General
Makerere reaps over 9 PALITA Awards 2013
Makerere University has once again reaped big at The Pearl of Africa Lifetime Achievement Award (PALITA AWARD) 2013 organised by the Public Opinions Inc. The over nine recipients from Makerere University were rewarded in honour and appreciation of their contribution towards Socio-Economic transformation of Uganda and attainment of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Uganda.
The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi who was the Chief Guest noted that it was important to honour and pay tribute to individuals who have worked tirelessly to the attainment of social transformation in Uganda. He urged both private and government agencies to work hand in hand for the attainment of MDGs such as eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; improving maternal health; combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; promoting gender equality and empowering women; achieving debt sustainability; reducing child mortality rates; ensuring environmental sustainability and developing a global partnership for development by 2015.
“I therefore welcome the Public Opinions Inc. initiative to honour individuals who have contributed to the achievement of MDGs. MDGs have time bound targets but also embody basic human rights,” said Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi. Although he acknowledged that we still face challenges in curbing HIV/AIDS prevalence, improving maternal health and reducing child mortality rates, he reiterated Government’s commitment to turning Uganda into a modern country
“I appeal to the investors to include the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes in their respective activities,” said The Prime Minister. “I call upon the Private Sector and Civil Society to support government programmes for sustainable development,” he concluded.
Present at the awards were the Chairman, Public Opinions Inc., H.E. Dr. Boney Katatumba and Gen. Pecos Kutesa the Consulting Patron, Public Opinions Inc. who emphasized the need to recognize people who excel while they are still alive.
The recipients from Makerere University included:
Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, who was voted the most respected woman scholar of the year 2013.
Prof. David Justin Bakibinga, Professor of Commercial Law, School of Law.
Dr. John Baptist Kirabira, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)
Dr. Samuel Baker Kucel, Senior Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)
Dr. Tumwine Fredrick Ruguma, Senior Lecturer and Head, Department of Geography, Geo-informatics & Climatic Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
Dr. Helen Byamugisha, Associate Professor and Deputy University Librarian
Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, Executive Director, Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR).
Mr. David Kahundha Muhwezi, The University Secretary
Dr. Mubazi John Kigongo, Senior Lecturer, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS)
Mr. Patrick Mutimba, Director Investments
The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Justice Irene Mulyagonja took home the Overall Prize for the year 2013. In her remarks, she commended Public Opinions Inc. for recognizing her contribution and those of others while they were still alive. “These awards avail us an opportunity to present the next generation with role models whom they can look up to for inspiration.” she said.
Other recipients of the awards included; The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, The Minister for Energy and Minerals Hon. Irene Muloni, Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere, Minister for General Duties, Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Charles Mbire who was voted the most respected and inspiring businessman of the year 2013, among others.
The 2013 awards were held on 18th October 2013 at the Imperial Royale Hotel, and details may be obtained from the Public Opinions Inc. publication “THE 2013 – 2014 UGANDA WHO IS WHO BOOK OF RECORDS – The Key Contributors towards Social-Economic Transformation of Uganda and attainment of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals in Uganda, Second Edition”
Article by Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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