associate Professor Paul Omach, the panel consisted of Ms. Mary Sora Deng, Dr. Joel Isabirye, Mr. Charles Tweheyo, Mr. Takashi Nagutsuji and Dr. Natsuko Imai as the discussant.
The session examined how governance systems influence inclusion across gender, generation, and regional lines. Presenters noted the gradual rise of women in political leadership, while acknowledging that increased representation has not fully dismantled patriarchal norms. Drawing on historical East African practices that emphasized collective responsibility and community leadership, the discussion explored how modern institutions can connect generations, blend traditional and formal governance, and bring marginalized groups into national decision-making. The session emphasized that true inclusion must go beyond rhetoric—it requires intentional structures, resources, and meaningful reforms.
Session 3: Reimagining Democracy and Peacebuilding through Women and Youth
Chaired by Associate Professor Julius Kiiza, the panel consisted of Dr. Jackie Nakaiza, Mr. Mpamize Rwamigamba, Dr. Julius Niringiyimana, Dr. Natsuko Imai-Kaneyama, and Dr. Joel Isabirye as the discussant.
The final session focused on integrating women and youth into leadership, exploring concepts such as vanhucracy, and bridging traditional and modern governance. Presenters traced East Africa’s strides in including women in peace and security processes and reflected on why the youth political bloc, despite its numerical advantage has struggled to gain traction in regional governance structures.
Closing Remarks: Participants urged to continue the dialogue on inclusive governance
Dr. Justus Twesigye, Dean of the School of Social Sciences at Makerere University, stressed that peace, inclusive governance, values, and sustainable growth lie at the heart of humanities and social sciences and should not be overshadowed by emerging technologies.
Dr. Twesigye commended the organizers for their vision and leadership in convening the symposium and expressed confidence that the partnerships and insights gained would continue to advance governance, inclusion, and sustainable development across Africa.
Commending the participants upon their active participation in the symposium, Dr. Twesigye stated that the wonderful ideas and insights would be shared with the University management and key stakeholders for further action.
He called for continued dialogue through academic and digital platforms, highlighted the importance of mentoring youth, and reaffirmed the central role of women and young people in building an inclusive society.
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
On Saturday, 5th September 2026, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs urged the Makerere University community to actively engage in local philanthropy as a vital way to support vulnerable members of our society. Prof. Ssali shared this message during the Community Open Day for Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, where Prof. Claire Mack Mugasa, Dean of the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnology, and Laboratory, represented her and served as the guest of honour.
At the event attended by Mastercard Foundation Scholars (Mak Students and Alumni), mentors, partners, and the broader university community, Prof. Ssali emphasised the importance of giving back to the community. She expressed her appreciation for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, highlighting their commitment to generosity. Prof. Ssali encouraged the entire university community to adopt similar practices, fostering a culture of social responsibility that shall positively influence and uplift surrounding communities.
“We gather here today not simply for an event, but for a statement of intent. The Community Open Day is a platform built on the conviction that education, paired with a spirit of national service, can transform not only individual lives but entire communities,” Prof. Ssali remarked. “I therefore call upon the Makerere University community to embrace the spirit of giving back to our communities. It is one of the ways through which the university will positively impact the less advantaged amongst us,” Prof. Ssali added.
Ms. Maria Mugerwa, the Head of Finance at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, who represented the Foundation at the event, emphasised that giving back to the community is at the core of everything the Foundation does.
“I thank you, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars community at Makerere University, for bringing us together for this Community Open Day, one of the activities that sits at the heart of Mastercard Foundation: using opportunities to create opportunities for others.” Ms. Mugerwa remarked.
“Today is about community, connection and giving back. Giving back doesn’t require big projects or significant resources; it simply requires identifying a problem in your community and asking yourself what I can do about it.” Ms. Mugerwa pointed out.
Rotarian Francis Wangi, the day’s keynote speaker, reminded the scholars and guests present of the importance of giving back to the community. He noted that individuals’ success is tied to others’ well-being.
“Let us always think about others: ‘I am because we are.’ Our individual success is tied to the well-being of our neighbours, our villages, and our nation.” Wangi noted.
Mr. Wangi reminded the gathering that giving back to the community was not an act of Charity; rather, it was a fundamental responsibility of leadership.
“Giving back to the less advantaged in our communities is not an act of charity; it is a fundamental responsibility of leadership. True influence is measured by how much we lift others as we rise.” Wangi emphasized.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, represented by Ms. Jolly Okumu, stated that the Foundation considers education as equipping and empowering transformative leaders, a means to prepare young people to use their skills and networks for meaningful contributions to their communities.
“The Mastercard Foundation believes that education goes beyond acquiring knowledge and qualifications; it is also about developing young people who are prepared to apply their knowledge, skills and networks to contribute meaningfully to their communities.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
Prof. Namaalwa applauded the Mastercard Foundation Scholars (Mak Students and Alumni) for embracing the spirit of giving back through tangible community projects. Highlighting that the community open day was an opportunity to celebrate the community impact to date and launch a journey of change for yet another disadvantaged community.
“As we gather today, we celebrate the long-term community impact through the many transformative projects delivered since 2015, and we, the Scholars Program Community at Makerere University, are here to continue on the same journey with yet another community; we are here to demonstrate that every individual has something to offer in the transformation of our communities,” Prof. Namaalwa noted.
Mr Paul Wandera Makhulo, the Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Association at Makerere University, used the occasion to remind his fellow young people of the importance of giveback as one of the ethos of Mastercard Foundation.
“To my fellow Scholars, I make a special appeal: Let us own Giveback. Let us not see it as an initiative belonging only to your nominated Executive Committee or the Giveback Committee; let us see it as our responsibility as Scholars.” Wandera pointed out.
Mr. Elphas Khamala, the representative of the Scholars Council and Chairperson of the Giveback Committee, used the event to raise awareness of the 2026 Scholars Giveback Project. He said the project aims to raise UGX 86 million to build a two-classroom block with 60 bench desks, improve sanitation by constructing a ventilated pit latrine, and install a water-harvesting system at Eastern Gate Nursery and Primary School in Amuru District.
The school is in Pacilo parish, Atiak subcounty, Amuru district, about 8-10 km from the South Sudan border. It was established in 2023 as a community initiative and has not received external funding. It currently has about 164 learners, from nursery to Primary Seven, and 10 teachers, including children from the refugee communities.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and its partner initiative, the Africa Climate Collaborative, organised the Scholars Community Open Day in collaboration with DFCU Bank and other partners, including FINCA Bank, Tamani Solutions, and Katumba Estates.
Held under the theme “Together for Impact: Celebrating Innovations and Giveback,” the event brought together Scholars (Mak Students and Alumni), the university community, partners, and members of the public to celebrate community initiatives and gather support for the 2026 Scholars’ Annual Day of Service.
Of the targeted UGX 86 million, undergraduate and graduate Scholars and Program Team members will raise at least UGX 30 million, while the remaining funds will be mobilised from partners; university leadership and alumni are expected to mobilise the remainder. The funds will finance a two-classroom block estimated at UGX 63.5 million, 60 bench desks at UGX 6 million, a staff latrine at UGX 8 million, and a 10,000-litre water tank with a water-harvesting system estimated at UGX 8.5 million.
Background
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program began its first phase in 2013 at Makerere University, marking the start of an impactful partnership. In 2023, this collaboration was renewed with the launch of Phase Two of the Scholars Program. Central to this initiative are activities focused on community engagement and giving back, which play a vital role in fostering leadership development among scholars.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communication and Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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