By Samuel Mwesigwa Brampton, Canada – September 12, 2025 — Uganda has been recognized for its leadership in promoting international collaboration to prevent future global crises, following the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. This recognition came during the 2nd International Post-COVID-19 Conference, held at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton, Canada, which brought together global leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore strategies for resilience in the face of pandemics, climate disasters, and other global shocks.
Uganda’s Global Recognition After COVID-19
Representing Uganda, Owek. Paul Edward Munaaba, Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, together with the High Commission of Uganda in Canada, stressed that global collaboration is key to preventing future crises.
“If we are to end such calamities, even in the future to come, we need to be one — divided by geographical boundaries but united in the way we work and coordinate in solving bigger problems instead of speaking about superiority,” Munaaba told delegates.
Munaaba highlighted the critical role of science and local innovation in preparing for crises, citing Ugandan scientist Dr. Magoola.
“If scientists like Dr. Magoola and many others are supported to widen their scope, the world will never face scarcity of remedies when calamities strike,” he said, calling for global support for innovators in developing countries.
Innovation and Youth at the Center of Transformation
Africa, and particularly Uganda, holds one of the continent’s largest young populations. Many of these youth — especially in Busoga Region — are educated but lack practical skills, leaving them underemployed despite their potential. Organizations like the Mastercard Foundation Canada have been stepping in to fill this gap through programs in ICT, agribusiness, entrepreneurship, and cultural development.
Appreciating these efforts, Munaaba said:
“The Mastercard Foundation’s interventions are commendable, and they have breathed new life into the youth of Busoga and Uganda at large.”
However, he emphasized that much more is needed:
“Let’s invest in knowledge acquisition, so that countries can develop new ideas and safeguard themselves in hard times — instead of relying on developed countries, as happened during COVID-19. Let us support younger innovators through agribusiness, climate ambassadors, ICT professionals, and entrepreneurs — but above all, let us speak the same language, because nature is for us all.”
At home, Munaaba has advanced youth empowerment through Edwards Hamlet regeneration center , a 10-acre regional demonstration farm in Busoga integrating agriculture, climate awareness, cultural promotion, talent development, and community cohesion.
Busoga’s Role in Driving Grassroots Empowerment
Munaaba’s message coincides with the Busoga Kingdom’s new campaign to empower communities and sign partnerships with development agencies, creating fertile ground for local solutions. This complements the national Parish Development Model (PDM), championed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, which seeks to revive communities economically in the wake of COVID-19. In addition, Munaaba is part of the bigger project the Omusaadha N`empaango initiative, targeting youth and community empowerment through skills development, agribusiness, and cultural programs, ensuring that local and national efforts work hand in hand.
Leadership Recognized
At the Brampton conference, Munaaba received an award for his leadership alongside Amb.H.E. Allan Kajik, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada, and H.E. Carolyne Kamende Daudi, Kenya’s High Commissioner. Amb. Kajik dedicated his award to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, praising his role in safeguarding Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting the economy afterward.
“I want to dedicate this award to the President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He played a pivotal role in protecting Uganda and supporting its economy at a time when many countries were suffocating under the weight of the pandemic,” Amb. Kajik said.
Global Unity for Future Resilience
The conference concluded with a sobering but unifying message: the next global crisis is not a question of “if” but “when.” Building resilience will require global unity, investment in science and innovation, and the empowerment of young people — a challenge that Busoga’s initiatives, national development programs, and Uganda’s youthful population are poised to help meet.
