South African Ambassador to Uganda Solly Sebola has called on African leaders to embrace servant leadership as a way of honoring the legacy of Nelson Mandela, ahead of this year’s Mandela Day commemorations set for Friday, July 18.
Speaking in Kampala during a press briefing, Ambassador Sebola said Africa's progress depends on leaders who are driven by the will to serve others rather than personal enrichment.
“When Mandela picked up arms to fight, that was a calling. But today, it’s more about what in South Africa we call the politics of the stomach. Until and unless that vice is corrected, the whole of humanity is doomed,” Sebola said.
“What you need are servants of the people—people who care about others. And this is what Mandela went out to do.”
This year’s Mandela Day celebrations in Uganda will be held at the Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped in Mengo.
The theme centres on giving back through inclusive service and community development, in line with Mandela’s enduring values of justice, equality, and compassion.
Bugingo Don Patrick, a Mandela Washington Fellow and lead organiser of the local celebrations, said the school was chosen for its 56-year legacy of supporting children living with disabilities.
He outlined the campaign’s focus on refurbishing school premises and rallying partners to provide scholastic materials and essential supplies.
“Our obligation is to ensure we remember the great legacy of Nelson Mandela in leadership, service, and sacrifice,” Bugingo said.
“When we engaged the school management, they shared the challenges they face, and as a fellowship network we mobilised our partners to respond. We’re already seeing commitments from various stakeholders.”
Ms Joy Mwesigwa, the school’s director, praised the Mandela Fellows for using their networks to spotlight the needs of differently abled children.
She said their advocacy has already drawn meaningful support.
“The Mandela Fellows have done the best you can do, which is advocacy. They’ve reached organisations and people we could not access. Thanks to their efforts, partners like Mr Omar Mandela from Café Javas are already helping with renovations to improve accessibility at the school entrance,” Mwesigwa said.
“This is justice to the disability movement.”
The Nnaabagereka of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, also threw her support behind the initiative and urged all stakeholders to get involved.
“Today, I am proud to stand once again with the school—this time in support of the renovation campaign led by the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network of Uganda,” she said.
“I invite each of you to join me in making this school more accessible, empowering, and dignified for every learner.”
Mandela Day, observed annually on July 18, was established by the United Nations in 2009 to commemorate the birthday and legacy of South Africa’s first Black president.
The day encourages individuals and organisations worldwide to dedicate at least 67 minutes to community service, symbolising the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for justice and human rights.
This year marks the 16th Mandela Day, and Ugandan organisers say the focus on disability inclusion is a meaningful way to honour the icon’s vision of a society where no one is left behind.