Uongozi Institute commits to groom Tanzania’s ethical leaders

DAR ES SALAAM: UONGOZI Institute marked a significant milestone with the graduation of its 8th cohort of leadership programme.

The event brought together high-level dignitaries from across government, the private sector, development partners, and academia, all rallying around a shared vision — cultivating transformational leadership for sustainable development across Africa.

The graduation ceremony was graced by the Minister Minister of State in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, George Simbachawene (MP), who , delivered a keynote address that struck a resonant chord with graduates and guests alike.

“With leadership at the heart of national progress,” Mr Simbachawene emphasized, “we must continuously invest in shaping strategic and ethical leaders who can inspire change, drive innovation, and deliver meaningful results for our people.”

The Minister lauded the UONGOZI Institute’s work in empowering leaders at various levels, including their pioneering initiative to develop a dedicated programme for emerging leaders. Recognising the long-term value of this effort, he highlighted its role in building a pool of future-ready leaders who can step into national leadership roles with vision and capability.

He called on graduates to become “agents of transformation,” equipped with the knowledge to identify development opportunities, formulate visionary plans, and implement inclusive policies that uplift communities.

“Let the training you’ve received be a spark for innovation in your workplaces,” Simbachawene urged, stressing the importance of integrity, accountability, and a commitment to combating corruption.

ALSO READ: Arusha PCCB Chief urges residents to elect ethical leaders

The Minister also acknowledged challenges in coordinating government projects and public service delivery, urging graduates to apply their leadership skills to improve efficiency and maximize impact.

Significant praise was extended to the development partners — the European Union, UN Women, and the Government of Finland — for their unwavering support in strengthening leadership capacity in Tanzania, especially in promoting women’s leadership and sustainable governance.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the mood was one of inspiration and anticipation. With leaders from across Africa represented among the graduates, the UONGOZI Institute reinforced its role as a continental hub for leadership development, aiming to expand its reach and impact further.

In his final remarks, Hon. Simbachawene reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continued collaboration and expressed confidence that the graduates would return to their stations as catalysts for positive change.

“Go and serve with integrity. Make the right decisions. Help eliminate the barriers that frustrate citizens. Let your leadership be the difference Tanzania and Africa need.”

As certificates were conferred, the applause resonated not just as recognition of achievement, but as a clarion call for a new generation of African leaders — bold, ethical, and transformational.