Young Leaders Shine at PACE Academy National Summit in Uganda

The PACE Academy National Summit, hosted at Makerere University on April 13, 2024, concluded with high marks from participants and guests.

Organized by the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiatives (MFAI), the summit drew young Ugandans from across the nation, aged 16 to 18, to engage in a series of empowerment workshops and panel discussions aimed at enhancing civic responsibility and leadership skills.

The event was graced by the presence of the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, who emphasized the importance of young leadership in shaping the future.

“You’ve demonstrated that leadership is not just about holding positions of power; it’s about taking purposeful action, nurturing community values, and influencing positive change,” Ambassador Popp noted in his address.

Professor Henry Arinaitwe, representing the Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance at Makerere University, highlighted the summit’s success in fostering skills crucial for public service and community development. The summit included interactive workshops on civic activity planning, understanding governmental processes, and digital advocacy.

The highlight of the event was the award ceremony, which recognized young leaders such as Barack Paddy Wilex from Central Uganda, Amanya Joy Tayebwa from Western Uganda, and joint winners Akello Patience and Lawino Monalisa from Northern Uganda for their exceptional contributions to civic projects.

The summit’s impact was further magnified by extensive media coverage and the active use of social media by participants to share their experiences.

The success of the summit promises the expansion of the PACE Academy initiatives, aiming to reach even more young leaders in Uganda.

“This summit reaffirms our commitment to nurturing a future led by informed, engaged, and proactive young citizens,” Ambassador Popp remarked, reinforcing the summit’s role in fostering a generation ready to make impactful changes.

As the summit closed, Co-Principal Investigator at MFAI, Mr Samuel Kiggundu, expressed optimism about the future:

“The energy, creativity, and determination of these young leaders assure us that the future of civic engagement in Uganda is bright.”