The inaugural Mwami Summit 2025, held on Wednesday, November 19th, at the Reach Out Mbuya Community Health Initiative (ROM) Head Office, gathered men from diverse walks of life for a crucial conversation. Coinciding with International Men’s Day, the summit organized by ROM’s social-economic empowerment arm, Roses of Mbuya Social Enterprise (ROMSE), centred on the urgent theme: “Empowering Men as Role Models for Stronger Families and Communities.”
Over 100 participants, including community leaders, educators, and advocates from Kampala’s informal settlements, came together to address pressing challenges facing men, such as the stigma surrounding mental health, unemployment, and the harmful societal expectations of masculinity.
Laying the Foundation for Responsible Leaders
The tone for the day was set by ROM’s leadership, who stressed the symbiotic relationship between supporting men and community prosperity.
Ms. Josephine Kaleebi, ROM Executive Director, emphasized that when men receive emotional, social, and economic support, “our communities thrive.” She passionately called upon attendees to become agents of positive change.
Men should be ambassadors of responsibility; role models who inspire and uplift their communities. True leadership begins with men challenging negative masculinity and embracing values that strengthen families and foster healthier, more supportive societies."
Mr. Michael Buwembo, ROM’s Community Social Support Manager, framed the summit as a vital moment for collective growth: “The dialogue helps us an opportunity to appreciate how far we have come, reflect on our journey, and identify where we can improve.”
Who is Mwami
Children mirror what they see; their behaviour reflects their parents.
Mr. Mondo Kyateka, Assistant Commissioner for Youth and Children’s Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, delivered the keynote address, stating that many families are currently “in the intensive care unit.” He underscored the urgency of restoring responsible and value-driven fatherhood.
He offered a profound cultural definition of the summit’s namesake.
The Meaning of Mwami: In the Kiganda dialect, Mwami (or Sebo) is a title of honour that must be earned, not merely claimed. It requires men to consistently mentor, protect, and be present in the lives of their children.
Drawing from Mathew 5:13, he encouraged men to be “the salt of the world,” supported by their partners (Omukyala), and to be known by their good works. He concluded that the ultimate goal is to raise respectful, responsible, sharing, and kind gentlemen—true baami who strengthen their families and communities.
Mr. Henry Semakula, Principal Education Officer at the Ministry of Education and Sports, stressed the urgent need to dispel myths surrounding gender roles. He advocated for participatory teaching methods in schools and equal entry criteria for all learners, regardless of gender.
The education system must intentionally help boys manage their emotions and access the support they need. Additionally, Schools should offer opportunities for boys to showcase their talents and bring in positive role models for inspiration.
Mr. Johnson Turyamusimira, a Principal Qualifications Officer at Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB), emphasized that integrating values like gender equality and respect begins with trainers modelling fairness. He noted that:
Men are key in supporting young mothers to join and stay in vocational training. When they are sensitized, share responsibilities, and take part in community dialogues, they become strong motivators who help young mothers succeed.
ROM’s Efforts in Itegrating Mental Health and Support
During the panel discussion, Ms. Hilda Achayo, Director of Programs at ROM, called on Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) to step up, noting that ROM already provides spaces where men can interact and receive mentorship. She tasked FBOs with creating safe spaces and building partnerships to empower men to transform their attitudes and behaviours.
Dr. Shanita Ankunda, Technical Officer (NCD/AHD) at ROM, stressed the need to reframe the language around men’s struggles, asserting, “Stress is not weakness and should not be linked to gender.
Through the Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT), ROM supports individuals with substance use disorders to manage addiction while staying on HIV treatment. Delivered confidentially and integrated with routine HIV services, MAT improves treatment adherence, reduces risky behaviours, and supports viral suppression.
The Mwami Summit 2025 concluded with a powerful moment of commitment, as all men in attendance collectively pledged their dedication to the summit’s core values.
The men signed a declaration, affirming:
“As men of purpose, we commit to being role models who nurture, protect, and empower our families and communities while promoting respect, equality, and shared responsibility in all we do."
