Mentorship awards, building a hall of fame

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OPINION

David Mukholi

By David Mukholi

Last month 16 Ugandans were honoured for being a shining example and young people were urged to emulate them. 

The Mentorship Awards is an annual event at which people who have served with diligence and honourably retired.  It is intended to draw the attention of the youth to these eminent people so that they pick lessons. Also, it is meant to recognize exemplary contributions with a gesture of appreciation.

The value of their work surpasses the certificate and sh10m that each receives. But the act of publicly recognizing them is more enriching.     

President Yoweri Museveni on March 29^th hosted the awardees and a few guests at a luncheon at the State House. Among those invited were young people represented by student leaders from several universities.

“If you don’t recognise people who do well, they are forgotten,” President Museveni said during the ceremony. He revealed that we welcomed and supports the Mentorship Award, an initiative of Odrek Rwabwogo, a presidential advisor on exports and industrial development.

Rwabwogo and his Mentorship Awards committee scan the hundreds of Ugandans irrespective of their religion, tribe, and political persuasion and measure their contribution to the country. Last year three former opposition legislators were chosen: Prof. Moris Ogenga Latigo, Cecilia Ogwal (RIP), and Ben Wacha. 

At this year’s event, young people excitedly took photos of some of the awardees whom they said they had longed to meet face to face. Such interactions shape the young people and make the old feel celebrated.

Some young people said they had heard about the awardees as they were growing up. Others had read about them. Then some awardees are still in the public face for the young generation to learn from them. This presents interesting scenarios of mentorship. Young people get to know past leaders through their work and have the opportunity to listen to them.

There is a five-point criterion for the one to win the Mentorship Award.  The considerations are age, one has to be above 70 years; the years serving Uganda; quality of decisions made while in the position of authority; one's depth, intensity, and character; changes or reforms one instituted and the impact he/she had and still have in retirement.

The 16 awardees are former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi, Justice George Kanyeihamba, James Rwehabura Tumusiime, Archbishop John Baptist Odama, Prof. Ezra Suruma, Pastor Garry Skinner, Moses Matovu and Hon. Victoria Sekitoleko

Others are Prof. Frederick Kayanja, Hon. Kintu Musoke, Can. John Wycliff Karazaawe, Amos Nzeyi, Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire, Mzee Christopher Galla, Dr. Peter Mugyeni, and Dr Mercy Mirembe Ntangaare.

Each of the awardees has a compelling story as presented in their respective motivations read during the award ceremony. They are a good reflection of what Uganda was then and what is today. There was a time when Uganda was hardly known to the world and some of them raised her flag. Also, there was a time when Uganda was known for having a dictator called Idi Amin and nothing good came out of the country. The awardees' work changes that narrative. Below is a quick pick of excerpts from the motivations of the awardees read out at the awards function on March 28^th.

Justice Kanyeihamba known as a critic of President Museveni and his government, got on the list of awardees for contributing to the judicial system for over 50 years, “upholding justice, promoting human rights and advocating for a fair and transparent legal framework.”

Turning 85 this year, he was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court in 1997. “As a judge, he demonstrated unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting human rights, and ensuring a fair and impartial legal system in Uganda,” read the motivation.

Hon Sekandi, stayed in Uganda during Idi Amin’s reign, lecturing at the Law Development Centre. Later he played a key role in documenting human rights violations from October 9^th, 1962 to January 25^th, 1986.

“The record remains a ringing reminder of our turbulent past but also an energizer to all of us to fight harder to keep the country’s institutions growing and our democracy firmly rooted,” read the motivation. 

Turning 82 this year, he served as Deputy Speaker, Speaker of Parliament, and Vice President.  According to the motivation, “His terms, both in the House and as Vice President were marked by a calm demeanor and very measured approach to public issues. No rancor, no pretense, no noise but well calibrated neutral actions.”

Tumusiime 74  lived in exile and returned as the founding editor-in-chief of New Vision.  On return from exile in Kenya, his motivation reads, “… he began the building of a national newspaper, the New Vision that became the early voice of a new Uganda under the NRM.”

Later he branched into “book publishing running one of the most successful local publishing houses, helping bring local writers, old authors and titles that one could not easily find, back into print.”

He set up Igongo Cultural Centre near Mbarara “…. giving young generations access to the lost stories of the Nkore, Buhweju, Karagwe kingdoms, preserving Runykore language, food and clans of the old kingdoms of the greater south western Uganda.”

Archbishop Odama 77, played a big role in the pacification of northern Uganda during the Joseph Kony insurgency. “As Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, he worked with all interfaith groups to drive the peace build efforts, eventually leading to the Juba peace talks in 2006-2008.”

Prof. Suruma 78, the motivation reads: “His career spans various fields, including economics, academia, and governance where he has consistently showed commitment to the development of Uganda. As Minister for Finance and Economic Development, he implemented crucial financial and economic reforms playing a pivotal role in stabilizing the economy.”   

Pastor Garry Skinner who turns 71 this year was awarded for impacting Ugandans. “…. He devoted his life to transforming communities and positively impacting the lives of many Ugandans. In 1984 he founded Watoto then Kampala Pentecostal Church (KPC), which became a welcoming home for many young people, now leaders in various professions.”

Moses Matovu, the Afrigo band maestro turns 75 this year. “He played a pivotal role in shaping and popularizing Uganda music both locally and internationally” read the motivation. “His musical talent and dedication have earned him numerous accolades on the local and international scene inspiring many young musicians.”

Hon. Sekitoleko 75, former minister of agriculture, also had a stint as minister of gender.  The motivation states that “ … she is a capable woman with strong leadership skills  and continues to challenge us to do better in mechanization, adding value to our products.”

“She began the early efforts on Plan for Modernization of Agriculture (PMA) programme, a precursor for many that have followed in the sector; contributing to the recovery of production of crops in Uganda.” 

Sekitoleko may be retired but she is not tired. She is the chairperson of the Uganda Agribusiness Alliance promoting value addition. 

Hon Kintu Musoke 86 is described as a respectable statesman who dedicated his life to serving Uganda with integrity. He participated in the formation of the Uganda Patriotic Movement in 1980 which was the “precursor to the current National Resistance Movement.”

He served as Prime Minister of Uganda. The motivation reads, “His commitment to public service, quiet diplomacy, and peacebuilding in politics has played a pivotal role in Uganda’s development.”

“He often asked fellow leaders when he was in government, especially district authorities, to account for funds given to them for construction of schools and hospitals and to avoid wasting government resources.” 

Karazaarwe 86 was in retirement as a civil servant when he joined politics as a councillor in the then-Bushenyi district in the 1980s. Later he was elected chairman of Ntungamo district.  He is described as a “stern administrator and incorruptible official.”

The motivation reads, “He pioneered decentralization programme, creating a strong and transparent accounting system for Ntungamo as a new model district, earning him enemies and friends in equal measure.”

Nzeyi 77 is known for the Pepsi Franchise in Uganda. He is “a businessman, entrepreneur, and industrialist, he has made a significant contribution to the Industrial recovery, growth, and development of the private sector especially basic manufacturing and real estate.”

The motivation goes on to read, “His enterprise spirit sparked when he was young and built his business from scratch, now into some of the largest taxpayers in the country.”

Bitamazire 82, her motivation describes her as “an educationist and former politician who dedicated her life to the improvement of the education system in Uganda.”

“She led the rollout effort of the Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme in 1997, which is a foundation of the education sector and has benefited millions of Ugandans today.” 

Galla 83 a retired police officer. In 1984, he was captured by the National Resistance Army (NRA) during the bush war when he was the district police commander of Masindi. To demonstrate that the rebel group didn’t kill its enemies he was released. His motivation reads that to “mute this example, Obote Government jailed him so that the world would not know.”

“He would have chosen to lie or run away but decided to tell the story as it were at the risk of his life. This was a demonstration of courage and leadership.”

He is described as a “man of integrity and honour standing tall as a role model for young people.”

Dr. Mugyenyi 75 raised the Uganda flag for his participation in the research on HIV/AIDS. He is not only known locally but also internationally. His motivation reads, “He has been a principal investigator on many vaccine trials in global landmark projects especially on HIV/AIDS treatment and drug resistance.”

In Uganda he helped set up the Joint Clinical Research Centre in 1992, it is now a “centre of excellence in medical research in Africa, training and healthcare.”

The motivation further states, “He inspires young people, especially the medical professionals…”

Ntangare, an Associate Professor of Performing Arts. She has done extensive work in the sector including teaching at Makerere University.  Her motivation reads she is, “a playwright, dramatist, poet, storyteller and creative writer.”

“She is a founder of Eastern Africa Threatre Institute (EATI), a regional network operating in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia, and director of Threatre Documentaries company that produces rare, unique, high-value theatre and entertainment from children, youth, and general audiences.”

This year’s mentorship theme was modeling the right behaviour for the youth of Africa in the 21^st century.

Last year the following received the Mentorship Award: Prof.  Latigo, Ogwal (RIP), Wacha, Elly Rwakakooko, Justice Bart Katureebe, Prof. Francis Omaswa, Mathew Rukikaire, Jaberi Bidandi Ssali, Earnest Kakwano, Amb. Gabriel Kangwagye, Henry Muganwa Kajura, Col. Amany Mushega, Dr. John Patrick Kaboyo, Henery Kyemba, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Steven Besweli Akabway, Prof Edward Rugumayo, Prof George Mondo Kagonyera, Amb. Francis Katana and Elly Karuhanga.

Karuhanga, former Nyabushozi County MP was the focus of example of last year’s award. He was awarded for his contributions to Parliament. His motivation read, “One of the most eloquent debaters in the Constituent Assembly and the National Resistance Council before it, he retired from politics at the age of 53 and took on new causes in legal practice and business.”

A collage of his contributions cut out from New Vision carrying his contributions to Parliament was handed over to him in addition to a head and shoulder bust of his image.

The focus of example in 2024 was the late Jacob Oulanyah, the Speaker of Parliament.  He pursued reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity.  “Uganda’s 11^th Parliament Speaker was a promising leader but the country and Africa lost him at an earlier age” read the remembrance statement.  “Oulanyah was a lawyer and agricultural economist and an inspiration to many youths in Uganda and beyond.”

His family received a book consisting of newspaper clippings from New Vision covering his contributions and statements he made over the years. They also got a head and should bust of his image.

“When you do the right thing, you know someone is watching and they will use this as their raw material for their time in making a decision,” said Rwabwogo.