By Nantongo Bashira
The inaugural Usisi Amandla Fellowship has marked a milestone in equipping 18 young Ugandan women with the tools to influence public policy with both rigor and passion. As the pioneer cohort valedictorian, Nantongo Bashira, addressed esteemed guests including Government officials, policymakers, academia, development partners and, civil society representatives, she recognized the critical role women’s empowerment plays in national progress. Drawing inspiration from Michelle Obama’s powerful assertion that states, “the empowerment of women is the key to unlocking the potential of a nation,” the fellowship’s journey was transformative.
Early exercises involved comparative analyses of countries across continents, expanding fellows’ understanding of global economic and governance disparities. This collaborative learning set the stage for deeper insights into how policy shapes development. A particularly memorable assignment involved studying Singapore’s public policy framework, where meritocracy stands as a core pillar driving success. This analysis resonated strongly with the fellows’ mission to promote competence and fairness within Uganda’s policy landscape. Throughout the fellowship, the participants authored policy briefs on vital topics including digital security, agriculture, population health, trade, employment, climate justice among others. These documents reflected not only rigorous research but also the lived experiences and hopes of young women and youth in Uganda and Africa.
Bashira further emphasized that such research must extend beyond documentation; it demands action and integration into policy. Inspired by the fellowship, Bashira realized a personal ambition of creating a platform for Muslim women in leadership. This forum aims to recognize, celebrate, and foster the active participation of Muslim women in decision-making and national development. Officially registered in March, the initiative already contributes by documenting access to justice for Muslim women in universities, preparing to inform critical discussions at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). This achievement underscores the power of persistence and diverse voices in leadership. Bashira appealed to fellowship partners and development collaborators to provide platforms for effective advocacy, elevate these policy briefs in important forums, and mainstream their recommendations within Uganda’s policies.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, “it always seems impossible until it is done,” she called for concerted efforts to ensure young women’s critical work was neither overlooked nor sidelined. Amplifying this call, she invoked the words of former Malawi President H.E Joyce Banda, who stated, “the seeds of success in every nation on earth are best planted in women and children,” and Melinda Gates, who emphasized, “It’s about time that women are on the agenda.” These words capture the fellowship’s commitment to inclusive, equitable development led by women.
The Usisi Amandla Fellowship envisions a strengthened role for young women in public policy, driven by integrity, courage, meritocracy, transparency, and equity. Bashira invites academia, government, civil society, and international organizations to unite in nurturing this new generation of leaders who will champion Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. Gratitude flows to the fellowship’s founders, mentors, and peers whose support created a nurturing environment for growth. Bashira acknowledged the founder Ms. Elone Ainebyoona, mentors Dr. Sebastian Rwengabo, Dr. John Mushomi, Dr. Charles Katulamu, and Ms. Allen Asiimwe for their crucial roles in guiding and inspiring the fellows.
Looking ahead, Bashira assured development partners that their investment will yield significant impact. She stressed the lasting bonds of sisterhood forged among fellows—a solidarity that will fuel mutual support and growth beyond the fellowship. Standing ready as architects, not just beneficiaries of Uganda’s future, Bashira concluded with Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s empowering words: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” To her fellow women leaders, she delivered a rallying call: “Great women, go and soar!” Nantongo Bashira’s Policy Brief from Fellowship can be accessed on: https://developmenteye.org/document/usisi-amandla-compendium-nantongo-bashira/
