Why Ubuntu is a pillar in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation

_____________

OPINION

By Irene Birungi Mugisha CEO -PCF

Ubuntu — the powerful African philosophy meaning “I am because we are” — offers a timeless lesson in humanity, compassion, and collective progress.

It teaches that our individual well-being is inseparably linked to that of others, and that true success is shared success.

In a culturally rich and diverse nation like Uganda, Ubuntu is not a relic of the past, but a living principle that continues to shape our moral, social, and economic fabric.

From clan systems and extended families to communal farming and conflict resolution, Ubuntu is woven into the traditions that have held communities together for centuries.

As Uganda seeks to accelerate socio-economic transformation, integrating Ubuntu into national consciousness and institutional frameworks presents a powerful opportunity for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Uganda’s 56 tribes and numerous languages are a source of pride — yet also a potential fault line if not bound by shared values. Ubuntu acts as that unifying thread, reinforcing empathy, tolerance, and cooperation across cultures and generations.

From bulungi bwansi (community work) to village savings groups and local council dispute resolution, many grassroots practices reflect Ubuntu’s enduring presence, preserving social harmony while reducing strain on overstretched government systems.

As President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni once noted: “Our African traditional society was built on solidarity. We had no beggars because everyone belonged to a community. This spirit is what we must keep alive as we build a modern, prosperous Uganda.” These words remind us that Ubuntu is not merely nostalgic — it is a foundational tool for nation-building, particularly in post-conflict recovery, peacebuilding, and fostering national unity.

Ubuntu’s relevance extends into every pillar of national development, from education and health to governance.

In education, embedding Ubuntu values in curricula can nurture socially responsible citizens who lead with empathy and a strong sense of community.

In health, Uganda’s Village Health Teams (VHTs) embody Ubuntu by volunteering their time to bridge the gap between formal health systems and local communities.

In governance, Ubuntu fosters participatory leadership in which leaders view citizens as partners, promoting accountability and people-centred development.

As Nelson Mandela famously said, “Ubuntu does not mean that people should not enrich themselves. The question is: are you going to do so in order to enable the community around you to improve?”

This balance between personal success and community uplift is the bridge to modern development models that leave no one behind. The concept behind President Museveni’s initiative is through the PDM program.

The Presidential CEO Forum (PCF), Uganda’s premier platform for public-private sector dialogue, champions Ubuntu by promoting collaborative problem-solving and shared prosperity. Guided by the belief that “we rise together,” PCF brings CEOs, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners into one space to design solutions that benefit the broader community.

Private enterprises in Uganda can strengthen their competitiveness and societal impact by adopting Ubuntu-driven strategies such as purpose-driven leadership, where empathy and long-term relationships take precedence over short-term gain; inclusive business models that partner with local farmers, empower youth, and foster cooperative ownership; and cultivating employee wellbeing and a workplace culture where people feel respected, heard, and supported, thus boosting innovation and productivity.

In addition, Ubuntu-inspired corporate social responsibility (CSR) shifts the focus from charity to projects with lasting impact, such as rural clean water systems, girl-child education, and community infrastructure. Finally, social entrepreneurship—supporting ventures that address challenges in agriculture, health, and clean energy—demonstrates Ubuntu’s ability to fuse business success with social good.

As Uganda urbanises and embraces digital transformation, the risk of rising individualism and materialism grows. This makes it all the more vital to reimagine Ubuntu for the 21st century—applying its principles to sustainable development, social justice, and inclusive capitalism.

Public institutions, religious leaders, traditional authorities, the media, and private enterprises must work together to keep Ubuntu alive in national discourse. The Presidential CEO Forum (PCF) plays a critical role in this effort by creating platforms where shared values are translated into policy action, collaborative enterprise, and initiatives that deliver tangible impact for communities.

Ubuntu is more than an African philosophy; it is a compass for collective advancement. In Uganda, embracing it can bridge ethnic divides, strengthen community resilience, inspire compassionate leadership, and guide ethical business practice. A

s Nelson Mandela reminded the world, “We can only be human together,” and as President Museveni has affirmed, Uganda’s future shines brightest when built on solidarity, dignity, and shared progress. If we are to truly become a prosperous and peaceful nation, we must hold fast to the wisdom that I am because we are—ensuring every policy, business decision, and community initiative reflects this enduring truth.

The writer is the CEO of PCF