Allen Kagina, a renowned leader and corporate executive, delivered a powerful keynote address at the 3rd Annual Sarah Ntiro Lecture, held at Makerere University’s School of Public Health Auditorium on March 7, 2025.
The event, held on the eve of International Women’s Day, celebrated women’s activism and leadership while honoring the legacy of Sarah Nyendwoha Ntiro, the first female university graduate in East and Central Africa.
Kagina’s speech centered on the themes of change, leadership, and resilience, emphasizing their critical role in transforming institutions and societies.
A Legacy of Change and Leadership
Kagina began by acknowledging the significance of Sarah Ntiro’s contributions.
“It is an honour and privilege to be here as a keynote speaker at the 3rd Annual Sarah Ntiro Lecture. Tomorrow is Women’s Day, and Sarah Ntiro represents the women under whose shadow we stand. It is important to celebrate these women, especially because young girls need to know that it is possible,” she said.
Reflecting on the challenges of transformation, Kagina noted, “Change is not easy. It is often met with resistance—resistance from those who fear the unknown, from systems entrenched in tradition, and from cultures slow to embrace new ways of thinking. As leaders, our task is to navigate these challenges with courage, vision, and unwavering commitment. We must not only manage change but also inspire it.”
She outlined key elements of successful institutional transformation, including:
- Visionary leadership to guide the way forward
- An adaptive organizational culture that embraces innovation
- Stakeholder engagement to foster collaboration
- Resilience and agility to navigate challenges
- Data-driven decision-making to ensure long-term impact
“Successful institutional change is not just about adopting new technologies or processes; it is about creating a culture that values collaboration and prioritizes long-term impact over short-term gains,” Kagina emphasized.
Sarah Ntiro: A Trailblazer in Education and Politics
The lecture also highlighted Sarah Ntiro’s groundbreaking achievements.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Academic Registrar, recounted Ntiro’s journey as a political and educational pioneer.
“Sarah Ntiro was not just an educator but a political trailblazer. From 1958 to 1961, she served as one of the first two female members of the Legislative Council. In this role, she was a vocal advocate for women’s rights, mentoring other women like Hon. Joyce Mpanga and introducing them to collective organizing through the Uganda Council of Women,” Prof. Mukadasi stated.
Ntiro’s resilience and determination were evident throughout her life. She became the first Ugandan woman to graduate from Oxford University in 1954 and later taught without pay to demand equal wages.
“From being the only woman in a male-dominated class at Makerere to serving in Uganda’s Legislative Council, Sarah Ntiro championed women’s rights. Her advocacy inspired policies on girl-child education and gender equality, leaving a lasting legacy,” Prof. Mukadasi added.
Inspiring Future Generations
The Sarah Ntiro Lecture continues to serve as a platform to inspire future generations of women to lead, innovate, and drive change.
As the discussions concluded, one message stood clear: “Transformation is a collective effort, and the legacy of pioneers like Sarah Ntiro will continue to shape the future of education and leadership in Uganda.”
Kagina’s address underscored the importance of not only managing change but also inspiring it, urging leaders to embrace courage, vision, and collaboration to create a lasting impact.
