15 Dec
The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), in partnership with Makerere University and the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), hosted the Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025 on 15–16 April 2025 at Makerere University under the theme, “Our Heritage, Our Voices: Culture, Innovation and Servant Leadership” The two-day festival brought together more than 250 participants, including over 150 youth leaders drawn from public universities and tertiary institutions across Uganda, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue, learning, mentorship, and celebration of the enduring legacy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.
The festival attracted distinguished guests and representatives from academia, government, diplomacy, and the Nyerere family. Among the notable participants were H.E. Maj. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to Uganda, and Ms. Mariatheresa David Mwamakula, granddaughter of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, whose presence underscored the importance of preserving and advancing the values that shaped one of Africa’s most influential statesmen.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, Executive Director of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, who challenged young people to embrace leadership as a call to service rather than a pursuit of status. She encouraged participants to become active agents of change capable of shaping new narratives for their communities while remaining grounded in the values of unity, dignity, and Pan-Africanism that defined Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s vision.
Messages from the Chairperson of the JNLC Board of Directors, Makerere University, and the Uganda Management Institute reaffirmed the collective commitment of partner institutions to nurturing ethical and transformative leadership among young people. Speakers highlighted the significance of investing in youth and creating spaces that enable emerging leaders to develop the knowledge, values, and practical skills necessary to contribute to national and continental development.
Delivering the keynote address on “Shaping the Next Generation of Servant Leaders: Mwalimu Nyerere’s Legacy,” Ms. Eva Mulema Matsiko emphasized the relevance of Julius Nyerere’s ideals in addressing contemporary challenges facing African youth. She called for principled leadership, home-grown solutions, lifelong learning, and the preservation of African identity and values. Her address challenged young leaders to cultivate humility, integrity, and excellence while embracing innovation and self-reliance as essential pillars for Africa’s future.
A major highlight of the festival was the official lighting of the festival torch accompanied by vibrant cultural performances celebrating Uganda’s rich heritage and diversity. The event created opportunities for participants to reconnect with African identity and appreciate culture as an important foundation for unity and social transformation.
Throughout the festival, participants engaged in a series of panel discussions and conversations focused on servant leadership, youth empowerment, governance, mental health, gender equity, accountability, and grassroots transformation. Young leaders and alumni shared experiences and practical insights on integrity, ethical leadership, financial stewardship, and citizen participation. Discussions underscored the importance of courage, empathy, responsibility, and active engagement in addressing the challenges facing society.
The festival also provided a platform for critical reflection on systemic barriers affecting young people, including unemployment, exclusion from economic opportunities, and the need for youth-centred policy reforms. Participants emphasized the importance of integrity, accountability, and collaboration while calling for more inclusive systems capable of unlocking the potential of young Africans.
In addition to intellectual engagement, the festival featured a youth innovation pitch challenge, mentorship activities, networking sessions, and social events inspired by the teachings and philosophy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. These activities encouraged participants to pursue creative solutions, strengthen peer networks, and develop practical approaches to community transformation and nation-building.
The Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025 demonstrated the enduring relevance of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s vision and reinforced the importance of investing in young people as leaders of today rather than leaders of tomorrow. Through dialogue, culture, mentorship, and innovation, the festival provided an intergenerational platform for nurturing servant leadership and advancing the ideals of unity, social justice, and Pan-African solidarity.
As the Centre looks ahead, the Julius Nyerere Youth Festival continues to serve as a flagship platform for empowering young Africans to become principled leaders committed to service, innovation, and the transformation of their communities and the continent.
Read the full report to explore the discussions, keynote addresses, cultural experiences, innovation activities, and reflections that shaped the Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025.
Key Sections (Table of Contents Highlights)
- Introduction
- Opening Remarks by the Executive Director, JNLC
- Remarks from the Chairperson, Board of Directors
- Message from Makerere University
- Message from Uganda Management Institute
- Remarks by the High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to Uganda
- Official Opening and Lighting of the Festival Torch
- Keynote Address: Shaping the Next Generation of Servant Leaders
- Panel Discussion One: Servant Leadership for Societal Transformation
- Panel Discussion Two: Youth Voices for Social Change
- Governance, Mental Health and Gender Equity Discussions
- Participants’ Reflections and Plenary Discussions
- Youth Innovation Pitch Challenge
- Mentorship Walk and Networking Activities
- Cultural Performances and Heritage Celebrations
- Evening Social Event Inspired by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere
- Closing Reflections and Future Commitments
Looking Ahead
The Julius Nyerere Youth Festival 2025 reaffirmed the importance of culture, innovation, and servant leadership in shaping the next generation of African leaders. Through meaningful dialogue, mentorship, and celebration of shared heritage, the festival strengthened the commitment of young people to advancing the values championed by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and building a more united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa.
Read the Full Report