Youth leaders in Uganda tipped on ethical governance, digital innovation
“Remain connected, keep learning, listen to your communities, and support one another. Your leadership journey has only just begun. As Mwalimu Julius Nyerere reminded us, leadership must ultimately be about people and their dignity. May this principle remain at the heart of your service, Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga said.
Opening the symposium, Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, Executive Director of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, alongside Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, the UNDP Resident Representative in Uganda, highlighted the urgent need to nurture integrity, visionary thinking, and administrative competence among the nation’s young political leadership.
KAMPALA - Hundreds of elected young leaders from across the country converged at Makerere University’s Food Science Auditorium today in Kampala for a high-level leadership symposium.
The meeting aimed at fostering ethical governance, leveraging digital tools, and addressing Uganda’s pressing youth unemployment challenge.
The day-long event, organised by the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, brought together local council leaders, Members of Parliament, civic representatives, and policy experts.
Opening the symposium, Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, Executive Director of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, alongside Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, the UNDP Resident Representative in Uganda, highlighted the urgent need to nurture integrity, visionary thinking, and administrative competence among the nation’s young political leadership.
“Remain connected, keep learning, listen to your communities, and support one another. Your leadership journey has only just begun. As Mwalimu Julius Nyerere reminded us, leadership must ultimately be about people and their dignity. May this principle remain at the heart of your service, she said.
She encouraged the youth leaders to carry forward the principles that were reflected on during the meeting.
“I encourage you to carry forward the principles we have reflected on today: purpose to guide you, integrity to ground you, innovation to help you find solutions, and technology to strengthen your connection with the people you serve,” she noted.
She emphasised that building public trust requires transparency, strict adherence to ethics, and a constant focus on solving grassroots challenges.
Governing in the digital age
A major focus of the morning session was the integration of modern technology into public administration.
Facilitated by digital and data expert Andrew Jombwe, the presentation on “Introduction to Al and Data-Driven Decision Making for Leaders” demonstrated how artificial intelligence and practical digital tools can enhance evidence-based policymaking, streamline community consultations, and improve service delivery
National youth Leaders were guided through responsible Al practices, privacy considerations, and practical strategies for using data to address constituent needs
The event also featured a panel discussion titled “Lessons I Wish I Knew When I First Entered Public Office,” moderated by Annet Mpabulungi Wakabi, UNDP Uganda’s Governance and Peace Team Leader.
Panellists included NRM Director of Information, Publicity, and Public Relations Emmanuel Lumala Dombo, former UNDP Resident Representative to Tanzania Christine Musisi, and Mukono South MP Robert Maseruka.
The session offered real-world perspectives on stakeholder management, cross-party coalition building, and institutionalising cross-political consensus to outlast individual elective terms.
The afternoon sessions centred on practical economic solutions and personal resilience.
A dedicated panel on “Addressing Youth Skills, Employability and Unemployment in Uganda”, moderated by Prof. Julius Kiiza, brought together key government and civil society figures, including Aggrey David Kibenge, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development; Owek.
Robert Sserwanga, Buganda Kingdom’s Minister for Youth, Sports and Arts; Dr. Irene Esther Mutuzo Sevume of Makerere University; and Mapenduzi Ojara, MP for Gulu West.
The panellists explored government initiatives, cultural organisation efforts such as Buganda’s Jana Pua program, and policy mechanisms required to scale informal sector innovations into sustainable commercial enterprises.
Emerging entrepreneurs and JNLC alumni, including lcumar Simoni Peter, Wetaka Jude, and Auma Oliva, showcased homegrown startup models and outlined key regulatory and financial hurdles that local leaders can help mitigate.
Addressing the psychological toll of political office, Rose Obiga, Chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Mental Health, led a session on mental wellbeing and stress management.
She urged young leaders to break the stigma surrounding mental health, establish peer support networks, and adopt daily routines to prevent burnout while handling heavy public schedules.
The symposium concluded with an interactive commitment session led by JNLC’s Henry Kasacca and Allen Baguma, during which participants developed personal leadership brand statements, adopted a Servant Leadership Creed, and drafted 90-day actionable impact plans for their respective constituencies.
Closing remarks were delivered by youth representatives, including NRM Youth League General Secretary Ahereza Natasha, alongside officials from UNDP and the JNLC Secretariat.