By KT Reporter
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has awarded Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala and Justice James Ogola for their outstanding role in mentoring the younger generation.
The mentorship awards program is a presidential office initiative, meant to recognise Uganda’s elderly for dedicating their lives to building the country and for mentoring younger generations. The program is implemented by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID).
While presiding over the third edition of the mentorship awards ceremony at State House, Entebbe, on Thursday, President Museveni congratulated the awardees and praised them for their lifelong service.
He noted that the diversity of contributions from industrialists and farmers to teachers, lawyers, health workers, and religious leaders shows the strength of Uganda’s unity after years of conflict. Years after independence, there was so much intolerance and threats to life that many people, including industrialists and intellectuals, fled the country. But today, everyone is here, contributing in different ways. This is very good. This is what we fought for,” Museveni said.
He emphasised that both young and old generations are important for national progress. “Knowledge is cumulative but also innovative. The young bring new ideas, while the old share wisdom from experience. If you reject everything from the past, you destroy the future,” he added.
He described Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala as a “pillar of humility and service whose words may be few but whose impact has been immense.”
Others who were awarded included William Mukaira, the founder of Valley College and Valley University of Science and Technology in Bushenyi, Dr Stephen Rwangyezi (70), founder of Ndere Cultural Centre and promoter of Ugandan traditional music, dance, and storytelling, and Prof. Frederick Edward Ssempebwa.
Others were Dr Miria Matembe, former State Minister for Ethics, businessman Gordon Wavamunno, Dr Ian Clarke, founder of International Hospital Kampala and Aga Sekalala.
Odrek Rwabwogo, the PACEID chairperson and coordinator of the mentorship program, explained that the awards were designed to honour unsung heroes while teaching young people lessons from their elders. “Just as scientists found that connecting an old and young mouse improved the older one’s health, we believe uniting generations strengthens our society,” Rwabogo said.
He added that the mentorship program, now in its third year, helps young people understand what it takes to build lasting institutions. “Mentorship is not about passing judgment but about sharing experiences. The men and women we reward have done much in education, enterprise, health, culture, and public service. Their example helps keep our country stable and growing,” he noted.
Rwabwogo emphasised that the awards were not only about celebrating the past but also preparing the future. “These people are role models. They show that with perseverance and service, anything is possible. We want the youth to see in them the meaning of leadership and sacrifice,” he said.
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