By Immaculate Bazira
The Julius Nyerere Leadership Center (JNLC) is a commemorative centre that was constructed in 2018. Its aim is to continue Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s idea of democracy and a united Africa. The centre is most notably remembered for having hosted the First Lady of Kenya, Mrs. Rachel Ruto and the former Vice president of the Gambia, H.E. Fatoumata Tambajang during its annual symposiums.
H.E. Fatoumata Tambajang, the former Vice president of the Gambia at the annual JNLC symposium in 2022.
Dr Nansozi Muwanga, the Executive Director, says that the centre focuses on three things.
"We do policy leading research and have a book due out any moment about the 2021 Elections. Secondly, we carry out leadership training, that is to say, we have trained about 400 student leaders in the last two years and consolidated our curriculum with the addition of Kiswahili,” she says.
Thirdly, Muwanga says that the centre encourages and participates in dialogues and conversations that are cross generational concerning topics about mental health, financial literacy and leadership.
Dr Nansozi encourages students to invest in themselves by taking part in these training sessions because they equip one with leadership skills, mental health awareness, financial literacy and networking opportunities.
Dr Nansozi Muwanga addressing one of the gatherings under the auspices of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Center.
“I implore students to take advantage of the opportunities available now. We have two training sessions in our annual calendar and training for the new guild leadership. We for instance combined training of guild leaderships of several universities last year.
“The other opportunity is the fireplace alias 'kyoto' and cross generational conversations which are open to the public,” she states.
She adds that information about events is usually on their website. Some of the activities to look out for include the Annual Mwalimu Julius Nyerere symposium slated to take place from October 13th-14th while the Presidential Lecture Series will happen in August.
“And right now we are looking to recruit student interns," she says.
Kiranda Sharifa, a former 89th Guild Finance Minister and Guild Representative Council (GRC), School of Women and Gender Studies under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences testifies to having benefited from the training.
“Last year I was privileged to take part in the all Guild Leaders training organised by JNLC in partnership with Uganda Management Institute (UMI) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). What was memorable is the emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and financial literacy sessions. From this training I learned about being a transformative leader through self awareness. I recommend this training to other students because it made me an effective leader and my leadership tenure was simplified,” she says.
Another student, Nshuti Balaam Kabaasa, in year one under the college of Business and Management Science lauded JNLC for educating him about brainwashing during the All University Leadership training.
Nshuti Balaam Kabaasa speaks during a session at the JNLC
He explains that this has helped him embrace the similarities among countries in terms of the political environment.
“I am now certain that no country is perfect because some of those are just ideas spread by powerful countries,” he says. Kabaasa adds that he stayed in touch with the JNLC and was offered an opportunity to be on a panel in the symposium on Creating a Borderless East Africa, in October 2023.
“I recommend this training to students because it positioned me and enabled me to stand out. It will do the same for you,” he urges.
Muwanga said that the benefits of JNLC to students and alumni are long lasting and impactful.
"Each time we have training we identify exceptional students that we enable to continue the journey of leadership. For example last year we selected about eight students from various universities and sponsored their trip to Nairobi to attend the five day 'You Lead’ Summit.
“Secondly, as Makerere University endeavours to stay in touch with its alumni and friends, we hope to use those connections to recommend our outstanding students for internships and networking," she explains.
The centre, according to Muwanga, offers books and other literature to students and alumni but within its confines. She elucidated that when the planned literature repository is constructed, then maybe the public can borrow books and other literature.
“But as of now, our environment is conducive and peaceful with benches and shade,” she comments.
Visitors can sit in the shade at the leadership centre to read or discuss issues. (Photo by Immaculate Bazira)
Dr. Gardner Herbert, the programmes Coordinator at the JNLC shares that the training is intensive, full of mentorship and skill acquisition.
“The centre held career training of about 60 students in 2022 alone,” he says.
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