By Emma Black
Former president Ernest Bai Koroma made a compelling appearance at the African Leadership Forum (ALF) on April 7–8, 2025, in Kampala, Uganda, the summit, themed realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa, brought together prominent leaders to chart the continent’s development path. Koroma’s participation culminated in a private meeting with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, reinforcing his stature as a respected African statesman.
Koroma, known for steering Sierra Leone through post-war recovery during his 2007–2018 presidency, used the Forum to advocate for unity and sustainable growth, Africa’s challenges are shared our solutions must be too, he declared, emphasizing collaboration to meet SDG targets like education, healthcare, and clean energy, his words resonated with attendees, including former heads of state, CEOs, and activists, who see his experience as vital to Africa’s future.
The highlight of his trip was a one-on-one with Museveni, a towering figure in East African politics. Their discussion, though private, underscored Koroma’s ongoing influence beyond Sierra Leone’s borders a testament to his diplomatic reach.
In Sierra Leone, Koroma’s legacy sparks debate. Supporters, including the Bombali APC Media unit, celebrate his hard-earned image and achievements roads, schools, and peacebuilding that they say outshine the struggles under President Julius Maada Bio, Dr. Koroma’s compassion is missed, the unit stated, recalling his hands-on leadership in Makeni and Bombali, where he often connected directly with communities. Social media posts on X amplify this nostalgia, with users reminiscing about his familiar rides through towns.
Critics, however, highlight lingering controversies, including corruption allegations that remain unresolved. Bio’s government, facing inflation and youth unemployment, has blamed some economic woes on policies from Koroma’s era, still, his defenders argue his SDG-aligned initiatives provided a foundation for progress his vision still stands, a Makeni elder remarked, pointing to infrastructure that continues to serve.
Koroma’s role at the ALF wasn’t just symbolic it tied directly to Sierra Leone’s realities, with 60% of its population living on less than $1.25 a day; the country mirrors the Forum’s focus on poverty and development. His push for practical solutions echoed back home, where citizens still feel the impact of his tenure.
The Museveni meeting sparked buzz online, leaders like these shape Africa’s tomorrow, a Kampala-based analyst tweeted, sharing their photo. In Freetown, the moment stirred pride and reflection Koroma remains a figure of influence, his international presence a reminder of his unfinished story in Sierra Leone and beyond.
