Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi has urged Ugandans to build confidence in public speaking, as communication coach Apuuli Babigumira launched Voice Command and Mambo Talks Africa at Makerere University.
Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi has urged Ugandans, particularly young people, to embrace effective communication and public speaking as essential tools for personal development, leadership and national transformation.
Speaking at Makerere University during the launch of Voice Command, a book by former Judiciary staff member and communication coach Apuuli Babigumira, alongside the Mambo Talks Africa initiative, Kawumi commended the author for establishing platforms aimed at addressing communication challenges affecting many Ugandans.
Kawumi said the initiatives would help people overcome the fear of public speaking, develop confidence and communicate ideas capable of transforming communities across Africa.
“Through the fluency we are witnessing, the maiden expression of this platform is intended to discover, develop and amplify African ideas through storytelling,” Kawumi said.
He applauded Apuuli for drawing on his personal experiences to inspire others, noting that effective communication is an important ingredient in nurturing responsible leaders and promoting meaningful public participation.
The Deputy Chief Justice expressed optimism that the book and Mambo Talks Africa would improve communication skills among Ugandans while providing a platform for African voices and ideas to reach wider audiences.
During the launch, Apuuli recounted his personal journey, revealing that he once struggled with public speaking and lacked the confidence to address audiences, a challenge that affected his leadership ambitions during his school years.
He said he had initially hoped to study law after completing his Advanced Level education, partly to impress his father, but was instead admitted to study communication, a development he said eventually changed his life.
“You have never seen a student who does not get the course he wants and becomes very happy. I was happy, but deep inside, there was something I wanted to prove to the people who laughed at me in high school: that I could master communication skills,” Apuuli recalled.
Determined to overcome his weaknesses, Apuuli joined the Makerere University Communication Skills Association, where he gained practical experience and gradually developed confidence in addressing audiences.
He said his leadership ambitions had begun in high school, but inadequate communication skills initially frustrated his efforts.
Through persistence and continuous learning, he eventually secured leadership opportunities at university before venturing into youth leadership within the East African Community.
Apuuli said his professional journey also included working as a salesperson at Prudential, participating in network marketing with Forever Living and conducting public sensitisation campaigns on the Judiciary's Small Claims Procedure.
His experience in public engagement later contributed to his employment in the Judiciary, where he continued using his communication skills to educate members of the public about judicial services.
He disclosed that he had participated in more than 100 radio talk shows, experiences that strengthened his confidence and ability to communicate with different audiences.
Drawing lessons from his transformation, Apuuli challenged Ugandans not to allow fear, criticism or past failures to prevent them from expressing their ideas.
“Whenever you doubt that you are good enough to speak before people, see it as an opportunity to improve your skills. There is no need to fear failure or judgment because, with those fears in mind, you cannot do anything,” he advised.
He emphasised that communication is a skill that can be developed through practice, determination and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
Apuuli also warned that when educated and knowledgeable people remain silent out of fear, they risk leaving public debate and national decision-making to individuals who may lack sufficient information.
He argued that such silence could undermine national development, saying informed citizens have a responsibility to participate in discussions that shape their communities and country.
He encouraged young people, professionals and aspiring leaders to invest in their communication abilities, noting that confidence in public speaking can open doors to leadership, employment and other opportunities.
The launch also attracted people who had benefited from Apuuli's communication training programmes, several of whom shared testimonies about how the lessons had helped them overcome fear and improve their confidence.
Participants described the training as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, highlighting the importance of effective communication in leadership, career development and social interaction.
Some attendees pledged to share the knowledge gained during the event with colleagues and other community members who were unable to attend.
The launch of Voice Command and Mambo Talks Africa marks another step in Apuuli's efforts to promote public speaking, storytelling and confident expression, particularly among young Africans seeking to contribute meaningfully to society.