120 graduate in leadership as EU, Netherlands envoys call for political maturity

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A total of 120 Ugandan youths have graduated from the Uganda Democracy Academy (UDA).

The June 20, 2025, graduation at the Makerere University School of Public Health Auditorium came after a six-month fellowship in leadership and political dialogue.

The graduation was part of the two-day National Youth Symposium, themed around 20 years of multiparty politics in Uganda.

120 young Ugandans graduated from the Uganda Democracy Academy (UDA), marking the end of a transformative six-month fellowship in leadership and political dialogue. (Photo by John Musenze)

Funded by the European Union (EU), through the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), the UDA programme grooms young people from across political, ideological and regional divides to be principled, informed and inclusive leaders.

The graduation was a platform to inspire a new generation of political actors to uphold democratic values as Uganda approaches another election cycle.

Deputy head of the EU delegation in Uganda, Guillaume Chartrain, reminded the graduates that democracy is a continuous journey.

“Democracy is not a moment; it is a process — a slow, sometimes painful one,” Chartrain said. “That process must be inherited, challenged, and reimagined generation after generation. That is exactly what you are doing here.”

In his keynote speech Guillaume Chartrain, the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in Uganda, reminded the graduates that democracy is not a destination, but a continuous journey. (Photo by John Musenze)

Reflecting on Uganda’s political transition over the last two decades, Chartrain emphasised the need for intergenerational dialogue.

“Transmission across generations is essential. But it is not about nostalgia — it is about shared responsibility. Your willingness to listen to leaders like the Right Honourable Amama Mbabazi and Honourable Beatrice Anywar during this symposium shows that you are not conforming blindly but understanding deeply. That too is leadership.”

He further urged young people to nurture a culture of dialogue over denial. “Multiparty democracy is not just a legal framework — it’s a civic culture. Disagreements should be normalised, not demonised. Participation must be inclusive, not transactional. Institutions must be trusted, not bypassed,” he said.

Leadership often misunderstood

Chartrain said the leadership concept is often misunderstood.

“Leadership is not a performance; it is a responsibility. It is not about being admired but about uplifting others. Use your voice not just to be heard, but to help others be heard,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.

The EU official called on the graduates to be consistent, accountable and purpose-driven.

“Lead not for the spotlight, but for the institution. Not for the status, but for the service. Democracy is not downloaded — it is co-created.”

The Netherlands ambassador to Uganda Frederieke Quispel congratulated the fellows, describing their graduation as “not just a ceremony but a celebration of promise”.

“You are the bright sparks of Uganda’s democratic future,” she said. “This programme has shown what happens when passion, purpose, and political courage meet. And the Netherlands is proud to support this radical, hopeful space where young people from different political parties and regions come together — not to compete for dominance, but to build understanding.”

Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda Frederieke Quispel congratulated the fellows, describing their graduation as “not just a ceremony, but a celebration of promise. (Photo by John Musenze)

Quispel warned against divisive politics as Uganda heads into another electoral season.

“The temptation will be to retreat into political camps, to raise voices instead of raising ideas. I urge you to resist that. Be the generation that proves politics does not have to be a zero-sum game,” she said.

Humility and integrity 

She reminded the graduates of the importance of humility and integrity.

“Don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions, even to your own parties. Don’t be afraid to lead by example, even when it’s unpopular. Democracy is not just rule by the majority — it’s about majority rule that is just and that respects minorities.”

NIMD country director Primus Bahiigi pointed to the rise of populism, identity-based politics, disinformation, and political apathy in Uganda. 

“The politics we have today is still deeply-rooted in tribalism and a culture of divide and rule,” he said. “Democracy is failing not because it is flawed, but because we — the democrats — are failing it.”

NIMD Country Director Primus Bahiigi offered a sobering assessment of the state of democracy globally and in Uganda, pointing to the rise of populism, identity-based politics and disinformation. (Photo by John Musenze)

Despite the challenges, Bahiigi praised the progress of the Uganda Democracy Academy over the past three years.

“85% of previous cohorts are actively engaged in political spaces — some running for elective positions, others serving on youth councils and governance boards,” he said. “This shows that what we’re building is not just theory but a movement.”

He highlighted graduates who had gone on to receive international fellowships, lead community initiatives, and form alumni networks and university clubs that continue to spread democratic values. “You are living proof that the knowledge you have gained is globally competitive and locally transformative,” he said.

To the new graduates, Bahiigi said: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Pan-Africanism calls on us to unite across borders and build systems that reflect our values.”