General
Chancellor Proposes Strategic Mak-UNISA Partnership at 6th SARChI
The Chancellor, Professor George Mondo Kagonyera has proposed strategic partnerships between Makerere University and the University of South Africa (UNISA), especially in promotion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and innovations in Science and Technology. The Chancellor made these remarks at the 6th SARChI Academic Retreat hosted by UNISA from 23rd-26th November 2013.
The 6th South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Retreat was held under the theme “Establishing the Discourse and Protocols for innovations from below as Restorative Action to the Communities.” The retreat was underpinned by three main concepts: how scientists can crystallise the discourse on cognitive 
justice as it relates to the recognition and protection of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), how to expand the notion of innovation to include knowledges that are produced in the grassroots, and how the parameters of innovation are to be redrawn if IKS is taken into account.
At the same occasion, Professor Catherine Odora-Hoppers, a Ugandan who serves as the incumbent of the Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation South African Research Chair in Development Education at UNISA was presented with her Golden Jubilee Medal by Prof. Kagonyera. Prof. Odora-Hoppers was awarded the honorary medal at the 51st National Independence day celebrations on 9th October 2013 in recognition of her research and scholarly contributions to Uganda and Africa’s development.
The Chancellor expressed his gratitude to UNISA for hosting Prof. Odora-Hoppers all these years saying, “Thank you for giving a home away from home to our distinguished daughter of Uganda, Professor Catherine Alum
Odora-Hoppers! Although her cultural tap roots are in Gulu, Northern Uganda, her philosophical main stem has grown strong and tall like the giant Shea-nut tree of her native Acholiland in South Africa,” said Prof. Kagonyera, further adding “Her intellectual and scholarly productions, like her Shea-nut tree branches, have now spread out and cover the whole of Africa.”
Prof. Kagonyera concluded his well-received address by calling upon Makerere and UNISA to make the partnership a reality “As a concrete way forward: may I propose that a delegation led by the SARCHI Chair in Development Education comprising UNISA leaders, DST Officials and IKS Advisory Faculty leaders, and South African Private Sector/Business leaders plan to visit Makerere University and Uganda as soon as is practicable,” he concluded.
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Compiled by Public Relations Office
Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.
Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.
After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.
The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.
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