Insights and Reflections from My ALU Public Sector Fellowship Experience

The African Leadership University (ALU) Public Sector Fellowship has been a defining chapter in my journey of servant leadership. Through eight months of immersive learning across Zambia, Nigeria, and Rwanda, I shifted from problem-solving in isolation to co-creating solutions with citizens, grounded in empathy, innovation, and purpose.

The fellowship brought together 35 fellows from 12 African countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, and Togo. Our diversity and shared passion for ethical and effective governance created a dynamic environment of collaboration and reflection. Designed to cultivate a citizen-centered mindset and equip public officers with practical skills in leadership and product management, the program challenged us to reimagine the way government serves its people.

Guided by top facilitators like Chidi Afulezi, Head of Product Management, and Dr. Ruwayne Kock, Head of Leadership Lab, we engaged in problem-solving labs, system-thinking sessions, and case studies emphasizing curiosity, empathy, and evidence-based actions. I discovered that effective leadership begins not with solutions, but with curiosity — to “fall in love with the problem” before crafting a solution. This idea aligns closely with Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap, which promotes a "human-centered digital ecosystem.”

My participation in the African Leadership University (ALU) Public Sector Fellowship reflected the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance’s strong commitment to nurturing leaders capable of translating Uganda’s digital vision into reality. The Ministry’s capacity-building framework prioritizes developing officers who are not only technically competent but also innovative, ethical, and responsive to citizens’ needs.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, a passionate advocate for continuous learning, has championed global partnerships that enhance staff capacity to deliver on the Digital Uganda Vision. Her conviction that people are the true enablers of digital transformation has fostered a culture of growth, service, and citizen-centric thinking across the Ministry.

This focus on people and impact became even more tangible during the Fellowship. In Lagos, Nigeria, we explored “the messy middle”, the challenging yet creative space between ideas and results. Our projects were reviewed by mentors who emphasized starting small, validating evidence, and iterating, often principles that resonate deeply with Uganda’s drive for inclusive innovation and citizen-centered problem solving.

The visit to Zipline Rwanda, a drone delivery service that transports essential medical supplies to remote hospitals, and the visit to IremboGov demonstrated how visionary leadership and collaboration between government and innovators can deliver tangible public value by improving efficiency, reducing barriers, and building citizen trust.
Our journey culminated in a moving convocation ceremony at the Convention Center in Kigali, Rwanda, on 3rd October 2025. The event was presided over by Professor Nhlanhla Thwala, the Vice-Chancellor of ALU. In his remarks, Prof. Thwala commended the fellows for embodying the spirit of servant leadership, urging us to return home as innovators who transform challenges into opportunities for Africa’s progress.

The ceremony also featured an address by the Chief Business Officer at ALU, Ms. Hadja Ba. She reminded the fellows that “Africa’s greatest potential lies not in its resources, but in the courage and creativity of its public leaders.” The event celebrated not only the achievements of individual fellows but also the collective mission of shaping responsive, citizen-driven public institutions.

Standing on the graduation stage, I felt a profound sense of renewal. The fellowship had strengthened my conviction that technology, guided by empathy and ethics, can be a genuine force for human progress. As I return to my work at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, I do so with a renewed commitment to ethical leadership, collaboration, and discovery. I have learned that progress in the public sector is not about speed but about integrity, purpose, and impact.

Above all, I thank God Almighty, my Father and source of all wisdom, for granting me this extraordinary opportunity through the trust and support of the Permanent Secretary. To Him be all the glory and praise for ordering my steps, expanding my vision, and allowing me to serve with renewed purpose.
The ALU Public Sector Fellowship is not an end, but a beginning; a reaffirmation that true leadership is an act of service, and that Africa’s future will be built by innovative, ethical, and citizen-centered public servants.