Ugandans win Queen’s Young Leaders Award 2018

R-L Stephen, Bazil and Elizabeth                                                                       PHOTO: Moses Mpungu

Bazil MwottaBiddemu (23), Elizabeth Kasujja (27) and Stephen Katende (26) were among the young leaders from the 54 Commonwealth Members countries that were awarded the prestigious “Queen’s Young Leaders Award 2018” at a ceremony hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

The Queen’s Young Leader Award recognises and celebrates exceptional individuals aged 18- 29 from across the Commonwealth who are taking a lead in their communities and using their skills to transform lives.

Elizabeth Kasujja receives her award from HM Queen Elizabeth II                    PHOTO: Moses Mpungu

Elizabeth Kasujja aims to use technology to transform the lives of people living with mental health issues. She co-founded an organisation called “clear your mind” which creates secure online platforms for people to express their feelings and access free help from mental health professionals.

Basil aims to help farmers access information about market prices while Stephen aims to ensure that children in rural areas of Uganda are able to complete their education respectively.

Besides the award, the Queen’s Young Leaders programme provides grants to organisations within selected Commonwealth Countries that show that they are improving the lives of young people.

The Ugandan winners who arrived in the United Kingdom eight days ago, first underwent a three-day residential training, mentoring and coaching programme at the University of Cambridge.

They were also able to pay courtesy calls to the British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street and the Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland at Marlborough House.

By Margaret Awino Kafeero. Story and Photos courtesy of Uganda High Commission, London

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