By Patricia Liola Tona Katto

The African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) Visiting Writers Scheme provides young African scholars in the consortium with the invaluable opportunity to develop their writing and researching skills, through four weeks of mentorship from a senior researcher at a supporting institute. In November 2024, I had the pleasure of undertaking the programme at the Global Development Institute (GDI) in Manchester.

A key strength of the scheme is its flexibility. Recognising my need to balance professional and personal responsibilities, the ACRC team graciously accommodated my application for a hybrid model of participation, with two weeks of the scheme in Manchester and two weeks working remotely from Uganda. This flexibility highlighted ACRC and GDI’s dedication to inclusivity, making it possible for me to fully engage in the programme while honouring my commitments at home.

Manchester has an incredibly vibrant and lively environment. Though November was quite cold, it was difficult not to feel warmed by the friendly atmosphere within the Arthur Lewis Building, where the ACRC team and my mentors – Nicola Banks and Sam Hickey – were based.

As a researcher for the youth and capability development domain in Kampala during ACRC’s foundation phase, I had previously collaborated with Nicola and Sam. Their expertise was pivotal in shaping our research, which explored youth engagement with political systems and urban development in Kampala, within ACRC’s conceptual framework and theory of change. This work culminated in a draft working paper, co-authored with Nansozi Muwanga, analysing youth political representation in Uganda.

Oxford Road in Manchester, where the university campus is located

Encouragement from Nicola and Sam, following our presentation of this research at the Development Studies Association (DSA) Conference in June 2024, motivated me to apply for the Visiting Writers Scheme to further develop the paper.

The scheme provided a unique opportunity for me to engage with Sam and Nicola’s leadership in a professional, hands-on, one-on-one context. Nicola was exceptionally supportive, offering invaluable insights that greatly enhanced my professional and personal development. She facilitated introductions to several researchers at the GDI, who provided constructive advice on a wide range of topics.

Furthermore, both Sam and Nicola offered meticulous feedback on my draft working paper, drawing on their extensive expertise in publication and Ugandan politics to guide me in making effective improvements.

Additionally, Diana Mitlin, the CEO of ACRC, generously dedicated time to connect with me, sharing insights from her distinguished career in urban development to assist me in navigating my evolving professional trajectory.

At its core, the Visiting Writers Scheme has been a transformative experience for me, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge between myself and the host institution. The insights I gained extended far beyond the technical knowledge acquired from attending lectures at GDI and the invaluable feedback on my draft working paper. I was fortunate to connect with a diverse group of researchers at GDI, whose shared experiential knowledge enriched my understanding and perspective. This collaborative knowledge sharing not only reflects ACRC’s commitment to supporting the next generation of African scholars but also highlights the importance of building meaningful connections within the organisation. My time in the scheme has truly deepened my appreciation for the power of collaboration and mentorship in advancing my career.

Participating in the Visiting Writers Scheme has been an immensely rewarding experience. I strongly encourage fellow scholars to embrace this invaluable opportunity for personal development, knowledge sharing and academic growth. The insights, connections and support I received have significantly enriched my career, and I believe that others will find similar benefits in participating in this transformative programme.

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Header photo credit: Chris Jordan. Patricia Liola Tona Katto presenting at the DSA Conference in June 2024.

Note: This article presents the views of the authors featured and does not necessarily represent the views of the African Cities Research Consortium as a whole.

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