Share this article

During the Africa Youth Congress 2025 held in Kampala, Uganda, President Museveni received the “Liberation Centurion Award” for his Pan-African leadership, while Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa was honored with the “Liberation Vanguard Award” for advancing African integration.

The two heads of state were awarded during the two-day Africa Youth Congress 2025, a youth event held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, last week.

Accordingly, Museveni was honoured with the “Liberation Centurion Award”, the first of its kind, labelling him a historical leader of Pan-Africanism across the African continent.

On the other hand, Mnangagwa was given the “Liberation Vanguard Award”, historic in nature, recognising his effort in initiating and enabling talks that advance Africa’s integration.

Another awardee was longtime Kenyan politician and former prime minister Raila Odinga who was presented with the “Pan-African Freedom Champion Award”. This was in light of his multiple Pan-African achievements and enduring contributions, according to organisers.

However, the awards were presented in recipients’ absentia owing to their participation in the recently concluded ceremony of the 4th edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) themed ‘The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress.’

The awards, according to the organisers, shall be handed over to the recipients at the appropriate time.

Speaking at the event, Rogers Kalema, the outgoing chairperson of the Africa Youth Congress, acknowledged efforts rendered by the two presidents, Museveni and Mnangagwa, describing the former as ‘father of Africa’.

He underscored the role President Museveni has played in uniting and developing Africa, noting that not many African leaders are interested in sacrificing for their continent.

He explained that Museveni’s contributions are tangible and long-term, rallying on the youth to emulate the same.

“We recognise the exceptional efforts of President Museveni, for his steadfast commitment to the liberation of Africa, his unwavering support as the patron of the congress, and his pivotal role in championing the formation of the centre of gravity,” Kalema said.

Over the years, Museveni has been pivotal in preaching the Africa integration gospel, rallying all member states to play their part in ensuring development, peace, pan-Africanism, unity and poverty eradication, among others.

His contribution has earned him respect across the continent, with a section of leaders referring to him as the “father of African continent”.

The congress’ delegates used the same event to encourage the president to continue with the modernisation efforts and call upon other African leaders to follow suit. They say, there is need to move from old style of divide and rule to one-way integration.

Also, the delegates commended Uganda’s socio-economic advancements through programs such as the ongoing Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) among others which they say are key tool in the modernization of Africa.