Graduation Ceremony for the Balunywa Foundation Leadership Academy's 13th Cohort Marks a Milestone in Community Empowerment

*By John Kusolo*

Kasolo, Iganga Municipality, November 10, 2024 – The Balunywa Foundation Leadership Academy, a transformative platform dedicated to equipping young Ugandan leaders with practical life skills, held its graduation ceremony for the 10+3 Cohort, celebrating 17 graduates (3 women and 14 men). The ceremony took place at the Foundation’s premises in Kasolo, Iganga Municipality, and was attended by community leaders, educators, and prominent guests. Presiding over the event was the 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who also serves as the Kamuli Woman MP and Speaker Emeritus of Uganda’s 9th and 10th Parliaments.

In her keynote address, Rt. Hon. Kadaga urged the graduates to utilize the leadership skills they have acquired to benefit their communities and inspire others. She highlighted the importance of taking proactive roles in society, noting, “The skills you have acquired here – self-confidence, empathy, team building, ICT, interpersonal skills, and effective communication – are tools that will empower you to lead with integrity, compassion, and vision.” Her encouragement reinforced the Academy’s mission to create a new generation of leaders who can drive positive change and uplift their communities.

Following the ceremony, Rt. Hon. Kadaga held an informal meeting with the graduates, commending them for their commitment to self-improvement and community engagement. She also took the opportunity to meet with members of her Baise Igaga clan, celebrating the achievements of the Academy’s 13th Cohort.

*A Visit to Asina Kitimbo Balunywa Memorial Hospital*

Rt. Hon. Kadaga also visited the Asina Kitimbo Balunywa Memorial Hospital in Kasolo, Iganga Municipality, a facility dedicated to providing free healthcare to the community. Expressing gratitude to Prof. Balunywa and his family for their commitment to improving community healthcare, she donated a maternity bed to the hospital, supporting its mission to ensure accessible health services for local residents.

*Building Leaders from the Grassroots: Insights from Prof. Balunywa*

The Founder and Executive Director of the Balunywa Foundation Leadership Academy, Prof. Balunywa, underscored the significance of early and intentional leadership development. “Creating a new generation of leaders requires consistent, purposeful training, especially at the grassroots level,” he remarked. “We must empower young people with skills not taught in traditional education, to prepare them for the workplace and life beyond the classroom.” Since its inception on December 27, 2022, the Academy has graduated 187 students and aims to continue expanding, with applications for the next cohort set to open in late November 2024.

Prof. Balunywa’s vision reflects a deep commitment to community-driven development. His foundation, based in Iganga District, focuses on improving living standards through educational programs, skill-building initiatives, and access to healthcare. The Academy mentors university students and graduates in practical skills such as tailoring, farming, savings schemes, and computer literacy, nurturing versatile, self-reliant individuals.

*Community Leaders’ Call for Infrastructure Development*

Among the distinguished guests were head teachers of Bukoyo Secondary School and Bukoyo Primary School(established in 1937), neighboring institutions. The head teachers appealed to Rt. Hon. Kadaga to support their efforts to enhance the schools’ infrastructure. The Head Teacher of Bukoyo Secondary School, Arienka Juma, recalled how Kadaga had previously secured over 800 million Shillings for the school, although the funds were diverted by the prior administration. He expressed hope that with her support, the much-needed improvements could still be realized.

*Prof. Balunywa’s Legacy in Education and Community Development*

Prof. Balunywa, recognized for pioneering Uganda’s private students’ scheme, has created an influential model for universities throughout the country and beyond. His foundation has played an instrumental role in the lives of young Ugandans, offering scholarships and hands-on training programs that promote financial independence, career readiness, and social responsibility. In addition to the Leadership Academy, the Foundation’s Asina Kitimbo Balunywa Memorial Hospital continues to deliver essential health services, significantly impacting the well-being of the local community.

The Balunywa Foundation Leadership Academy’s graduation was not only a celebration of individual accomplishments but a testament to the power of education and mentorship in building a brighter future. As these new graduates step forward into their communities, they carry the values and skills instilled in them by the Academy, prepared to make meaningful contributions and inspire those around them.

As the Academy gears up for its next intake, it continues to embody a mission that is as ambitious as it is essential: to create leaders ready to face the challenges of tomorrow, starting with a solid foundation today.