Allen Kagina, a distinguished leader, administrator and corporate executive, has emphasised the significance of change, leadership, and resilience in transforming institutions.
She was delivering a keynote address during the 3rd Annual Sarah Ntiro Lecture held at Makerere University’s School of Public Health Auditorium on Friday, March 7, 2025, to celebrate women’s activism and leadership.
The lecture, held on the eve of International Women’s Day, paid tribute to Sarah Nyendwoha Ntiro, a pioneering advocate for women’s education and the first female university graduate in East and Central Africa.
Addressing an audience of students, academics, and dignitaries, Kagina reflected on Ntiro’s legacy and the crucial role of female trailblazers.
A Legacy of Change and Leadership
“It is an honour and privilege to be here as a keynote speaker at the 3rd Annual Sarah Ntiro Lecture. Tomorrow is Women’s Day, and Sarah Ntiro represents the women under whose shadow we stand. It is important to celebrate those women, especially because young girls need to know that it is possible,” Kagina remarked.
Emphasising the challenges of transformation, she acknowledged that “Change is not easy. It is often met with resistance—resistance from those who fear the unknown, from systems that are entrenched in tradition, and from cultures that are slow to embrace new ways of thinking. As leaders, our task is to navigate these challenges with courage, vision, and unwavering commitment. We must not only manage change but also inspire it.”
Kagina highlighted the essential elements of institutional transformation, including visionary leadership, an adaptive organizational culture, stakeholder engagement, resilience, agility, and data-driven decision-making.
“Successful institutional change is not just about adopting new technologies or processes; it is about creating a culture that embraces innovation, values collaboration, and prioritises long-term impact over short-term gains.”
Sarah Ntiro: A Trailblazer in Education and Politics
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Academic Registrar, underscored Sarah Ntiro’s role as a political and educational pioneer.
“Sarah Ntiro was not just an educator but a political pioneer. From 1958 to 1961, she served as one of the first two female members of the Legislative Council. In this role, she was a vocal advocate for women’s rights, mentoring other women like Hon. Joyce Mpanga and introducing them to collective organizing through the Uganda Council of Women.”
Sarah Ntiro’s journey was marked by resilience and determination. Prof. Mukadasi recounted how she broke barriers by becoming the first Ugandan woman to graduate from Oxford University in 1954.
“She defied discrimination, once teaching without pay to demand equal wages. From being the only woman in a male-dominated class at Makerere to serving in Uganda’s Legislative Council, Sarah Ntiro championed women’s rights. Her advocacy inspired policies on girl-child education and gender equality, leaving a lasting legacy.”
The Sarah Ntiro Lecture remains a cornerstone event at Makerere University, inspiring future generations of women to lead, innovate, and drive change.
As the discussions concluded, one message stood clear: “transformation is a collective effort, and the legacy of pioneers like Sarah Ntiro will continue to shape the future of education and leadership in Uganda”.
