Cultivating Authentic Leadership in African Higher Education: Empowering Ethical and Transformational Student Leaders

Abstract

Authentic leadership has increasingly gained recognition as a vital model for nurturing ethical, transformational, and value-driven leaders in higher education. In the Ugandan context, where institutions of higher learning serve as critical platforms for shaping future leaders, cultivating authentic leadership among students is essential for addressing contemporary socio-economic, cultural, and governance opportunities. This paper explores the role of African higher education institutions in fostering authentic leadership by emphasizing self-awareness, relational transparency, ethical conduct, and a strong sense of purpose among student leaders. Drawing from leadership theories and contextual realities, the study highlights how authentic leadership complements transformational leadership in promoting integrity, accountability, and service-oriented mindsets among young leaders. The study employed a qualitative research approach with purposive sampling of student leaders. The paper argues that authentic leadership development in higher education should go beyond theoretical instruction by integrating experiential learning, mentorship programs, community engagement, and participatory governance. Such approaches create platforms where students can practice decision-making, resolve conflicts, and champion initiatives that reflect ethical values and social responsibility. Furthermore, embedding authentic leadership principles in student governance structures, leadership training curricula, and extracurricular activities strengthens students’ capacity to lead with empathy, inclusiveness, and resilience. The study also underscores the importance of institutional commitment to cultivating leadership cultures that prioritize transparency, dialogue, and shared values. Ultimately, cultivating authentic leadership empowers students to become ethical and transformational leaders capable of driving positive change, fostering social cohesion, and contributing to sustainable development. This paper concludes that African higher education institutions hold a unique and strategic role in shaping future leaders, and investing in authentic leadership cultivation is a critical pathway to nurturing a generation of student leaders who embody ethical values, inspire trust, and transform societies.