UNDP/JNLC Young Women and Youth Leadership Training Programme Report 2024

The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Makerere University, implemented two regional leadership training programmes for young women and youth in 2024. Held in Mbale and Gulu, the initiative sought to equip emerging leaders with practical skills and values necessary for transformative leadership, democratic participation, and sustainable community development.

Hosted at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) and Gulu University, the trainings brought together ninety-six young leaders drawn from Eastern and Northern Uganda. Through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, interactive discussions, and mentorship sessions, participants gained exposure to key leadership concepts and developed skills required to effectively navigate contemporary social, economic, and governance challenges.

The programme focused on empowering young people, particularly emerging women leaders, with competencies in communication, media literacy, negotiation, strategic thinking, decision-making, conflict resolution, and leadership within Uganda’s multiparty democratic system. Participants were also introduced to issues of mental health, financial literacy, environmental sustainability, gender equality, and community engagement, reflecting a holistic approach to leadership development.

A distinctive feature of the programme was the Women Leaders’ Roundtable, which provided a platform for young women leaders to openly discuss barriers to participation and explore practical solutions to challenges experienced within communities, universities, and cultural settings. The initiative further reinforced environmental stewardship by providing every participant with a tree seedling to plant as a symbol of their commitment to sustainability and climate action.

The programme benefited from the expertise of fourteen resource persons and the participation of distinguished leaders from UNDP, JNLC, academia, and local government. Among the notable speakers were Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, UNDP Resident Representative in Uganda; Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, Executive Director of JNLC; and Ms. Annet Mpabulungi Wakabi, Team Leader for Governance and Peace at UNDP Uganda. Their contributions inspired participants and highlighted the importance of youth leadership in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Uganda’s development aspirations.

By the conclusion of the trainings, participants had acquired enhanced leadership skills, greater confidence, and a stronger appreciation of inclusive and values-based leadership. The programme demonstrated the potential of targeted youth empowerment initiatives to cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of contributing positively to their institutions, communities, and the wider society.

Read the full report to explore the experiences, lessons, and outcomes from the Young Women and Youth Leadership Training Programme conducted in Mbale and Gulu in 2024.

Key Sections (Table of Contents Highlights)

1. Introduction
2. Objectives of the Training Programme
3. Training Methodology and Key Speakers
4. Training Outcomes
5. Mbale Programme Analysis (19–21 September 2024)
6. Gulu Programme Analysis (23–25 September 2024)
7. Servant Leadership and Self-Leadership Tools
8. Emotional Intelligence and Mental Health for Effective Leadership
9. Communication and Public Speaking Skills
10. Media Literacy and Responsible Digital Engagement
11. Financial Literacy and Personal Development
12. Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving
13. Leadership within Political and Democratic Structures
14. Advocacy and Gender Equality
15. Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
16. Community Engagement and Resource Mobilisation
17. Sustainability and Environmental Leadership
18. Women Leaders’ Roundtable on Inclusion and Development
19. Conclusions, Actions and Recommendations
20. Video Links and Additional Resources

Looking Ahead

The Young Women and Youth Leadership Training Programme reflects JNLC and UNDP’s shared commitment to nurturing ethical, inclusive, and transformative leaders. Building on the successes recorded in Mbale and Gulu, the programme provides a foundation for expanding leadership development opportunities and empowering more young people across Uganda to become active agents of change.

Read the Full Report