General
UNDP and JNLC hold training in Fort Portal: Participants equipped with skills in Advocacy and Gender Equality, Team Building, Inclusive Leadership, and Financial Literacy
By Charles Iga
Fort Portal-Uganda: On 5th December 2025, more than 70 emerging leaders convened to participate in the second day of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) comprehensive leadership training for youth, young women and local councilors.
Hosted at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) in Fort Portal, the training focused on deepening the leadership skills of young leaders as they navigate the increasingly complex governance and development landscape.
Building on the knowledge acquired during the first day of the workshop, on the second day (5th December 2025), the participants engaged in interactive sessions covering problem-solving, team building, advocacy, gender equality, media literacy, self-marketing, and financial literacy in leadership.
The discussions challenged the young leaders to sharpen their mindsets, broaden their spheres of influence, and strengthen their capacity to champion inclusive and sustainable community development.
Advocacy and Gender Equality: Understanding gender dynamics and women acceptance in leadership
Delivering an informative presentation titled, Advocacy and Gender Equality: Understanding Gender Dynamics and Women’s Acceptance in Leadership, the Guest Speaker- Professor Consolata Kabonesa highlighted that women remain underrepresented in leadership due to entrenched power structures shaped by societal norms and cultural traditions.
Professor Kabonesa emphasized that leadership depends not only on individual ability, but also on the systems that determine who is recognized and legitimized as a leader.
“The roles of women in leadership remain under-represented because power is shaped and perpetuated by societal norms and traditions that socialize women and men differently. These norms influence how leadership roles are assumed and who is considered legitimate to lead,” she explained.
How Socialization Shapes Leadership Pathways of Boys and Girls
Professor Kabonesa highlighted that socialization shapes leadership opportunities, with boys typically encouraged to be assertive, while girls are guided towards empathy and collaboration. This unequal conditioning reinforces gender stereotypes, often undermining women’s authority and sustaining male-dominated leadership structures. She advocated for mentorship as a vital tool, illustrating how role models help girls balance assertiveness with empathy.
She noted that early participation in councils, debates, and leadership roles develops skills, challenges biases, and empowers girls to pursue leadership in traditionally male-dominated fields. She articulated that integrating discussions on gender dynamics into educational curricula equips young girls to recognize and challenge societal norms that limit their potential, while fostering resilience against the discouragements they may face.
Inclusive Leadership: Engaging both Women and Men
Professor Kabonesa articulated that achieving gender equality in leadership is not solely an issue for women, but a collective responsibility. She underscored that balancing participation between men and women fosters mutual understanding, shared accountability, and collaborative problem-solving. She pointed out that inclusive leadership models prevent the isolation of women’s perspectives, ensures all voices are heard, and ultimately contribute to stronger, more equitable, and sustainable leadership that reflects the diversity and potential of society.
“Balancing participation across genders is critical. It helps us understand gender issues collectively, prevents the isolation of women’s experiences, and encourages men and women to address biases together. This approach will ensure that women are not left behind and will foster inclusive leadership models that benefit society as a whole.”
Leading within the Existing Leadership Structures
Expounding on the existing leadership structures and the power of relationships, Mr. Henry Kasacca, the Director of Dialogue and Democracy, explained that people support leaders not for their titles, but for the meaningful connections they build. He stated that effective leadership depends on listening, connecting, and collaborating across diverse spaces. “Leadership is not about the title you hold; it is about the relationships you build. There are people who will support you simply because you have invested time in connecting with them,” he said.
Mr. Kasacca stressed that leaders must navigate the organizational power structures by understanding where influence lies and how decisions are made. He noted that strategic thinking, long-term planning, and aligning ideas with action are key to effective leadership, while qualities such as listening, collaboration, kindness, and clarity of purpose are essential for achieving meaningful organizational and community impact.
He urged participants to maintain a clear vision, develop well-crafted plans addressing both immediate and long-term needs, and combine relationship-building with an understanding of power dynamics to become effective, and inclusive change-makers.
Strategic Thinking: Decision making and Problem Solving Techniques
Guiding participants on strategic thinking for decision-making and problem-solving techniques for effective leadership, Ms. Allen Baguma, a facilitator at JNLC and Founder of the Future Learning Centre (FLC) emphasized that strong leadership is anchored in intentional thinking, clear judgment, and the ability to translate vision into well-considered action.
“A strong team is built on clearly defined roles, an understanding of team dynamics, and psychological safety. When people feel safe to speak, contribute ideas, and make mistakes without fear, teams perform better,” she said.
Building Strong Teams through Clarity and Trust
Ms. Baguma emphasized the importance of clearly defined roles within teams, explaining that role clarity enhances accountability, minimizes conflict, and boosts overall performance. She observed that effective leadership requires understanding of team dynamics and fostering psychological safety, where members feel valued, respected, and confident to share ideas without fear of judgment.
She added that effective team building fosters social interaction, a sense of belonging, and a shared pro-social purpose. She noted that teams perform best when individuals are united by common goals and mutual trust.
Leadership growth across the five (5) levels
Citing John Maxwell’s five levels of leadership namely position, permission, production, people development, and pinnacle, Ms. Baguma explained that leadership growth is a progressive journey, moving from reliance on position to influence built through relationships, results, people development, and ultimately, value-based leadership that inspires others beyond formal structures.
Applying Strategic Thinking to Real-Life Challenges
Ms. Baguma guided participants through a practical exercise on strategic thinking, tasking them to identify personal challenges, explore innovative solutions, and evaluate their feasibility and impact. The exercise highlighted the importance of strategic decision-making in enabling leaders to address both personal and community challenges effectively.
Team Building for Effective Leadership
Mr. Ronald Ssazi, a facilitator and leadership trainer revealed that leadership extends beyond authority and depends on creating genuine connections. He stressed that building a strong and committed team involves engagement of members, which emotionally sparks curiosity and draws people in.
Mr. Ssazi explained that storytelling bridges attention to understanding. He illustrated this with the story of the youngest king of the Toro Kingdom, crowned at the age of three and now navigating life as a father at 33. Such narratives, he observed, showcase growth, resilience, and cultural awareness, humanizing leaders and making leadership relatable. “Leadership is not merely a title, but a journey of responsibility and influence,” he said.
He emphasized that leadership thrives in communities. Effective leaders, he explained, consistently share updates, insights, and experiences with their teams. Strategic use of social media, for example, allows leaders to post short, regular updates capturing daily activities, which builds a loyal and engaged audience that evolves into a network supporting initiatives, sharing knowledge, and amplifying impact.
“Leadership is not solitary; it thrives in communities. Effective leaders consistently share updates, insights, and experiences with their teams and followers. When used strategically, social media becomes a powerful tool for team building,” he said.
Preserving Culture while embracing modernity and team building
Mr. Ssazi highlighted that modern leaders have unprecedented resources at their disposal. He explained that tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), social media analytics, and online platforms can be used to strengthen teams. AI, he noted, can help craft content that resonates with audiences and analyze engagement to refine communication strategies. He stressed that leaders who effectively harness these tools can expand their reach and influence while remaining authentic and true to their values.
Mr. Ssazi emphasized that effective leadership balances modern strategies with cultural preservation, using community history and traditions. “Team building and leadership are about values and vision, balancing modern strategies with cultural heritage to foster pride, cohesion, and inspired and well-rounded teams.”
He stated that whereas true leadership is demonstrated through action, effective team building requires creation of genuine opportunities for participation and contribution. “Leaders who share opportunities, invite collaboration, and encourage feedback, transform their teams into active contributors,” he said. He added that assessing engagement, adapting strategies, and celebrating achievements fosters a culture of involvement and accountability.
Media Literacy: Promoting and Marketing Leadership through Social Media
Describing digital competence as an essential leadership skill, Mr. Ivan Ssegawa Sebastian, rallied participants to effectively utilize social media to promote and market their leadership roles and activities. He observed that most of the participants had smartphones, and were using social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Noting that the key challenge was not access, he challenged the participants on the intentional, responsible and strategic use of social media tools.
Mr. Ssegawa underscored the influence of social media, citing its vast global and national reach and its role in driving social and political movements. He described the Internet as a new battleground for leadership visibility, and provided guidance on the ethical use of artificial intelligence. He tipped the participants on authentic personal branding and effective content creation using emotion, story-telling, and a clear call to action.
Financial Literacy in Leadership: Managing financial resources for Effective leadership
Mr. David Nyaribi, Specialist at ActionAid International, explored the vital connection between financial literacy and effective leadership. During this session, Mr. Nyaribi focused on equipping participants with essential skills to manage financial resources effectively, both at a personal level, and in leadership roles.
He reminded participants that every leader must navigate the reality of unlimited wants and limited resources—especially time and money. “You may acquire more possessions in life,” he cautioned, “but time once lost is gone forever.”
He described the four dimensions that every human being must manage namely physical, cognitive, spiritual, and socio-economic. He emphasized that the socio-economic aspect, which includes financial capacity, is inseparable from leadership. Quoting Tony Robbins, he reiterated: “You either master money, or money masters you.”
The Flight Analogy: How Financial Choices Shape Life Stages
Mr. Nyaribi used a flight analogy to indicate how financial decisions shape life’s stages. From Preparation (0–20 years), building values, skills, and education, to Take-off (20–30 years), where career choices and earnings begin. Stability (30–50 years) is for investing and building systems, Descent (50–60 years) for consolidating and planning succession, and Landing (70+ years) for reflection and enjoying the results.
Impressed that most of the participants in the UNDP-JNLC leadership training workshop were in the preparation or take-off stages, Mr. Nyaribi advised them to invest in education, skills, and self-development. “Many people struggle later because they wasted their take-off stage,” he revealed.
Pillars of Personal Finance every leader must master
Mr. Nyaribi reminded the participants that financial literacy is not just a personal asset, but a leadership necessity. Underscoring the power of discipline and mindset, he urged young leaders to focus on both earning money and building true wealth-assets that empower them to uplift their communities. Mr. Nyaribi highlighted five (5) core financial principles that are essential for responsible leadership:
- Earning through either services or products;
- Saving first as a disciplined priority rather than keeping what remains after spending;
- Investing to turn savings into income-generating assets;
- Spending wisely to avoid living beyond one’s means; and
- Protecting gains through careful planning and accountability.
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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