About Us
About Us
The Guild Presidents Leadership Academy (GPLA) is a non-partisan leadership development and regional convening platform committed to nurturing ethical, visionary and transformational leaders across East Africa.
Established from the recognition that university guild leaders are an important foundation for future public, private and civic leadership, GPLA equips emerging leaders with the knowledge, values, networks and practical skills required to serve society responsibly and effectively.
Through leadership training, mentorship, policy dialogue, regional summits, research, institutional partnerships and community-based initiatives, GPLA brings together young leaders, governments, universities, development partners, the private sector and experienced statespersons to address critical governance and development challenges.
While university and student leadership remain central to our identity, GPLA's work has expanded to include public leadership, regional integration, innovation, entrepreneurship, civic participation, institutional development and sustainable socio-economic transformation.
GPLA is headquartered in Uganda and works across East Africa to build bridges between generations, institutions and countries, transforming youthful leadership potential into responsible service, practical solutions and lasting regional impact.
“At GPLA, we believe East Africa's future will not be inherited by young people as spectators; it must be built by young leaders who are prepared to Serve, Produce, Innovate and Integrate.”
— Demiano Masesa, Executive Director, Guild Presidents Leadership AcademyA generation of ethical and visionary leaders transforming East Africa.
To develop, connect and inspire young leaders while advancing good governance, regional integration, innovation and sustainable development.
Promote youth participation in the East African integration agenda.
Strengthen cooperation among university student leaders across the region.
Build young leaders' understanding of regional institutions, diplomacy and governance.
Facilitate dialogue between young people, governments, universities and the private sector.
Develop a sustainable network of emerging East African leaders.
Generate youth-led recommendations on regional policy and development.
Four flagship programmes shaping the next generation of ethical, transformational leaders across East Africa.
Advancing youth leadership and East African integration through the premier regional convening platform.
Learn more → 02Harnessing youth innovation for production and national transformation.
Learn more → 03Developing ethical, strategic and transformational leaders through high-level programmes.
Learn more → 04Preparing student leaders for responsible service and future leadership.
Learn more → Executive Director
Guild Presidents Leadership Academy
“At GPLA, we believe East Africa's future will not be inherited by young people as spectators; it must be built by young leaders who are prepared to Serve, Produce, Innovate and Integrate.”
Head of Programs
Kato Laban holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce (Second Class Upper) from Makerere University. A former student leader at Makerere, he has served as a member of the National Youth Council of Uganda. He is an alumnus of the Young Leaders Forum and the Uganda Democracy Academy Fellowship, and is passionate about youth leadership, governance, civic engagement, and regional integration.
Operations Officer
Natasha Kaitesi is an Operations Officer at the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy with experience in project coordination, operational management, and team support for effective program delivery. She is passionate about youth participation and has worked with young people at different levels, championing mentorship, capacity building, and opportunities that equip them to lead with purpose.
Programs Officer
Patience is a Policy Analyst and Programs Officer with expertise in social policy, environmental sustainability, and regional integration. Holding a background in Public Administration, she combines strategic policy analysis with hands-on program management and rigorous Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E).
Passionate about driving sustainable development, Patience has led initiatives centered on climate-smart agriculture, environmental advocacy, and youth leadership development. She brings a strong commitment to evidence-based decision-making and cross-sector collaboration to advance impactful governance.
Branding Lead
Semugabi Hamza Junior is a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) graduate from Makerere University with a strong foundation in accounting, finance, auditing, and business management. He is a dynamic young professional who blends analytical expertise with creativity, leadership, and a passion for building impactful brands.
With experience as a Branding Lead, he has played a key role in developing and strengthening organizational identities through strategic branding, creative direction, digital communication, and content development. He has a keen eye for design, storytelling, and audience engagement, using branding as a tool to enhance visibility, credibility, and connection between organizations and their communities.