Ugandan law student Jerry Evans Bigabwa has been selected to receive the Student Leadership Award (University Category) at the 2026 Scholar Media Group Africa (SMEGA) Excellence Awards, recognizing his contribution to student leadership, innovation, academic excellence and youth empowerment across the continent.
Bigabwa, a member of the Law Society of African AI Professionals and Optimist International Uganda, will be honoured during the 2nd Annual International Scholar Media Africa Conference and SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards, scheduled for August 5 to 7, 2026, at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
According to an invitation signed by Scholar Media Group Africa Chief Executive Officer Elijah Nyaanga Scholarman Senior, Bigabwa was selected following a nomination and a comprehensive evaluation by the SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards Selection Committee.
The organisers described him as an emerging African leader whose influence extends beyond the classroom through his commitment to leadership, service, innovation and academic excellence.
The citation highlights Bigabwa’s active participation in the Millennial Campus Network under the United Nations Academic Impact programme, where he engaged in discussions on global issues and demonstrated leadership among fellow students.
The committee also commended his role in coordinating academic programmes, including Banking Law, International Law and International Trade Law, while supporting fellow students through academic discussions and mentorship.
His entrepreneurial venture, Ecoverse Africa, was recognised for promoting innovation and contributing to Africa’s growing technology and startup ecosystem. Organisers said the initiative reflects his vision of using entrepreneurship and technology to address challenges facing the continent.
Bigabwa was further praised for his involvement in emerging discussions on artificial intelligence, law and leadership through his membership in the Law Society of African AI Professionals, as well as his participation in Optimist International Uganda.
The award citation also recognised his scholarly contribution through co-authoring a book on educational leadership with legal scholar Prof. Isaac Christopher Lubogo, describing it as evidence of his commitment to research, mentorship and knowledge sharing.
The conference will be held under the theme, “Reimagining Africa: Empowering Minds, Igniting Innovation, Driving Inclusive Growth,” and is expected to attract more than 300 delegates, including government officials, diplomats, academics, university leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, development partners, student leaders and civil society representatives from across Africa.
As an award recipient, Bigabwa has been exempted from paying the conference registration fee. However, he will meet his own travel, accommodation, local transport and other personal expenses during the event.
The conference will conclude with the SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards Gala Dinner on August 7, where outstanding individuals from across the continent will be recognised for their contributions in various fields.
Organisers say the recognition aims to celebrate young African leaders whose work is advancing innovation, ethical leadership, entrepreneurship and sustainable development while fostering collaboration to shape Africa’s future.
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