15 Jun
The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa (RP SIPODI EA), organized a three-day Youth Leadership Training on Peace and Security from 3â5 December 2024. The programme brought together finalists and former student leaders from universities and institutions of higher learning across Uganda to strengthen their capacity to contribute to peacebuilding, governance, and sustainable development.
Building on previous youth leadership initiatives, the training was designed to prepare emerging leaders for the transition from university to professional and civic life while equipping them with practical skills to address contemporary peace and security challenges. Anchored in the leadership philosophy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the programme emphasized servant leadership, ethical decision-making, and active citizenship.
A total of 187 student leaders representing eighteen universities and higher institutions across Uganda participated in the training. Participants came from institutions including Makerere University, Makerere University Business School, Uganda Christian University, Kyambogo University, Busitema University, Gulu University, Kampala International University, Uganda Martyrs University, Cavendish University, and several others.
Throughout the three days, participants engaged in interactive learning sessions, panel discussions, group work, role plays, and practical exercises. The programme addressed key issues affecting peace and security in Uganda and the wider East African region while exposing participants to practical leadership approaches required to build peaceful and resilient communities.
The training covered a broad range of themes including self-leadership, emotional intelligence, strategic and ethical leadership, conflict analysis and management, peacebuilding, financial literacy, and the positive use of social media for peace promotion. Participants were also guided in developing action plans for local peace initiatives and community-based interventions.
Distinguished scholars, practitioners, and leaders from academia, government, and development organizations shared their experiences and insights. The programme featured contributions from Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, Executive Director of JNLC; Ms. Angella Kasekende of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung; and Professor Philip Kasaija, among other facilitators and panelists who explored regional security dynamics, leadership, and pathways to sustainable peace.
By the end of the training, participants had strengthened their understanding of conflict prevention, leadership, emotional intelligence, and peacebuilding. The programme reinforced the importance of ethical leadership and highlighted the critical role young people play in promoting peace, stability, and inclusive development within Uganda and the broader African continent.
Read the full report to explore the discussions, experiences, and outcomes of the Youth Leadership Training on Peace and Security for Finalists and Graduating Former Student Leaders held in December 2024.
Key Sections (Table of Contents Highlights)
- Introduction
- About the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC)
- Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa
- Executive Summary
- Day One of the Training â 3 December 2024
- Opening Remarks
- Interactive Icebreaker Sessions on Peace and Security
- Conceptualizing Peace and Security in East Africa
- Situational Analysis of Regional Peace and Security Challenges
- Conflict Analysis, Resolution and Management
- Emotional Intelligence and Self-Leadership
- Strategic and Ethical Leadership
- Leadership and Personal Financial Management
- Positive Use of Social Media for Peace Promotion
- Interactive Role-Play and Practical Exercises
- Keynote Address and Panel Discussions
- Action Planning for Community Peace Projects
- Participant Reflections and Testimonials
- List of Participants
- Photo Gallery
Looking Ahead
The Youth Leadership Training on Peace and Security reflects the shared commitment of JNLC and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung to nurture a generation of principled and transformative leaders capable of responding to emerging peace and security challenges. Through dialogue, mentorship, and practical learning, the programme continues to empower young leaders to become agents of peace and sustainable development across Uganda and East Africa.
Read the Full Report â
