Living in an age characterised by increasing uncertainty, those who are to succeed or survive must learn to be strategic, think long-term, respect process at its every corner, develop core competencies, observe global patterns and trends, be focused and visionary, accept that the world is interconnected and resist a mentality of entitlement.
This and more inspiring statements were made by Dr Emmanuel Dei Tum, an author, social trainer and motivational speaker, as he delivered the keynote lecture of the closing ceremony of a two-day Youth and Innovation Expo 2023 on October 7.
Running under the theme, ‘Fostering innovation for Uganda’s transformational development’, the expo was organised by Makerere University in partnership with UNDP Uganda, MTN Uganda and StartHub Africa.
The first-ever to be hosted by Makerere University, the multi-activity expo attracted close to 300 exhibitors of research projects, innovations and business ideas from all colleges of the university and outside companies, universities and organisations.
With all activities rotating around Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility auditorium, the expo also included a night fireside chat (ekyooto) on leadership mentorship, a conference program and master classes, a medical camp collecting blood, giving first aid and some simple tests, an art exhibition by Margaret Trowell School of Fine Arts, a fashion show curated by Axarya Trends, food vendor services and musical and drama entertainment by the department of Performing Arts and Film.
All activities were broadcast live on all Makerere University’s social media platforms. Dr Tumi advocated for digital thinking and leadership, personal goal setting, competitiveness, uniqueness and incremental self-development.
“No one owes you a living; you must know that the future of Uganda is in your hands and you must wrest it yourself,” he advised.
“Don’t be satisfied by your limited achievements. The world is going to change tremendously, and no one will stop it. Experts will be wrong if they choose to remain experts of an earlier version of the world.”
Deputy speaker Thomas Tayebwa, as chief guest at the opening ceremony, enjoined youth to learn to save, to be disciplined when spending because after all, “there is no small money” and to use all platforms available to develop themselves. He promised to use his office to get more financial support for the innovations incubation centre at Makerere.
Besides the opening and closing ceremonies, the conference programme entailed a youth panel discussion under the theme, “Creating opportunities for Uganda’s young people: Moving from rhetoric to action”, five master classes and a lecture address by Italian ambassador Massimiliano Mazzanti.
The master classes are well-curated knowledge sessions aimed at quipping students and innovators with the necessary skills and hands- on knowledge for the journey of an innovator and the journey to employment for a student.
