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Mr. Swizin Kizza Mugyema, Commissioner for Local Councils Development joined by Henry Luke Urombi, the Chancellor of Muni University to append their signatures during the launch. By Dramadri Federick Arua city The Commissioner for Local Councils Development in
Mr. Swizin Kizza Mugyema, Commissioner for Local Councils Development joined by Henry Luke Urombi, the Chancellor of Muni University to append their signatures during the launch.
By Dramadri Federick
Arua city
The Commissioner for Local Councils Development in the Ministry of Local Government officially launched Uganda’s first-ever Institute of Leadership and Governance at Muni University, marking a significant milestone in strengthening leadership capacity across the country.
The Muni University Institute of Leadership and Governance (MUILG) is a non-academic capacity-building center established through a partnership between Muni University, the West Nile Development Association (WENDA), and VNG International. The institute is designed to enhance leadership and governance across public, private, and civil society sectors.
The initiative aims to promote ethical leadership, drive regional transformation, and ensure strategic alignment for sustainable socio-economic development. It is expected to play a critical role in equipping leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to address persistent development challenges, particularly at the local government level.
Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Local Councils Development, Mr. Swizin Kizza Mugyema, emphasized the importance of strong leadership in addressing community challenges. He warned that weak leadership and governance structures could continue to hinder progress at the grassroots level.
“If you’re a leader, don’t be deceived into thinking that the people you lead cannot move at your pace. If that happens, then you have failed in your responsibility,” he said. “A leader must be consultative, engaging, visionary, and innovative, working through and with the people.”
The Vice Chancellor of Muni University, Associate Professor Simon Anguma Katrini, highlighted the persistent challenges facing local governments in the West Nile sub-region, including poor service delivery, which he attributed to limited leadership capacity.
He noted that the region continues to rank poorly on several development indicators, including poverty levels, education performance, literacy rates, and health outcomes, as well as high levels of alcohol and drug abuse. According to him, these challenges underscore the urgent need to address leadership gaps in the region.
“The growing concern over the West Nile sub-region’s position on key development indices has compelled us to seek lasting solutions by addressing the leadership question through the establishment of MUILG,” he said.
Key national and International leaders pause for Photo after the official launch of the Institute.
The institute will also ensure that local district development plans in West Nile are aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that the region remains on track within both national and global development frameworks.
Ejibua Sam Anguzu, Country Resident Programs Manager for VNG International in Uganda, called on stakeholders to rethink how they support local governments in response to evolving global and local challenges. He stressed the importance of adopting innovative and sustainable approaches.
“We cannot keep doing the same things in the current global dynamics and expect different results. We need to innovate and think outside the box,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of WENDA, Moses Akuma Odims, expressed optimism that the institute will help transform leadership in the region and inspire young people to pursue meaningful career paths.
“We have high hopes that this institute will play a key role in transforming the trajectory of leadership in our region,” he noted.
The Ministry of Local Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Muni University and its partners to ensure the success of the institute.
The launch event attracted a wide range of dignitaries, including representatives from VNG International such as Mrs. Anna Marrie, the Chairman of Muni University Council Eng. Dr. Aita Joel Jaffar, keynote speaker Prof. John Mary Kauzya, and several political leaders led by the Chairman of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus, Geoffrey Feta. Also in attendance were the Chairman of WENDA, Anyama William, and various local government leaders.