As Makerere University prepares to host the 2025 Emmanuel Tumusime Mutebile Annual Public Lecture, the selection of the keynote speaker stands as a deliberate and symbolic choice, one that reflects the very essence of this year’s theme: Shaping Africa’s Future: Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience & the Power of Innovation.

The 2025 lecture will be delivered by Eng. Dr. Francis Frederick “Tusu” Tusubira, a visionary engineer, development thinker, and global servant-leader whose life’s work mirrors the values that Prof. Mutebile championed, disciplined leadership, ethical stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to building people-centred institutions.

Who is Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusu Tusubira?

Eng. Dr. Tusubira is a retired academic and accomplished professional with a distinguished career spanning engineering, leadership development, governance, and strategic transformation. He currently serves as the Managing Partner of Knowledge Consulting Ltd, where he supports organisations across Africa and beyond in strengthening leadership systems, enhancing institutional effectiveness, and navigating complex change environments.

His professional standing cuts across continents. He is a Registered Engineer in Uganda, a Chartered Engineer in the United Kingdom, and the current Patron of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers, a role through which he continues to mentor and shape the next generation of engineering professionals and national development leaders.

Beyond his technical expertise, Eng. Dr. Tusubira is widely recognised for his deep commitment to service, particularly through the global Rotary movement. A devoted Rotarian, he has served in multiple leadership capacities at national, regional, and international levels and is now a Rotary Foundation Trustee Elect (2026–2030), a position that underscores his global influence in advancing community development, ethical leadership, and youth empowerment.

Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusu Tusubira: A Speaker for This Moment

The choice of Eng. Dr. Tusubira, as the keynote speaker, is both strategic and symbolic. At a time when Africa faces critical leadership transitions, institutional fragility, and the urgent need for sustainable innovation, his life’s work offers real-world depth to the conversation. His career embodies a seamless fusion of intellect, service, and practice, positioning him uniquely to interrogate the future that Africa must shape.

Where Prof. Mutebile stabilised financial systems and safeguarded macroeconomic credibility, Eng. Dr. Tusubira has consistently focused on strengthening the human and institutional architecture that sustains those systems. His work in leadership development, strategic foresight, and organisational transformation speaks directly to the urgent call for systems that are resilient, adaptive, and ethically grounded.

For Uganda, Eng. Dr. Tusubira represents a generation of leaders who have transitioned from academia into national and regional influence while remaining deeply rooted in service and mentorship. His contribution to engineering education, governance reform, and institutional strengthening reflects a lifelong dedication to shaping a Uganda that is forward-looking, capable, and value-driven.

A Voice Aligned with the Theme

Eng. Dr. Tusubira’s keynote address will speak directly to the heart of the 2025 theme, exploring how Africa can intentionally cultivate leadership succession, fortify its economic systems, and harness innovation not as a buzzword, but as a strategic tool for inclusive development.

Through his lens, the lecture will challenge participants to rethink leadership as a collective responsibility, resilience as an institutional discipline, and innovation as a mindset rooted in purpose, ethics, and strategic foresight.

In choosing Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusu Tusubira, as the keynote speaker, Makerere University affirms its commitment to elevating voices that embody substance, service, and transformative leadership. His presence is not merely ceremonial; it is a reinforcement of the values that define this lecture series: excellence, integrity, and purposeful impact.

As the 2025 Emmanuel Tumusime Mutebile Annual Public Lecture approaches, his keynote address promises to be a defining moment, one that not only honours a legacy but ignites a renewed commitment to shaping Africa’s future with courage, clarity, and conviction.

The Tumusiime Mutebile Annual Public Lecture will also be hosted on live stream on the Makerere University YouTube page. Link: https://youtube.com/live/e6Ld-0XYLiw?feature=share

Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has called for stronger support systems for Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors and improved evidence gathering to hold perpetrators accountable.  

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. Winnie Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, during the launch of the 16 Days Of Activism against Gender-based Violence today (Monday 24^th November 2025), Prof Nawangwe noted that GBV affects everyone and must be confronted collectively.

“Makerere University remains dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive environment and promoting gender equality. Each of us has a role in building a society free from violence.” Prof Nawangwe, noted.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual International campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10, calling for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.  The year’s theme is “Men as Changemakers: Unite to End Digital Violence against all women and Girls”.

During the official launch, Makerere University in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) staff members and students, marched together around the University as “Strides for Change”.

From the Main Gate to the Rugby Grounds, participants walked a path that reflected Uganda’s broader journey toward honesty, accountability and transformation. The Strides for Change walk symbolized more than unity; it represented a collective journey from awareness to action.

In his remarks, Mr. Leonard Zulu, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, noted that as Uganda marks 30 years since commitments made at the Beijing Conference, the country must reflect on both progress made and the work that remains.

“The Government of Uganda has made important strides, yet too many women and girls still face barriers to safety, dignity, and opportunity. Changing this reality requires not only strong policies but strong voices voices like yours,” Mr Zulu, said.

During the launch, 16 influential Ugandan men were unveiled as changemakers—a new generation committed to ending all forms of violence, including digital violence, against women and girls. These men come from diverse sectors, including the arts, academia, culture, media, health and youth activism.

Among the male changemakers are Makerere University Staff; Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine, Joseph Beyanga, Douglas Lwanga, Simon Kasyate, Dr. Paul Kasenene, Matthew Nabwiso, Kenneth Kimuli (Pablo), Mark Agaba (Uncle Mark), Daniel Kigozi (Navio), Don Zane Muwanguzi, Lim Ronie.

“To the 16 men lending their influence to this movement—thank you. Your leadership shows young men everywhere that strength is not about dominance, but about dignity. Not about silence, but solidarity,” Mr. Zulu, noted.

In her speech, Ms. Kristine Biokhus, the UNFPA Country representative, highlighted the growing threat of technology-facilitated violence, including cyber-harassment, non-consensual image sharing, and online threats now among the most pervasive forms of GBV.

“Laws alone cannot stop this. Violence has evolved and so must we. This is why we spotlight men as changemakers, because systems shift when influence meets responsibility,” Ms. Biokhus, noted.

In a bid to reduce GBV, Ms. Biokhus, reminded the 16 male champions that their daily actions hold the power to shape a masculinity that uplifts, protects and empowers.

“Zero Violence is Possible. Digital Safety is a Human Right. And Uganda’s future is brighter when we walk forward together side by side in dignity and justice,” Ms. Biokhus, said.

The Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda, Ms. Maria Håkansson, reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to advancing gender equality and ending GBV. She emphasized that gender equality cannot be achieved through policy alone it requires a shift in attitudes, norms, and behaviours.

 “GBV includes the fast-growing threat of technology-facilitated violence, and it requires more than policies, but a shift in norms, attitudes and behavior. Central to this shift is the full engagement of men, because gender equality is not a women’s issue, but a societal one.

She reminded participants that activism must continue beyond the 16 days—it is a daily commitment to dignity, equality, and a Uganda where all women and girls live free from fear.

The launch concluded with an energetic performance from comedians and musicians Kenneth Kimuli (Pablo) and Daniel Kigozi (Navio). Beyond entertainment, they delivered powerful messages to young people.

“It’s time we broke harmful norms, especially those affecting our sisters and mothers. Let’s put an end to GBV in our homes and communities.” Navio, said. The event was attended by Ambassadors from the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Iceland, and Germany, alongside representatives from UNDP, UN Women, and other development partners demonstrating widespread international support for the movement.

Inaugurated in 2022, Makerere University is proud to announce the 2025 Emmanuel Tumusime Mutebile Annual Public Lecture. On 3^rd December, we will celebrate a legacy that continues to whisper its truth into the future. The legacy of Professor Emmanuel Tumusime Mutebile, a man whose life was defined by discipline, foresight, and an unwavering belief in resilient institutions. The lecture will be hosted in the Main Hall of the Main Building from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

This year’s lecture will be held under the theme:

“Shaping Africa’s Future: Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience & the Power of Innovation.”

This theme emerges at a defining moment for Africa. The continent stands at a crossroads, rich in an ever-growing youthful population, natural resources, and emerging technologies, yet simultaneously challenged by economic volatility, climate pressures, leadership transitions, and widening development gaps. The 2025 lecture, therefore, seeks to move beyond commemoration, positioning itself as a strategic space for reflection, recalibration, and forward-looking action.

Why This Theme Matters Now

The issue of intergenerational leadership is no longer theoretical. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the urgency to intentionally transfer knowledge, values, and leadership capacity from established leaders to emerging ones has become critical. Sustainable transformation depends not just on the leaders of today, but on how effectively they mentor, prepare, and empower those who will steward Africa’s future. The lecture explores how this deliberate bridging of generations can strengthen institutions, safeguard ethical governance, and ensure continuity of vision.

At the same time, Africa’s recent encounters with global economic shocks, debt vulnerabilities, currency instability, and climate-induced disruptions have underscored the necessity of economic resilience. The lecture interrogates what it truly means to build economies that do not merely survive crises but adapt, stabilize, and emerge stronger. It engages with the need for diversified economic structures, credible institutions, sound policy frameworks, and leadership that prioritises long-term stability over short-term political expediency.

Equally central to the conversation is the power of innovation, not just in technology, but in policy design, institutional reform, financial systems, and governance models. Africa’s development challenges demand solutions that are context-responsive, scalable, and future-oriented. The lecture, therefore, examines how innovation can be leveraged as a catalyst for inclusive growth, sustainable financing, industrial transformation, and improved service delivery across sectors.

A Timely Platform for Critical Dialogue

The Emmanuel Tumusime Mutebile Annual Public Lecture continues to stand as a distinguished platform convening leaders and thinkers to advance critical conversations on Africa’s future. The lecture has evolved into a platform that convenes policymakers, academics, financial actors, development practitioners, private sector leaders, and youth voices to interrogate Africa’s future through the lens of principled leadership and strategic thinking. The 2025 edition will further reinforce Makerere University’s role as a convener of thought leadership and national discourse on issues of continental significance.

This annual gathering is not simply a memorial event. It is a deliberate invitation to reflect, question, and reimagine how Africa positions itself in a rapidly evolving global landscape. By centring intergenerational leadership, resilience, and innovation, the 2025 lecture challenges participants to confront the realities of today while designing systems that will serve generations yet unborn.

As Makerere University hosts this landmark conversation, it reaffirms its commitment to producing transformative leaders, advancing knowledge, and shaping policies that respond to Africa’s present and future realities.

The 2025 Tumusiime Mutebile Annual Public Lecture will also be hosted on live stream on the Makerere University YouTube page. Link: https://youtube.com/live/e6Ld-0XYLiw?feature=share

Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University