NEWS
ICU Student Apollo Ssenyange Graces MIPAD's Global Top 100 Under 40 List, Class of 2024
Update: April 9, 2024
Apollo Ssenyange, a third-year student majoring in International Relations at the College of Liberal Arts, has been bestowed with the prestigious honor of being named one of the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) under the Activism and Humanitarian category, class of 2024.
The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) is in support of the International Decade for People of African Descent, proclaimed by United Nation's General Assembly resolution 68/237, to be observed from 2015 to 2024.
MIPAD identifies high achievers of African descent in public and private sectors from all around the world as a progressive network of relevant actors to join together in the spirit of recognition, justice and development.
This recognition extends a distinguished invitation to partake in the prestigious "Most Influential 100 Recognition Weekend 2024," following the opening of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in September, hosted in New York.
Expressing his gratitude, Ssenyange remarked, "It is a profound privilege to stand among illustrious figures such as former US President Barack Obama, French football sensation Kylian Mbappe, Formula One icon Lewis Hamilton, Japan's tennis prodigy Naomi Osaka, and a host of other luminaries who have won it in the past. I hold this recognition in the highest regard, cherishing the opportunity to contribute towards the betterment of communities and the enhancement of lives for those in need."
Ssenyange's journey to this accolade has been marked by numerous commendations for his impactful initiatives. He has previously received accolades such as the "25 under 25" award for young individuals making significant contributions to the African continent and the "Samsung Hidden Eco-Hero Award." Additionally, he was acknowledged as the most inspirational ambassador by Samsung Tunza Eco Generation and honored as a Hero Tide Turner by organizations including the Captain Planet Foundation, Junior Achievement Africa, and UNEP.
In addition to these accolades, Ssenyange has also been invited to speak and represent global youth at various global platforms, including the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in 2023, the Athens Democracy Forum in Greece, and the AFS Youth Assembly. These invitations underscore his role as a prominent voice advocating for positive change and sustainable development on the international stage.
One of Ssenyange's notable endeavors is the establishment of Signals from the Grassroots, a global youth-led NGO aimed at bridging the gap between young people's aspirations and community needs. Reflecting on his motivation, Ssenyange shared, "I embarked on the journey of establishing Signals from the Grassroots to empower young people to drive positive change in our communities. We provide opportunities, mentorship, and platforms for young individuals to implement impactful solutions."
Among the projects undertaken by Signals from the Grassroots is "Keep Her in School with a Reusable Sanitary Pad," addressing the issue of menstrual hygiene among Ugandan girls. The project aims to distribute reusable pads and antibacterial soaps to girls in rural districts, along with conducting awareness sessions to challenge societal taboos surrounding menstruation.
In a bid to garner support for the initiative, Ssenyange has launched a YouTube campaign, urging individuals to watch videos on the organization's channel, with proceeds contributing towards providing sanitary pads to underprivileged girls.
As Ssenyange continues to inspire through his activism and humanitarian endeavors, his inclusion in MIPAD's Global Top 100 Under 40 List, Class of 2024, reaffirms his commitment to driving positive change and uplifting communities worldwide."