The Annual Review Meeting between Makerere University and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) came to a close on 27th November 2013 with a call for more efficiency ahead of the Sida Phase IV funding. The well attended wrap-up session in the Main Library attracted participants from Makerere, Kyambogo and Busitema Public Universities, who sought clarification on the nature of the much-anticipated Phase IV Sida funding.
In reference to the Science day held at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB) on 19th November 2013, the Sida Desk Officer, Dr. Katri Pohjolainen, noted that Makerere University produces a lot of new knowledge in science which should not go to waste. “We need to improve how to use these results to crystallize policy implementation. We are eagerly waiting for a Research and Innovations Communication Strategy from you,” she said.
Assoc. Prof. George Nasinyama of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) explained that the Research and Innovations Communication Strategy had reached procurement stage and the formulation process would soon get underway. Dr. Pohjolainen also urged all students and their supervisors, both in Uganda and Sweden, to expeditiously finish their research projects and graduate. “I urge all students and supervisors to set new targets and finish within the project period. Lets us start 2015 with a whole new lot of students,” she encouraged.
The Head of Development Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy, Ms. Susanne Spets, pointed out that the Swedish Government is preparing a new strategy for the bilateral development cooperation with Uganda. She explained that a proposal highlighting the results to be achieved by Sida, will be approved by the second quarter of 2014. “The proposal contains result areas of Child and maternal mortality (sexual and reproductive health and rights); Participation, accountability and non-discrimination; Growth and employment,” she said.
These broad areas include themes like Child and maternal health, social protection, gender related violence, Human Rights, democracy, access to justice, and a strengthened civil society. “For the last 3 -4 months, we’ve been looking at what kind of results to expect from Uganda and other partners too. We want to mainstream Gender-related violence; Private sector development, trade, employment (with focus on youth and women), mobilization of resources (taxes, revenue from extractive industries and agriculture), public financial management and anti-corruption,” she added.
Sida will also pay attention to innovation and innovation systems and will seek partnership with Government institutions, the private sector, civil society, and multilateral agencies. In particular the private sector will be given importance to achieve long-term and sustainable results that go beyond aid. Aid financing will thus be used to complement other resources as opposed to replacing them.
The Director Research and Graduate Training (RGT), Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, appreciated Sida for the continued support and pledged maximum utilization of the funds. “The Mak-Sida bilateral collaboration has given us enough fruit. We’ve been able to build capacity, developed a research-agenda to feed into the national focus and highly enhanced our research culture, among many other benefits. We look forward to the next funding for more output,” he said.
Beneficiaries were advised to consider applying for resident permits to allow them uninterrupted periods of study in Sweden. The wrap-up session allowed all beneficiaries to share past experiences. The Phase IV Sida funding will run from 2015 -2020.
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.”
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
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.”
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.
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:
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.
“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.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.
Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.
The list can be accessed by following the link below:
Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?
The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.