Help to Help Organization in partnership with Mbarara University of Science and Technology, successfully concluded a dynamic six-day “Changemakers” bootcamp at MUST on Saturday, June 7, 2025. This impactful event gathered 99 scholarship beneficiaries from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (60 scholars) and Kabale University (39 scholars) aimed to equip students with the essential mindset and skills to become catalysts for positive change in their communities and beyond.
Setting the Stage for Transformation
Help to Help’s Regional Director for East Africa, Ms. Naomi Shimba officially opened the Changemaker Boot Camp, simultaneously marking the organization’s 15th anniversary of impactful work. Addressing a diverse audience including the Dean of Students of MUST, Dean of Student of Kabale, alumni, and scholars from both MUST and Kabale Universities, the Director highlighted Help to Help’s enduring mission to empower young minds, rooted in the core value of knowledge and brought to life through collective effort of both partner universities such as MUST, donors such as Tetra laval, beneficiaries and the Help to Help team.
A key part of the changemaker boot camp was to welcome 69 new Scholarship beneficiaries which accelerates the goal of reaching 1,000 scholars in the Help to Help Scholarship program. The boot camp, designed to equip scholars with essential employability skills, was framed as an embodiment of being positive enablers, fostering adaptability in the face of new challenges. Scholars were urged to “Think Global, Act Local,” recognizing the immense value and profound impact they can create within Uganda, transforming their academic fields into professional careers that drive positive societal change. The speech concluded with an emphasis on kindness, urging participants to build connections, support one another, and embark on their changemaking journey with empathy and purpose.
Dean Kyagaba’s Call for Personal Evolution
In his remarks, Dean Kyagaba emphasized the critical need for personal transformation. He challenged students to confront their deepest reservations, stating, “To become trained Americans, you must first start with the most difficult… for you to be willing to change, change yourself, and change yourself for the better.” He underscored that a lack of self-awareness and an unwillingness to evolve could significantly hinder one’s ability to drive meaningful change in the world. A key focus of this personal change, he highlighted, was attitude, particularly in the face of increasing unemployment challenges for graduates.
Dean Kyagaba challenged the prevalent notion of scarce opportunities, reminding the attendees that “every generation has its own opportunities. The difference is you.” He drew compelling parallels from history, from hunters and gatherers to agricultural societies, illustrating how even with similar resources, individuals always emerged who excelled. He urged students not to dwell on past generations’ opportunities but to actively seek and seize those of their own time.
Facilitators of the day
The Help to Help team and facilitators from different industries joined different sessions to present their experiences in the labour market, offering career advice and entrepreneurship insights. These includes Ms. Namutebi Bernah Namatovu- employability skills expert, Mr. Sankara Byaruhanga, the entrepreneur and the experts from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to mention a few.
Embracing Discipline and Leveraging Technology
Discipline emerged as a recurring and central theme in Dean Kyagaba’s speech. He passionately encouraged students to cultivate habits of diligence and sacrifice, from meeting assignment deadlines to managing finances wisely. “Set your goals and set your goals right,” he advised, emphasizing that achieving these goals demands unwavering focus and a refusal to be derailed.
The Dean also highlighted the monumental shifts in communication and technology over the past decades, contrasting his own experiences with the vast opportunities available to the current generation. From manual signaling across hills to the advent of telecommunications and the internet, he underscored the “tremendous” transition and the immense potential it offers. He urged students to embrace these advancements, viewing them not as threats but as powerful tools to save time and enhance productivity.
Shaping Your Future
As the bootcamp began, Dean Kyagaba left the students with a powerful message of empowerment. He encouraged them to be pioneers, to “explore the magic fields,” and to “be your peak climber.” He envisioned a future where the current generation, armed with discipline and a proactive mindset, could excel and lead significant change in society.
“The time ahead is still… We are able to do everything to move families of any such convenience in areas as vital as communication,” he stated, encouraging them to adopt a mindset that leverages these advancements. He concluded by challenging the students to consider their legacy, to define who they will be in the years to come, and to seize this unparalleled opportunity to succeed. The day concluded with closing remarks and preparations for the next day’s activities.
A Week of Growth and Engagement: Daily Highlights
Day 2: Self-Leadership, Careers, and Recreation
Day two focused on self-leadership and personal values, with sessions led by Naomi. The afternoon featured an insightful discussion on trending jobs and career pitfalls with guest facilitator Namutebi Bernah. The day concluded with engaging sports and games, including football and netball, fostering teamwork and camaraderie.
Day 3: Innovation and Problem Solving
Participants embarked on a study tour to Innovation Village to explore innovative practices. During a field visit to Innovation Village, Help to Help alumna Assumpta Nakalema shared her latest business initiative which empowers youth through modern poultry farming. In 2024, Assumpta Nakalema won the 3rd Ayute Africa Challenge for her innovation of a solar-powered egg incubator. They also benefited from an external speaker, Nuriati Nambogo from CAMTECH, who discussed relevant topics. The day concluded with workshops focused on enhancing problem-solving skills and effective program operations communication.
Day 4: Community Outreach and Scholarship Success
Day four emphasized community outreach, with students engaging in practical outreach activities. Andrew led an Academic Performance Workshop, providing strategies for maintaining “Help to Help” scholarships. The day concluded with a summary of activities and preparations for the next day.
Day 5: Sharpening Interview Skills and Career Insights
Practical interview skills workshops, led by Naomi, aimed to enhance participants’ employability. Mr. Rwagisiriza Francis from URA served as a guest speaker, sharing valuable insights on career development. The day wrapped up with closing activities and announcements for the final day.
Day 6: Gender Dynamics, Alumni Wisdom, and Celebration
The final day featured a vital gender workshop, facilitated by Naomi, fostering discussions on gender-related issues. A panel discussion with alumni provided valuable experiences and insights on the impact of the “Help to Help” foundation. The bootcamp culminated in a joyous closing ceremony, complete with cake and champagne, celebrating the participants’ journey and growth.
Conclusion
The “Uganda Changemakers Bootcamp” successfully empowered participants through a comprehensive series of workshops, discussions, and activities. Focused on leadership, career development, and community outreach, the well-structured program fostered essential skills and built crucial networks among future changemakers, leaving them poised to create lasting positive impact.
