By Hadijah Nalule, Programme Officer, AMBD-PELUM Uganda
June 25, 2025 – PELUM Uganda marked a historic moment for the African Women Leaders in Agroecology (AWOLA) initiative with a vibrant celebration at Hotel Eliana in Ntinda. The event honored two major milestones: the graduation of the 2nd AWOLA cohort and the official onboarding of the 3rd cohort, symbolizing both a culmination of growth and the dawn of new leadership journeys.
A Gathering of Inspiration and Leadership
The ceremony was graced by Hon. Victoria Ssekitoleko, former Ugandan Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, as the Guest of Honour. Her presence added immense prestige to the occasion, and her impassioned speech celebrated AWOLA’s founders for transforming a bold vision into a thriving movement.
She commended PELUM Uganda for shifting from traditional training to a mentorship-driven approach, aligning perfectly with agroecology’s principles and the empowerment of women.
“What we are doing here goes beyond mentoring individuals—we are shaping the future of agroecology in Africa,” Hon. Ssekitoleko remarked. Her words underscored the power of intergenerational mentorship and community-led leadership, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
Stories of Transformation and New Beginnings
The event was a dynamic blend of storytelling, cross-cohort dialogue, and strategic planning. The 2nd cohort shared “Stories of Change”—powerful testimonies of personal growth, professional breakthroughs, and the far-reaching impact of mentorship in their communities.
Meanwhile, the 3rd cohort, fresh from their orientation workshop at Esella Country Hotel earlier in June, presented their vision statements and Individual Development Plans (IDPs), setting the stage for their leadership journey with enthusiasm and clarity.
A Celebration of Achievement and Unity
The day culminated in an awards and graduation ceremony, where mentors and mentees of the 2nd cohort were honored for their dedication and resilience. A group photo captured the spirit of solidarity among participants, partners, and stakeholders, embodying AWOLA’s collective mission.
Expanding Horizons: AWOLA’s Growing Impact
With support from the Agroecology Promotion Program Fund (APP), AWOLA is now expanding its reach to five African countries—Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Malawi—aiming to empower 150 direct and 1,200 indirect beneficiaries.
As AWOLA enters its third phase, it continues to champion a future where African women are not just participants in agroecology—they are its leaders.
