Mon - Sun: 8AM - 8PM

Interview with Stella Mystica Sabiiti

Mounira Chaieb . Episode 2 . 25:05

Leading Feminist Voices Project

Interview with Stella Mystica Sabiiti

Episode 2 Mounira Chaieb 10/12/2024

Welcome to an episode of the ALC Radio, where we expore inspiring stories and journeys of remarkable individuals shaping Africa’s narrative. I’m your host, Mounira Chaieb.

In this episode, we delve into Stella Sabiti’s remarkable journey—a story shaped by resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace. Forced to live as a refugee across three continents, Stella later found herself working alongside the very soldiers who had tortured her as a student in the 1970s. What she witnessed was a profound transformation in their behaviour, revealing to her the complex humanity behind violence and the possibility of change even in the most unlikely places.

In the second part of the Leading Feminist Voices project, we speak to Stella Sabiti, a Ugandan peace and security practitioner and policymaker whose life embodies the power of forgiveness and constructive dialogue.

Stella recalls how soldiers attacked her residence at Makerere University in 1976, targeting her and fellow students during a period of turmoil in Uganda’s history. Yet instead of responding with hatred or anger, she chose compassion—seeing the soldiers not only as perpetrators but as victims of the very systems that shaped them. This perspective would later influence her groundbreaking work in conflict resolution, mediation, and peacebuilding across the region.

Her experiences challenge conventional narratives of power and victimhood, reminding us that healing and transformation often begin with empathy. Stella’s story invites us to rethink what leadership means in contexts of violence: that sometimes, the most radical act is to refuse dehumanisation, even when faced with unimaginable harm.

Join us as we explore how Stella Sabiti’s lived experiences—from exile to policymaking—inform her approach to peace and security. This episode deepens our understanding of the Leading Feminist Voices in Africa series, a project dedicated to documenting and celebrating the women who are redefining leadership on the continent. Stay tuned for Stella’s powerful reflections on courage, compassion, and the work of building peace.

Stella Sabiti: The Power of Inner Strength in Leadership and Peacebuilding

Episode Outline:

Guest: Stella Mystica Sabiti
Host: Mounira Chaieb

Producer: Njoki Ngunyi

Show: ALC Radio – Leading Feminist Voices Project
Citation: Sabiti, Stella Mytica (Guest). “Stella Sabiti: The Power of Inner Strength in Leadership and Peacebuilding.” Hosted by Mounira Chaieb. The ALC Pan-African Radio. October 12, 2024. Podcast, Mp3. 42:52.

1. Introduction to Stella Sabiti (00:00:07 – 00:00:26)

Mounira Chaieb introduces the guest and highlights her unique journey from being a refugee to working with soldiers who once tortured her.
Overview of the Leading Feminist Voices project by the African Leadership Centre.

2. The 1976 Makerere University Attack (00:00:37 – 00:02:08)

Stella recounts the violent attack by soldiers on her residence during a turbulent time in Uganda’s history.
Describes the fear, confusion, and brutality she faced as she was dragged out of her room and accused of leading an uprising.

3. A Moment of Transformation: Confronting the Soldiers (00:02:08 – 00:06:26)

Stella reflects on the moment she realised the soldiers were victims too, seeing sadness and tears in their eyes.
Explains how this insight gave her the courage to connect with them despite the danger.

4. Breaking Through Violence with Humanity (00:06:26 – 00:08:27)

Stella shares how she asked the soldiers, “What did your wife cook for you last night?”—a simple yet profound question that shifted the dynamic.
Details how persistence and empathy eventually led to a breakthrough, transforming hostility into laughter under a tree.

5. The Understanding Inner Power and Ubuntu (00:08:27 – 00:12:44)

Stella discusses the concept of “inner power,” which she believes everyone possesses but doesn’t always practice.
Connects this idea to Ubuntu, emphasising the interconnectedness of humanity and the ability to see oneself in others.

6. Lessons from Social Psychology and Media (00:12:44 – 00:15:04)

Stella talks about her studies in social psychology and her passion for communication, which helped her understand human behaviour.
Highlights the importance of media in peacebuilding, citing examples like Radio Uganda and her work in Europe.

7. The Role of Media in Peacebuilding (00:15:04 – 00:19:28)

Stella’s background in broadcasting and its influence on her peace work.
How media can shape public perception and either fuel conflict or foster peace.

8. Working with Women in Conflict Zones (00:19:28 – 00:22:34)

Stories from Liberia, Colombia, Ecuador, Yugoslavia, and other war-affected regions.
How women mobilise for peace despite immense personal losses.
Discusses how these interactions enriched her understanding of collective leadership and resilience.

9. Collective Leadership and Shared Vision (00:22:34 – 00:24:03)

Stella emphasises that leadership is not individualistic but collective, requiring shared skills, vision, and collaboration.
Reflects on being naturally thrust into leadership roles throughout her life, even when reluctant.

10. Closing Reflections on Courage and Compassion (00:24:03 – 00:24:52)

Mounira thanks Stella for sharing her inspiring journey of courage, compassion, and inner strength.
Teases upcoming episodes featuring other remarkable feminist voices driving change across Africa.

Download the full transcript here