At 24, Jennifer Adong stands tall in her service to humanity

2 May 2025, 4:39 pm

By Emmy Daniel Ojara

Between 2022 and 2023, Ms Jennifer Adong, a law student at Gulu University in Gulu city, embarked on a personal journey to serve humanity.

Now in her fourth year, the 24-year-old student has distinguished herself as a dynamic and transformative leader, with a focus on health and youth empowerment.

Since 2022, as Miss Talent at Gulu University, Ms Adong has made a significant impact, particularly through her campaign to raise awareness of sickle cell disease, a deadly yet largely forgotten condition that continues to affect the population of Northern Uganda.

The campaign has helped bridge the gap between students and local communities by creating awareness and advocating for increased support for the disease. This initiative has had notable success, with numerous interventions benefiting the population today.

Despite ongoing challenges, Ms Adong, a soft-spoken lady originally from Oyam District in the Lango Sub-region, has persevered, offering solace to those afflicted by the disease, especially among the student body.

Her dedication has earned her a place in the hall of fame of unsung heroes, as well as international recognition by the student community and higher learning institutions.

International recognition

On 25 April 2025, Ms Adong was honoured with an award for Best Student Leader in Higher Education and Mentorship Impact. She emerged victorious from hundreds of nominees across Africa, competing in 35 award categories.

As one of the top leaders in the competition, Ms Adong was invited to Kenya to receive the award. The finalists were assessed over three days, undergoing a rigorous merit-based evaluation process by a panel of distinguished professionals, focusing on competence, community impact, workplace influence, and relevance in their fields.

The panel’s detailed reviews and in-person assessments ensured fairness and credibility in the final selection. Ms Adong’s nomination came through Dr Victor Mathias from Nigeria, who recognised her leadership and community impact.

In addition to leadership, other categories in the awards included youth empowerment, innovation, education, and community service, highlighting the contributions of young Africans.

To Ms Adong, this award represents not just personal achievement but also recognition for students across Uganda and the African continent. She believes it underscores the importance of leadership, dedication, and positive community impact on an international platform, serving as an inspiration for other students to take action and make a difference.

Why Jennifer Adong is a star

Ms Adong is driven by a passion for uplifting vulnerable populations. She founded a mentorship programme targeting primary school children and teenage mothers, which has since evolved into a Community-Based Organisation registered in rural Oyam District, Lango Sub-region, Northern Uganda. The organisation continues to provide guidance, skills, and hope to disadvantaged youth.

In 2023, Ms Adong was appointed Country President of the Global Youth Parliament Uganda Chapter. She also represented Uganda at the Youth Expo in Zambia. In 2024, she facilitated a major youth conference in Rwanda on the theme Staying Relevant in a Competitive World, further solidifying her role as a continental youth voice.

Her leadership journey has inspired many. In 2024, although unsuccessful, she was the only female candidate in the Gulu University Presidential Guild Race. To Ms Adong, the race was not just about winning but about demonstrating that women can—and should—hold leadership roles. Her candidacy inspired female students globally to break barriers and pursue leadership positions.

Leadership and climate action: A dual focus

Ms Adong’s passion for leadership extends to environmental sustainability. In 2023, she launched the Climate Action Programme, which trains communities in renewable energy and briquette-making as sustainable alternatives. This initiative not only provides financial benefits but also raises awareness of the importance of environmental conservation.

Public speaking and mentorship

In 2024, Ms Adong founded Public Speaking Classes to help individuals understand the importance of communication. This initiative supports both students and the wider community.

Religiously, in 2025, she earned further international recognition through two nominations: Secretary General of the International Fellowship for Pastors and Churches, and Youth Director for the Charismatic Ecumenical Synod Uganda.