The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, on Monday launched the Alumni Follow-Up Programme: Community Innovation Showcase and Alumni Workshop at Fairway Hotel, Kampala.
The two-day event, held under the theme “Empowering Alumni for Transformative Community Impact,” brought together alumni to share, refine, and scale community-driven initiatives.
In her opening remarks, Dr Nansozi Muwanga, Executive Director of JNLC, emphasised the importance of connecting leadership training to tangible community outcomes. “Today, we celebrate not only the spirit of youth leadership but also the growing community of innovators who are redefining what it means to lead with purpose, courage, and a commitment to community transformation,” she said.
Dr Muwanga also unveiled the JNLC Alumni Impact Activation Strategy, designed to bridge the gap between learning and action. “Through systematic tracking, mentorship, and amplification of alumni-led initiatives—particularly those aligned with UNDP priorities like climate action, gendered economic empowerment, and digital innovation—we aim to build a strong pipeline of youth-driven solutions capable of creating sustained change,” she noted.
Since 2021, JNLC and UNDP have trained more than 600 youth leaders across Kampala, Mbale, Mbarara, and Arua. “Many alumni face structural challenges, from limited visibility and resources to insufficient mentorship. Yet today, ten alumni have taken bold steps to design and implement initiatives addressing critical issues in their communities,” Dr Muwanga said.
Keynote speaker Ms Irene Mutumba, Executive Director of PEDN Uganda, urged alumni to pursue intentional collaboration and leverage both financial and non-financial resources. “You need to expand your networks. It has to be a strategic and intentional effort,” she said. She highlighted her own journey in education and social entrepreneurship, emphasising that small, consistent actions can transform communities.
Several alumni presented projects that combine innovation, environmental sustainability, and social impact: Moro Boniface, a climate justice advocate from Gulu, spoke about integrating tree planting with vegetable and fruit cultivation to generate multiple income streams.
“Planting a single tree saves lives—both human and those of other living organisms,” he said. His projects in Lualakwa village and Amuru Town Council have planted over 1,200 trees while promoting youth and community engagement in environmental protection.
Joan Itungo, an alumna from Kazo, showcased her initiative, “The Initiative Against Enterprises”, which adds value to milk and hides. “We aim to reduce gender-based violence, improve household incomes, and fight unemployment among women,” she said. The project produces yoghurt, ghee, and leather crafts, supporting both women and men in local communities. She highlighted challenges, including limited access to electricity, manual production processes, and competition from larger dairy companies.
Other alumni shared projects spanning youth skilling, political and civic leadership, and urban farming. The event also featured mentorship sessions and evaluations to identify top initiatives eligible for seed funding and further support.
“Leadership training should not end with a certificate. It must continue in your communities, in your daily actions, and in your long-term impact. Together, we are building a generation of leaders who do not simply dream of change but have already shown the capacity to turn those dreams into reality,” noted Dr Muwanga.
The alumni include Mr. Obete Andrew Obonyo – Community Engagement, Gulu/Lira; Mr. Simoni Ichumar Peter – Community Engagement, Mbarara; Mr. Wetaka Jude – Climate Justice, Mbale; Mr. Moro Boniface – Climate Justice, Gulu; Ms. Itungo Joan – Gender & Economic Empowerment, Kampala; Ms. Khaitsa Allen – Gender & Economic Empowerment, Mbale; Ms. Auma Oliva – Innovation/Urban Farming; Ms. Nadongo Mary – Innovation/Youth Skilling, Kampala; Mr. Charles Onek – Political & Civic Leadership, Gulu and Mr. Emma Bwayo – Political & Civic Leadership, Mbale.
The programme represents a growing effort to empower youth-led solutions that combine leadership, innovation, and community impact across Uganda.
At the end of the workshop, the five winning projects will be picked to benefit from a funding initiative by the United Nations Development Programme.
