UN-backed initiative equips Ugandan youth with skills for transformative leadership

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Young leaders from across Uganda have called for more structured leadership development programmes to equip emerging leaders with the skills needed for accountable governance and effective service delivery.

The appeal came during a three-day training of trainers workshop on volunteerism, civic engagement, and leadership, organised by the United Nations Association of Uganda (UNA-Uganda) at Ministers Village Hotel in Kampala on Thursday. The initiative aims to equip youth leaders with practical skills to mentor peers in their institutions and communities.

"Many people in leadership positions have taken their roles for granted," said Jemima Ainembabazi, head of the UNA-Uganda Makerere Business School Chapter. 

"Someone contests for a position, gets elected, and forgets why they wanted it. There is misuse of resources. And while I don't mean to attack anyone, there is clearly a gap in training."

Ainembabazi said there is need to address a critical leadership deficit affecting both public institutions and community organisations. "There should be more training on how to manage authority responsibly when it is given."

Ampi Ampaire, chairperson of the UNA-Uganda Makerere University Chapter, emphasised the importance of equipping leaders with key competencies such as teamwork, evidence-based decision-making, and resource mobilisation. She noted that securing support for community-impact projects may appear straightforward, but it requires a clear understanding of the processes involved.

 “Things like lobbying for resources to implement community-impact projects may seem simple, but they require proper understanding,” she said.

 “Effective leadership must begin with accurate problem identification, not assumptions about community needs.”

Around 80 young leaders from universities and civil society organisations are participating in the cohort, with modules focused on communication, transformative leadership, civic engagement, and volunteerism.

Samantha Kungu, who facilitated the training, said the programme targets a new generation of competent, values-driven leaders. Notably, about 70 per cent of participants are women — a deliberate effort to address gender disparities in leadership.

"We want inclusive development, and that can only happen if women are at the decision-making table."

Kungu, however, cautioned that empowerment efforts should not overlook young men. "We need balanced approaches that uplift all youth without leaving the boy child behind."

Scaling impact through partnerships

Richard Baguma Tinkasiimire, secretary general of UNA-Uganda, said the initiative is being implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and brings together university students and recent graduates to reflect on leadership challenges within the context of sustainable development.

“We are discussing leadership experiences, the challenges young people face, and possible solutions — all anchored in Uganda’s development priorities, the African Union agenda, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Baguma.

He emphasised that the core objective is to cultivate a critical mass of young leaders grounded in integrity, accountability, and service. "We are building a cohort of confident, competent young people willing to sacrifice and lead with hope and integrity."

Baguma also highlighted the urgency of intentional youth interventions, citing concerns about negative leadership role models in society.

"We have not always provided positive examples for young people to aspire to. Targeted interventions are necessary to equip them with the skills and mindset to become pro-development leaders."

UNA-Uganda says the initiative will continue building a pipeline of youth leaders equipped to contribute meaningfully to governance, civic engagement, and community transformation nationwide.

Additional training cohorts are planned for the coming months as UNA-Uganda and UNDP scale up efforts to expand youth participation in national development processes.

As participants conclude the workshop, they prepare to cascade their newly acquired knowledge to peers and communities — turning training into tangible impact.