Opinion: Why Young People Belong in Boardrooms: Building the Next Generation of Spot-On Leaders

By Athieno Stella Marion
Secretary General, Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU)

For decades, the image of a boardroom has been synonymous with experience — senior leaders in suits, seasoned professionals with years of service and a wealth of institutional knowledge. Yet, if we are to build a sustainable future with visionary and well-rounded leadership, it’s time we open the doors of these boardrooms to young people — not as observers, but as contributors, learners, and future decision-makers.

Mentorship in Real Time

Leadership is not born overnight; it is cultivated through exposure, guidance, and the willingness to learn. If we want the next generation of “spot-on” leaders — those who are strategic, ethical, and adaptable — the mentorship must begin early.

Having young professionals serve under the mentorship of experienced board members creates a powerful bridge between today’s wisdom and tomorrow’s innovation. It allows emerging leaders to learn firsthand about governance, ethics, accountability, and long-term decision-making — lessons that no textbook or classroom can teach as effectively as real boardroom experience.

Why Youth Representation Matters

Young people bring fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and a pulse on emerging trends that can rejuvenate even the most traditional institutions. They question the status quo, challenge outdated systems, and inspire more inclusive and innovative thinking.

By having youth on boards, organizations stay in touch with the realities of their youngest stakeholders — the very demographic that often drives consumption, advocacy, and social change. It’s not just about representation; it’s about relevance.

A Case for Inclusion Through Mentorship

The goal is not to replace experience with enthusiasm, but to complement it. A young person on a board — guided by seasoned professionals — gains real-time mentorship while contributing to discussions that shape the future. Over time, these young professionals evolve into capable leaders who understand governance from both a theoretical and practical lens.

This model creates a leadership pipeline — one that ensures continuity, innovation, and institutional resilience.

Proud of a Generation That Dares

I am proud of my generation. We are driven by grit, excellence, and hard work. We navigate complex worlds with creativity and courage. We show up with ideas, energy, and the determination to do better — for our communities, our industries, and our country.

We deserve a chance — not just to observe, but to contribute meaningfully. To learn while leading. To make mistakes under guidance and to grow into the kind of leaders who will one day mentor others.

Making Youth Inclusion a Norm, Not a Favor

It should not be an afterthought or token gesture to include young people on boards. It should be a requirement. Every board — whether corporate, nonprofit, or governmental — should have at least one young member. This is how we grow the pool of competent, ethical, and forward-thinking leaders for the future.

Imagine a Uganda where every organization is intentionally grooming young talent through mentorship and structured inclusion. The impact on leadership quality, innovation, and governance would be transformative.

To the institutions shaping tomorrow — create space for young voices.
To the experienced leaders — mentor intentionally.
And to the young people — prepare, show up, and stay curious.

Because leadership is not a title; it’s a journey. And that journey starts when someone gives you a seat at the table — and the wisdom to make the most of it.