JNLC Ekyooto challenges young Ugandans to protect gains of past generations

What the report says

At Makerere University on Tuesday evening, the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) hosted its Ekyooto conversation as the opening event of the Nyerere–Museveni Generation Dialogue. According to Nile Post, the discussion brought together young leaders, students and scholars to reflect on Africa’s liberation history and what those gains mean for today’s generation.

The event focused on the theme “Borrowing from the Past, Building the Future: Reimagining Pan-African Leadership for a Sustainable Future.” Speakers and participants explored how the ideals of earlier liberation movements can help address current concerns such as jobs, economic opportunity, youth participation in public decisions and the relevance of inherited political solutions. Cynthia Apili, a Makerere student and JNLC alumna, drew a comparison between the pressures facing young people now and those experienced by previous generations. Daniel Ongom-Azik of the National Youth Council urged young people to safeguard the achievements won by earlier leaders.

Grace Kabayo of the Pan-African Women’s Organisation highlighted women’s role in Pan-Africanism and the value of learning across cultures and backgrounds. JNLC Executive Director Dr Nansozi K. Muwanga tied the discussion to the legacies associated with Julius Nyerere and President Yoweri Museveni, framing the gathering as more than a commemoration of the past.

Nile Post said the broader symposium continues with sessions expected to cover trade, entrepreneurship, peace and security, artificial intelligence, public leadership and youth involvement in East African integration. The conversation matters because it links historical liberation ideals with present-day questions about how young Ugandans can preserve hard-won gains while pushing for practical change.