The first Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni, has called on stakeholders from government agencies, the private sector, and civil society to support the Emerging Leaders Programme, which focuses on values, character development, and life skills for young people.
The Emerging Leaders Programme is an initiative by Minister Museveni aimed at addressing the moral and ethical decline among the youth. Its goal is to nurture and empower young people, raising a dignified generation of youth strong in stature, character, and wisdom, who will become responsible and productive citizens contributing to sustainable development.
Implemented in partnership with Makerere University, Life Ministry Uganda, and the Global Leadership Summit, the programme began with students in tertiary institutions, starting with a pilot at Makerere University. It is a capacity-building and behavioural intervention coded “The Safe Campaign.”
The First Lady chaired a stakeholders’ engagement to discuss collaboration with various institutions in implementing the Emerging Leaders Programme. The meeting, hosted at State House Nakasero, included the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and religious leaders, among others.
“I invite you to join me as we empower the next generation to realize their unique, God-given potential and to contribute positively to our nation’s future,” Mrs. Museveni stated.
“Together, let us invest in our youth, instilling in them the values of integrity, resilience, and purpose; empowering them to become the ethical and responsible professionals Uganda yearns for,” she added.
According to the First Lady, collective efforts will not only transform individual lives, enabling them to reach their full potential, but also pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for the entire nation.
She emphasized that the Emerging Leaders Programme is more than an initiative, describing it as a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a demonstration of what can be achieved when united around a common cause.
Every day, she noted, countless young people deviate from the path of greatness due to real-life challenges that have robbed many of their destiny.
“Yet we all know that in the heart and mind of every young person lies the potential for a bright future. Take a moment to imagine a generation that rises above these challenges with resilience, driven by a deep commitment to overcome every youthful lust while embracing integrity and great stewardship of the resources entrusted to them,” she said.
Mrs. Museveni asserted that we stand at a crossroads and can no longer remain silent. She stressed the need for collective action, rather than hoping all will be well while doing nothing.
“I know that all of us watch and listen to what is happening to our children, shake our heads, and mourn inwardly, doing nothing about it. What fuels this corruption is that Ugandans have taken their hands off what they ought to do, allowing others to take over everywhere. Instead of mourning individually and inwardly, let’s hold hands,” she urged.
While acknowledging the great work each stakeholder does to address these issues, she believes that much more can be achieved together to change the narrative and build a better Uganda.
“Imagine a society where all our young people are committed to ascribe to this SAFE Campaign,” she envisioned.
By expanding the Emerging Leaders Programme nationwide, Mrs. Museveni believes the country will mould, impact, inspire, and influence graduates entering the workforce to espouse values-based leadership as they serve the nation in their various workplaces and capacities.
She praised Makerere University, LIFE Ministry Uganda, and the Global Leadership Summit in Uganda for their unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership in executing the Emerging Leaders Programme.
“Your commitment has been instrumental in the successful implementation of this initiative thus far. Thank you very much for rising to the occasion and graciously stewarding this work,” she expressed.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa spoke about the dangers of technological advancement and emphasized the need to protect children with internet access from pornography and other negative content. He also highlighted the necessity of defining Uganda’s ethos and stressed the importance of mentorship for everyone, including older individuals, for self-evaluation.
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