Uhuru Kenyatta Describes African Youth as Continent’s ‘Last Line of Defense’ In Lecture at Makerere University
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has passionately called on African youth to rise as the champions of the continent’s transformation.
Speaking at the second annual Guild Leaders’ Summit held at Makerere University, Uhuru challenged young leaders to view themselves as the final guardians of Africa’s future.
“You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa,” he declared, capturing the spirit of urgency and empowerment that echoed throughout the summit.
Reflecting on the current global landscape, the former Head of State noted the shifting dynamics in which developed nations are increasingly inward-focused, leaving Africa to chart its own path.
He urged the youth to recognize this as an “independence moment,” where they must step up as the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa for the sake of future generations.
“No one is coming to save us, and as the world turns increasingly inward, the places to seek refuge are rapidly disappearing,” Uhuru said, urging the youth to embrace their role as the freedom fighters of this era.
The summit brought together policymakers, student leaders, and academic stakeholders from across East Africa in a powerful convergence of ideas and vision under the theme “Leadership with Integrity: Building Foundations for Good Governance in East Africa.”
The former president further emphasized the urgent need for integrity-driven leadership and self-reliance to navigate the continent’s pressing challenges, highlighting Africa’s demographic advantage, with over 65% of its population under 25, calling it a pivotal opportunity to break free from cycles of division and corruption.
“You have the numbers, you have the time, and you have the energy to get involved and stay involved in governance discussions until you effect the changes you wish to see,” he noted. He challenged young leaders to embrace merit-based governance, where policies serve long-term national interests rather than short-term political gains.
