Uganda Unites, in partnership with the US embassy and US Exchange Alumni, recently held a well-attended Leadership Symposium at the Innovation Village in Jinja. Over 122 young people participated in the two-day training event.
The symposium kicked off with an inspiring keynote address by Jinja’s Deputy Mayor, Fazira Kawuma. Despite being visually impaired, Ms. Kawuma has ben able to scale the ladder of leadership. She is an advocate of persons with disability and her work has seen several reforms implemented in Jinja and at the National level. She urged the young leaders to step up and make a positive impact in their communities despite what may seem like hindrances . She emphasised the importance of resilience and self-care throughout the leadership journey.
Participants also engaged in insightful discussions led by a distinguished panel. Uganda Unites’ National Director, Amos Kiyingi, and Eddy Balina, Team Leader of the Non-violence project, were joined by Daphine Nayebere (ZGHI Founder), Peter Ogik (SNUPA Executive Director), Bernice Otieno (PFP Africa Disability Forum), Ntende Baker Isabirye (ICT4Education Team Leader), Prossy Kawala (CEMCOD Director), Rashid Kalule (JIDU Disability Inclusion Facilitator), and Achieng Beatrice (PCE Foundation Founder). These experts tackled various crucial topics related to leadership.
The symposium aimed to inspire young leaders to consider ethical leadership, self-leadership, leading others, using technology effectively, and learning from failures. Through discussions, young people explored their views on ethics and morality, brainstorming ways to increase youth participation in these conversations.
The success of the Jinja symposium paves the way for a similar event in Mbarara this April, where Uganda Unites plans to engage another 100 young leaders.