H.E Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, a Gambian politician and activist who served as Vice-President of The Gambia, and Minister of Women’s Affairs, is in Uganda for a 3-day Presidential Lecture Series from 6th to 8th June 2023.
The lectures were organised by The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), a presidential initiative focused on developing leadership skills in Uganda and on the African Continent.
The series running under the theme: “Celebrating women, pan-africanism and community” started with a Media Blitz Roundtable on transformative leadership: its opportunities and challenges held at Kampala Sheraton hotel on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
Speaking during the roundtable discussions, Dr Nansozi K. Muwanga, the Executive Director of Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), said the JNLC serves as an important initiative to Makerere and society at large in grooming and equipping young leaders with the moral campus for leadership and a willingness to serve.
She said the roundtable will be followed by Ekyooto Conversation (around the fireplace) at Nsambya Gardens in Kampala on Wednesday, June 7 and then a Keynote Lecture at Yusuf Lule Auditorium at Makerere University on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
The objective of the 2023 Presidential lecture is to highlight the systemic changes needed for women to become transformative leaders to effectively shape inclusive, equitable societies that humanity needs and deserves.
In her address to the media, H.E Fatoumata lauded President Museveni for allowing her to come to Uganda without a visa.
“Africa can change and advance. I thank His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni for allowing me to come here without a visa. Change starts with the leaders. We should be united. That’s where the journey should start…we don’t need visas to visit each other’s country,” said H.E Fatoumata who arrived in the country on Monday.
She said the purpose of her visit is to the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere who had a vision not only for Uganda but for Africa.
“The purpose of my visit was to come and celebrate our father, His Excellency Julius Nyerere who had a vision not only for Tanzania but for Africa which is African Unity.”
She added: “He fought tooth and nail to ensure Africa is one. The biggest challenge in Africa is leadership. It cuts across the board,” she noted.
Her lecture is aimed at inspiring women and young leaders who will champion the advancement of Africa.
“I am here to share my little experience as a leader. Women are our mothers, sisters and friends. We need to engage with young women. Sitting in our comfort zones and using virtual conferences will not answer all the questions. Interacting physically is more helpful,” she pointed out.
According to H.E Fatoumata, women must be given the responsibility and opportunity to share their knowledge, experiences and journeys.
“Whatever you want to become has to start with you,” she told young leaders.
She also reminded journalists that they have a responsibility in portraying a positive image of women by first knowing that they are human beings.
“I am here as a mother, mentor and partner to speak about women, community and Pan-Africanism.”
According to her, fronting nationalities relates to colonialism. “We are all Africans. Africa shouldn’t be divided. The elders divided Africa under the influence of colonialism but our young people must be united to move the continent ahead.”
JNLC Presidential Lecture Series (PLS) is an annual event that exposes students and the broader community to inspiring ideas, courageous leadership and models of civic engagement and civil discourse.