📅 3rd Annual East African Guild Leaders' Summit · 23–24 July 2026 · Freedom Square, Makerere University · Chief Guest: H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni   |   #TheGuildLeadersSummit2026   |   #GPLASummit      📅 3rd Annual East African Guild Leaders' Summit · 23–24 July 2026 · Freedom Square, Makerere University · Chief Guest: H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni   |   #TheGuildLeadersSummit2026   |   #GPLASummit     

Est. Makerere University, Kampala

SHAPING
EAST AFRICA'S
NEXT LEADERS.

Equipping outgoing Guild Presidents with the knowledge, values, and networks to transform governance across East Africa.

Our Programs View Summit
SUMMIT 2026 · 23–24 JULY

3RD ANNUAL EAST AFRICAN
GUILD LEADERS' SUMMIT

"Youth Leadership, Production, and Regional Integration: Building a Competitive East Africa in a Changing Global Order"

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Chief Guest: H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni · Freedom Square, Makerere University

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Former Leaders Convened
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Flagship Programs
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Regional Summit Annually

"History has been made."

— Demiano Masesa, Executive Director, GPLA

WHO WE ARE

Forging Leaders for a Democratic East Africa

The Guild Presidents Leadership Academy (GPLA) is a prestigious regional institution based at Makerere University, Uganda — the birthplace of African student activism.

We've convened over 700 youth leaders from 6 countries, hosting sitting Vice Presidents, former Heads of State, EU Ambassadors, and Electoral Commission Chairpersons.

Read Our Full Story →
Our Summits

THREE YEARS. ONE MOVEMENT.

Upcoming · 23–24 July 2026

3RD ANNUAL EAST AFRICAN GUILD LEADERS' SUMMIT

"Youth Leadership, Production, and Regional Integration: Building a Competitive East Africa in a Changing Global Order"

Chief GuestH.E. Yoweri Kaguta MuseveniPresident of Uganda & EAC Chairperson
VenueFreedom SquareMakerere University, Kampala
Apply to Join →Learn More →
2026🎤
2025 · Makerere University

2ND ANNUAL GUILD LEADERS' SUMMIT

"Democratic Governance and People-to-People Integration"

Chief GuestHE. Uhuru KenyattaFormer President, Republic of Kenya
Attendees700+Leaders from 6 countries
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2025🎤
April 15, 2024 · Makerere University

INAUGURAL GUILD LEADERS' SUMMIT

"Legacy and Leadership Continuum: The Power of Knowledge and Cross-Generational Learning"

Chief GuestHE. Jakaya Mrisho KikweteFormer President, Tanzania · Summit Patron
Attendees700+Historic first convening
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2024🎤
Our Programs

BUILD YOUR LEADERSHIP TOOLKIT

5 Days · Residential

Transformational Leadership Bootcamp (TLB)

A rigorous 5-day residential program building essential leadership skills for effective student governance.

Key Outcomes

  • Personal leadership vision creation with actionable steps
  • Conflict resolution and strategic planning skills
  • Mentorship with public, private, and civil society leaders
Apply for TLB →
TLB🔥
8 Weeks · Hybrid

Policy & Governance Incubation Lab (PGIL)

8-week intensive program building practical policy analysis and advocacy skills for East Africa.

Key Outcomes

  • Public policy analysis and budgeting competency
  • Real-time review of national development plans
  • Policy briefs and campus-based governance initiatives
Apply for PGIL →
PGIL⚖️
Ongoing · Mentorship

HERPower Fellowship

Specialized fellowship for young women passionate about political leadership.

Key Outcomes

  • Feminist leadership and political organizing skills
  • Mentorship from women leaders in public office
  • Network of women committed to democratic leadership
Apply for HERPower →
HER⭐
Annual · 2 Days

Guild Leaders' Summit + Guild Voice

Annual flagship gathering bringing together Guild Presidents from across East Africa.

Key Outcomes

  • Pan-East African student leader network
  • Cross-border policy dialogue and advocacy
  • Regional integration agenda co-creation
Register for Summit →
SUM🎤
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SECURE YOUR SPOT

The 3rd Annual East African Guild Leaders' Summit is filling fast. Register now on Luma to confirm your participation.

OUR PARTNERS

GIZ
EU
German Co.
ActionAid
WFD
Akina Mama
UYONET
UNiFOG
NEC
CivLegacy
Julius Nyerere
NDP

Supported by leading international development organisations

ARE YOU A GUILD LEADER?

Join the movement. Apply for the next cohort.

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