Theme: "Navigating the New Landscape: Education, Jobs, Business, and Entrepreneurship in a Changing World"

The world is undergoing unprecedented and rapid transformations. Technological advancements, globalization, and societal shifts are fundamentally altering the nature of work, education, and business. These changes present both significant challenges and exciting opportunities for individuals and societies.
At TEDxLubowa 2025, we bring together educators, innovators, entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, and youth voices to explore how these forces are shaping Uganda's future. Through inspiring talks and meaningful conversations, we aim to equip participants with the insights, tools, and motivation to navigate this evolving landscape and create a brighter tomorrow.

Kabojja International School Buziga
OK Muwanga Road Buziga
4th Floor
Kampala, Kampala, 10013
Uganda

Amisa Mansurah

Student

Amisa Mansurah is a 17-year-old poet, student, and aspiring Chemical Engineer. A lover of painting, poetry, and the outdoors, Amisa grew up with bold dreams—imagining herself as a doctor, lawyer, and pilot all at once. Today, she brings that same wonder to her writing, using spoken word to explore the space between who we were as children and who we’re becoming. In her TEDx talk, Amisa performs a moving piece about the complexity of turning seventeen—a moment filled with pressure, self-discovery, and the search for identity. Her poetry is vulnerable yet powerful, capturing the universal struggle of growing up while trying to hold onto who you are. Passionate about science and creativity, Amisa hopes to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, where she dreams of shaping sustainable solutions for the future. Through her words, she reminds us that growing up isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about learning to ask the right questions.

Divine Tawanda Vhovha

Cambridge Teacher Trainer Cambridge University Press

Mr. Divine Vhovha is an influential education reform advocate delivering a compelling TEDx talk at TEDxLubowa 2025 titled "Redefining Education: Equipping Young Africans to Lead the World by 2035." His presentation explores how Africa's education systems can transform to nurture future global leaders. From Zimbabwe, Mr. Vhovha's extensive experience includes roles in curriculum development, educational policies, and teacher development across Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Uganda. His insights elucidate a vision of African youth embracing challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing world. His talk will be inspirational, outlining pathways to foster innovation, creativity, and adaptability in education. Offering actionable insights and a motivational call, Mr. Vhovha's contribution promises to engage the TEDx community and stimulate interaction among educators and youth developers.

Elena Kyobutungi

Student Pianist

Elena Kyobutungi is a 16-year-old pianist from Uganda. She began playing the piano in the year 2021 and quickly discovered her natural talent for the instrument. As Elena continued to practice and improve, she began performing for crowds. Her dedication and hard work paid off, and she quickly headed to a road of mastery. Despite facing many challenges along the way, Elena remained committed to her craft. She continued to practice and perform whenever she could, and her talent continued to grow. Today, Elena is a highly accomplished pianist with a bright future ahead of her. She is a shining example of what can be achieved with passion and perseverance.

Filmon Tadesse Beraki

Curriculum Developer

Filmon Tadesse Beraki is an experienced educator and curriculum developer currently based in Kampala, Uganda. He holds a Master of Education (M.Ed) degree from The University of Hong Kong. His diverse career has taken him across Eritrea, Sudan, and Uganda, with roles spanning teaching, military service, and operations and logistics. Filmon is deeply passionate about reimagining African education through creative, critical, and student-centered approaches that are rooted in local context and designed to empower the next generation.

Jane Nantale

Student

Jane Nantale is a Year 11 student and an aspiring Medical Lawyer. In her TEDx talk, she explores the struggles of self-doubt, comparison, and identity faced by teenagers, sharing how she began to reclaim her self-worth by challenging the inner voice that held her back. She is active in debate, writing, drama, and mental health advocacy. Jane has participated in international competitions like the World Scholars Cup, co-led a school presentation on Down Syndrome, and wrote a poem for Mental Health Awareness Month. Passionate about combining science and advocacy, Jane believes in doing what others call impossible. Her talk is a call to young people to become the authors of their own stories—and to remember: “I am myself before the world tells me who to be.”

Ketrah Kankunda

Actress

Ketrah Kankunda is a passionate student, actress, poet, golfer, and Head Girl at Elite High School. Her inspiring journey from injury to empowerment began after a serious knee injury forced her into recovery—physically and emotionally. With the unwavering support of her parents and the unexpected therapy of golf, Ketrah found healing and strength in persistence. Today, she’s not only a school leader but also a rising actress in Ugandan high school drama, using performance to tell powerful stories. In her TEDx talk, Ketrah shares how confidence is built—not born—and how setbacks can become stages for growth. Her story, marked by resilience, curiosity, and a dream to one day fly planes, reminds us all: “The first time I took off wasn’t in the air—it was when I decided to stand up again.

Namanya Brian

Founder Tubayo

Brian Namanya is the innovative founder of Tubayo, a dynamic leader in Uganda's tourism sector. Tubayo stands out as Africa's leading online travel marketplace, connecting travelers with unique accommodations and genuine experiences curated by local hosts. With over 120,000 subscribers, the Tubayo app has revitalized domestic tourism in Uganda, providing a crucial platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their niche offerings. In addition to his digital accomplishments, Brian launched the Tubayo Market, recognized as a top pop-up market in Uganda. This initiative supports community engagement and economic growth, aligning with Tubayo's mission to empower local businesses and foster young entrepreneurs.

Owomugisha Cynthia

Youth Entrepreneur

Owomugisha Cynthia is a visionary student, entrepreneur, aspiring doctor, and proud advocate for girls in science and technology. She is the founder and CEO of EquiSkool, a platform that empowers students to invest in agriculture, and runs Eco-Harmony, a small farm with pigs, goats, and hens—turning her passion for agribusiness into action. Currently studying Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, Cynthia plans to pursue medicine at Johns Hopkins University while exploring the intersection of technology, health, and business. Beyond academics, she enjoys golf and table games and constantly seeks new ideas that make an impact. Cynthia’s TEDx talk is a call to young people—especially girls—to embrace innovation, stay disciplined, and lead with integrity. “You are the future,” she says, “and what the future needs.”

Sam Turya

CEO

Sam Turya holds a BSc in Mathematics, along with postgraduate qualifications in Education, Computer Science, and Management. He also possesses a Master’s in Management Information Technology (MIT) and multiple certifications in Cambridge International programs. A trained school head for IB (PYP and MYP) programs, he brings 28 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership. Sam has represented Uganda at over 10 international conferences and believes in nurturing critical thinkers through a balanced, holistic approach that shapes compassionate global citizens. In addition to his work in education, he is an active dairy farmer — a passion he proudly practices. Sam is married to Rebecca, a dedicated teacher, and together they are raising a family committed to learning and growth.

Shamim Walusimbi Nabaggala Nsubuga

Board Member – African HR Confederation (AHRC)

Shamim Walusimbi is the first Ugandan and first female to represent HR on the Africa HR Confederation (AHRC) board. Committed to breaking barriers around diversity and inclusion, her tagline is “Leave No One Behind.” As AHRC’s Board Public Relations Officer, Shamim is an award-winning HR Strategy & Operations professional known for innovation and mentorship. She has led HR and organizational development initiatives across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda, and parts of Europe. Her expertise spans HR Programme Management, Analytics, Project Management, Talent Acquisition, and Change Management. Shamim currently works as a Global Recruitment Consultant at Aldelia, championing Unity, Inclusion, and Productivity across sectors like energy, banking, telecom, and healthcare.