Kikwete wants Uongozi Institute revert to old name
DAR ES SALAAM: FORMER President Jakaya Kikwete has urged the government and management of the Uongozi Institute to revert to its original name, Institute of Leadership in Africa, in order to reflect its mission as a pan-African institution aimed at enhancing leadership skills.
Dr Kikwete made the statement in Dar es Salaam on Friday, noting that the current name, Uongozi Institute, gives the impression that the institution is Tanzanian and has a narrow local scope, which goes against the original idea of its establishment.
“Let us return to the original name and prefix it with Institute of Leadership in Africa. This will give it an African character and instill a sense of ownership among African countries,” he said at the 7th graduation ceremony of the Uongozi Institute.
The idea for the Uongozi Institute originated from the Helsinki Process on Globalisation and Democracy, a joint initiative of Finland and Tanzania that emerged from the Helsinki Conference of December 2002, which aimed to explore ways to make globalisation work for all.
Former President Kikwete played an instrumental role in establishing the institution to enhance leadership skills for leaders in African countries during the Helsinki process.
He was also involved in the initial preparations that led to an agreement with the Finnish government for its establishment and lobbied for the institute to be hosted in Tanzania. Upon becoming President, he signed a Presidential decree for its establishment in Tanzania.
Dr Kikwete also called for governments in Africa, development partners and activists to ensure that efforts to promote gender equality in education do not overlook boys.
“Sometimes we focus on girls and forget about boys. It shouldn’t reach a point where boys are neglected. A balance must be created,” he said.
Achieving gender equality in and through education is crucial for meeting the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. While much attention is given to the impact of gender norms on girls, efforts must also be made to ensure that boys are not left behind.
In his remarks, the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service and Good Governance), George Simbachawene, stated that the government would continue to invest in the capacity building of its officials through training.
He emphasised the need for a new kind of leadership characterised by entrepreneurial skills and innovation in the modern public service.
The Uongozi Institute CEO, Kadari Singo, mentioned that the 7th graduation ceremony included 198 graduates in the Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership (PGD), Certificate in Leadership (CiL), and Women Leadership Programme (WLP).
The PGD and CiL programmes are developed and delivered in collaboration with Aalto University of Finland, aimed at enhancing leadership competencies in personal leadership, people leadership, and organisational leadership.
These programmes are designed for leaders who wish to advance their professional development without interrupting their careers, Singo added.
