Prof. PLO Lumumba Delivers Lecture to National Defence College Course 28 – 2025/2026 on 21 April 2026.

The National Defence College (NDC) on 21 April 2026 hosted renowned scholar Professor Patrice Lumumba for a high-level Lecture of Opportunity (LOO). Addressing the participants of Course 28 – 2025/26, the Professor offered a profound reflection on the continent’s political evolution and the imperative for ethical governance under the theme leadership and statesmanship in Africa in the 21st Century.
Upon his arrival, Professor Lumumba was received by the Commandant NDC Lt Gen J S Mwinyikai alongside the college’s Senior Faculty Members. In his keynote address, Professor Lumumba challenged the conventional historical narrative, asserting that Africa possessed vibrant and well-structured leadership systems as early as the mid-19th century, well before the advent of colonial rule. He noted that during this era, the continent was characterized by a sense of unity and progressive internal development.
This spirit, he argued, was later channeled into the Pan-Africanist movement during the independence era. He lauded the founding fathers including Julius Nyerere, Kwame Nkrumah, Kenneth Kaunda, and Jomo Kenyatta for their visionary approach. These leaders, he emphasized, were defined by their focus on the “common good” and their commitment to a united, self-reliant Africa.
Addressing the current geopolitical landscape, the Professor identified a lack of long-term strategic focus as the primary hurdle to the continent’s growth. To rectify this, he urged the military and civilian leaders of Course 28 to champion the rule of law and adopt a proactive stance in governance. “The problem in Africa lies squarely with a leadership that lacks long-term vision. Contemporary leaders must place the service of the people at the very heart of their mission,” stated Professor Lumumba. He further challenged African governments to emulate the economic transformations of the “Asian Tigers,” noting that such success is built on a foundation of high-level discipline and institutional integrity.
In his closing remarks, Professor Lumumba emphasized that 21st-century leadership requires a radical shift toward statesmanship. He called for a revival of the “death of statesmanship,” urging leaders to embrace the discipline necessary to serve the public interest over personal gain. For Africa to truly unite and develop, he concluded, the current generation must return to the selfless dedication that defined the continent’s original liberation heroes.