By Earnest Kivumbi Benjamin – updated at 1045 EAT on Saturday 14th Dec 2024

KAMPALA- UGANDA – Buganda’s Queen Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda on Tuesday adresed delegates attending the Africa Decent Summit at Serena Hotel, Kampala organised by Henry Lutwama aide to Hon Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, minister of ICT and National Guidance and his team.

In her speech Nagginda called upon Ugandans from all walks of life  to embrace the “Obuntubulamu” tradition, a value system emphasizing respect, compassion, and community interconnectedness.

Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda of Buganda underscored the importance of merging traditional values with contemporary ones to address development challenges.

She said, “Revival of Obuntubulamu is one of the pathways to fostering a culture that promotes peace, integrity, and sustainable development.”  Nabagereka Nagginda added that these values, which foster social justice, equality, and environmental responsibility, are central to addressing issues like corruption, climate change, and inclusive development.

“These values and ethical standards, if well understood and adopted, will go a long way in delivering impactful results in our society. It will be easier to address social challenges such as corruption, climate change, environmental degradation, accountability, responsible citizenship, and inclusive development.”

Full Speech of Uganda First Lady, Janet K Museveni

Your Excellencies, Honored Guests,
Our Esteemed Patron of the Decent Africa Foundation, Owek. Hon. Joyce Nabosa Sebugwawo,
Visionary Leaders, Partners, Youth, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon to you all. I thank the Almighty God for allowing us to come together on this special day to share ideas and strengthen our commitment to building a better future for Africa.

It is an honor to address this inaugural Decent Africa Summit. Being here with you remarkable leaders, innovators, and youth fills me with gratitude and hope. I commend the decent Africa Foundation for championing the cause of cultural preservation and youth empowerment under the capable leadership of Owek. Hon. Joyce Nabosa Sebugwawo.

I also want to recognize the invaluable efforts of HiPipo (Hi people) Foundation, Youth Times news, My Doctor, and Nonda Coffee. Your commitment and dedication to our nation’s progress are inspiring. May God continue to bless the work of your hands.

The theme of today’s summit, “The Role of Women in Shaping a Healthier and More Educated Future for Africa’s Children,” resonates deeply with me. It reflects the values that have guided my work and ministry for many years.

Throughout my life, I have witnessed the strength of women, their resilience, selflessness, and persistent faith in the face of challenges. Women are at the heart of our families and communities. When a woman is empowered, the ripple effects are felt far and wide, touching the lives of children, families, and nations.

In 1986, as Uganda grappled with the devastation caused by HIV/AIDS, I founded the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO). This initiative reaffirmed a simple truth, women are natural caregivers. They step forward to care for the vulnerable and give hope where it seems lost.

As a Minister of Education and Sports, I have seen firsthand how education transforms lives. It is through education that we can shape the future of our children and equip them with the skills to lead, innovate, and solve the challenges of tomorrow.

But let us be clear, this requires collective effort. An educated mother will always fight for her children’s education. A community that values education will prioritize it, ensuring no child is left behind.

In Uganda, we are striving to expand opportunities for education, vocational training, and skills development. This effort is a testament to our belief in the potential of young people. Our goal is to raise a generation of responsible, knowledgeable, and God-fearing individuals who will lead our nation and continent to prosperity.

As African women, we must also uphold our cultural values of unity, respect, and dignity. These values, when grounded in faith, provide a moral compass that guides our children and sustains our communities. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

We, as women, are the first teachers in our children’s lives. Let us instill in them the virtues of kindness, discipline, and hard work. Let us teach them to love God, value their heritage, and dream boldly.

I am deeply humbled by the recognition I received earlier this year as “The Most Decent Lady in Africa.” This award, presented on my birthday, was a celebration of life and God’s abundant grace. It affirmed the importance of decency and the role of women in uplifting society.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Decent Africa Summit is a call to action. To the youth and women leaders here today: you are Africa’s hope. Step forward with courage and determination. Trust in God, and be the change-makers in your communities.

To the policymakers and partners present: let us champion initiatives that prioritize healthcare, education, and economic empowerment for women and children. Together, we can build an Africa where every child has the chance to thrive.

I extend my gratitude to the visionary founders and partners of this summit—Decent Africa Foundation, HiPipo Foundation, Youth Times news, My Doctor, and Nonda Coffee—for their dedication to our shared mission.

To the women here, to the mothers, sisters, and daughters: you are the backbone of our families and the strength of our nation. Let us rise together and shape a brighter future for Africa.

May God bless you

Full speech of  Hon Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, State of ICT & National Guidance

First Lady of Uganda, Honourable Janet Kataaha Museveni,
Your Excellencies, Ministers, and Distinguished Guests,
Her Royal Highness the Nabagereka of Buganda, our esteemed Keynote Speaker,
Visionary Leaders and Partners of Decent Africa, HiPipo, Youth Times, My Doctor, and Nonda Coffee,
The Vibrant Team of Decent Africa and HiPipo,
Youth Leaders, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon. Praise be to the Almighty God for this moment and for gathering us here today at the Inaugural Decent Africa Summit.
It is my profound honour and joy to welcome you all to this important gathering. I sincerely appreciate Your Excellency, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, for gracing this occasion as our Chief Guest.

Your Excellency, we congratulate you again on your well-deserved recognition this June as the “Most Decent Lady in Africa”—an accolade bestowed upon you during your birthday celebrations in Masulita. For nearly four decades, you have exemplified integrity, decency, and an unrelenting commitment to the welfare of women, children, and families across Uganda and Africa. You are a role model and a pillar of socio-economic sustainability, and we at Decent Africa deeply admire and celebrate your efforts and character.

Your Excellency, our friendship has stood the test of time. Over the years, your support and partnership with me and the Decent Africa Foundation have been instrumental in advancing our programs and impacting countless lives. It is a bond that symbolises friendship and a shared purpose—working together to uplift communities, empower women, and build a better future for our children.
I am also honoured to recognise Her Royal Highness the Nabagereka of Buganda, our distinguished Keynote Speaker. Your Royal Highness, your leadership and service since ascending as the Queen of Buganda have made you a role model for women and girls. You continue to inspire us all through your tireless efforts to preserve culture while empowering women and promoting education and health in the kingdom and beyond.

Your Excellency, I must highlight the tremendous work of the young, energetic, and innovative team I proudly patron at Decent Africa and HiPipo. For over two decades, this team has been shaping industries, empowering women, and transforming lives across Uganda and Africa.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Innocent Kawooya, Mr. Henry Lutwama, and our Board chair, Ms. Camilla Namata, Mr. Nicholas Kalungi, and Mr. Joseph Kimbowa. These dynamic leaders exemplify dedication, excellence, and vision. I am particularly proud that one of them recently received a National Independence Medal, a testament to the impact of their work on society.
The theme of today’s summit, “Empowering Women and the Next Generation through Education and Health Initiatives,” is timely and deeply personal.
Over the past several decades, women across Africa have been the backbone of educated, healthy families and communities. A mother’s role extends far beyond the home; she is a nurturer, teacher, and guide. Through her love, resilience, and sacrifices, she ensures her children have access to education and health.

Your Excellency, your journey as a mother and leader resonates with this. Like you, I have been blessed with a marriage spanning over six decades, witnessing firsthand how women’s love and sacrifices build nations. Educating a child, investing in their health, and grounding them in strong values is the key to unlocking Africa’s future.
We must continue to prioritise education as a means to lift families from poverty. We must strengthen healthcare systems to ensure that no child is deprived of life-saving services. And above all, we must support women—because when you empower a woman, you empower a generation.

As Patron of Decent Africa Foundation, I strongly urge policymakers, leaders, and stakeholders gathered here today to:
Prioritise Women’s Empowerment—through education, vocational training, and financial inclusion.
Strengthen Health Systems—ensuring maternal and child health are at the core of national agendas.
Engage Youth Leaders—because they are the torchbearers of Africa’s development.
We must act together, in unity and purpose, to shape a healthier and more educated Africa.

Your Excellency, as we celebrate the success of this Inaugural Summit, I am pleased to propose that the Second Annual Decent Africa Summit be hosted here, at this same venue, on December 9, 2025. We would be deeply honoured to have you return as our Chief Guest and continue your invaluable support.

In addition, on behalf of the Decent Africa Foundation, I humbly request that you accept the responsibility of serving as the Global Chair of Honor for the Decent Africa Foundation. Your leadership and guidance will greatly strengthen our work as we expand our impact across the continent.
Allow me also to share that the team I patron at HiPipo, in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the COMESA Business Council, is organising the Middle East and Africa Digital Transformation Summit on June 25–27, 2025, right here at Kampala Serena Hotel.

This summit will unite innovators, policymakers, and university students from over 70 universities across Africa and the Middle East. Your Excellency, we humbly request your full support, and we also request the pleasure of His Excellency, the President of Uganda, to serve as Chief Host for this transformative event. The anticipated outcomes will undoubtedly uplift multiple sectors and boost Uganda’s economy significantly.

As I conclude, I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who prioritised being here today. To the Chief Guest, the organising team, and our visionary partners—Decent Africa, HiPipo, Youth Times, My Doctor, and Nonda Coffee—your dedication to Africa’s progress is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together, with faith and purpose.
To the women here today—to the mothers, grandmothers, and sisters—you are the foundation of Africa’s strength. Let us rise together, guided by God’s love, to shape a future where no child is left behind.
May the Lord bless you all abundantly, and may He guide the work of our hands.

Thank you. God bless Uganda. God bless Africa.

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