Former Ugandan Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi has sparked national discussion after urging African leaders to deliberately transfer power and responsibility to the younger generation. Speaking at the annual Tumusiime Mutebile Memorial Lecture at Makerere University, he addressed students, scholars, policymakers, and civil servants, emphasizing the urgent need for intergenerational leadership.
Mbabazi began by honoring the legacy of the late Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, whose life exemplified inclusive and forward-looking leadership. He described Mutebile as a role model who uplifted others and mentored emerging leaders, insisting that such an approach should become standard across Africa.
The former Prime Minister warned that Africa’s challenges extend beyond economics and politics to a deeper issue: the lack of structured succession and youth involvement in leadership. He called this gap the “missing link” critical for achieving meaningful transformation across the continent.He highlighted how decades of prioritizing seniority have sidelined young, talented, and innovative Africans. This, he said, has slowed institutional renewal, stifled fresh ideas, and created cycles where leadership remains concentrated in the hands of the elderly.
Mbabazi stressed that young people should not be viewed as future leaders only, but as essential contributors to development today. He noted that Africa’s growing, youthful population presents both a tremendous opportunity and a potential risk if leaders fail to invest in their skills, mentorship, and empowerment.He argued that successful leadership transitions require intentional planning—passing knowledge, values, and experience from one generation to the next in a structured, continuous manner. Using Mutebile’s mentorship of young professionals as an example, Mbabazi illustrated how leaders could nurture talent while maintaining effective governance.Mbabazi also warned that weak institutions undermine Africa’s progress when leadership depends too heavily on individual personalities.
He urged building strong systems that ensure continuity, stability, and long-term development regardless of who occupies leadership positions.Concluding his address, Mbabazi called on senior leaders to guide, prepare, and trust young Africans to take on responsibilities.
He reminded them that true leadership is measured not by tenure in office, but by the ability to empower successors. He challenged both the older generation and the youth to embrace mentorship, courage, and strategic vision as essential tools to secure Africa’s future.
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